The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Mount Racey operates 22 runs across 185 acres with 404 metres of vertical drop, rising from a 298-metre base to a 702-metre summit. The ski area receives 8 metres of annual snowfall and divides terrain 20 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, and 40 percent advanced. The longest run stretches 3,500 metres from summit to base, whilst tree skiing opportunities exist throughout the mountain's northwest-facing slopes. Indy Pass holders receive two days of access each season.
Terrain spreads across primarily northwest-facing slopes below the treeline, with Beginners A and B courses occupying wide groomed zones near the base. Intermediate trails wind down the mountain's midsection, whilst advanced runs include a 43-degree pitch on the Raccoon Line. The resort features a freestyle park and dedicated kids park, with tree skiing drawing those seeking ungroomed powder between marked trails. Lower elevation compared to neighbouring resorts means sheltered conditions during stormy weather.
The mountain base sits in Yubari, a former coal mining town in the Sorachi region with a population around 6,000. Hotel Mount Racey connects directly to the gondola station via an enclosed bridge and offers onsen facilities. School groups frequent weekdays during winter months, but the mountain rarely sees significant crowds. Tanpopo restaurant operates at mid-mountain, serving ramen and Japanese ski lodge staples.
Indy Pass inclusion makes Mount Racey accessible to international visitors touring central Hokkaido alongside larger resorts like Furano (94 kilometres northeast) and Tomamu (85 kilometres east). The 2025-2026 season runs 6 December through 30 March. Lower elevation and sheltered positioning suit skiers seeking reliable operations when wind shuts higher-altitude lifts. The resort serves beginners well whilst offering sufficient challenge for competent intermediates and off-piste exploration.
404m
Vertical
22
Runs
185 acres
Skiable
8m
Annual snow
Indy Pass
Pass
The Terrain
22 runs across 185 acres skiable
Mount Racey spreads 22 runs across 185 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 40%, with 4 beginner runs to find your feet and 9 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
22
runs
22 runs across 4 grades
Beginner4 runs · 20%
Intermediate9 runs · 40%
Advanced9 runs · 40%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Mount Racey
The 2025-2026 season operates 6 December 2025 through 30 March 2026, spanning roughly 16 weeks. Mount Racey typically opens earlier than high-altitude Hokkaido resorts due to accessible terrain and reliable snowmaking. Operations run daily throughout the season, weather permitting. The mountain closed its season programme in recent years as budget constraints affected ancillary services.
Annual snowfall averages 8 metres, typical for central Hokkaido but below the 10-15 metre totals at higher-elevation resorts. Northwest-facing slopes hold snow quality through midwinter, whilst western exposure limits afternoon sun damage. The 298-metre base elevation means occasional rain events during warm spells, though temperatures generally remain subfreezing December through February. Powder conditions peak January through mid-February when Siberian systems deliver consistent dry snow.
December through January offers quieter slopes and reliable snow coverage, with peak crowds arriving during Japanese New Year holidays. February delivers the deepest snowpack and coldest temperatures. March sees spring conditions develop, with firmer morning snow softening by afternoon. Weekdays remain quiet except during school holidays, whilst weekends attract day visitors from Sapporo.
The resort previously hosted night skiing sessions but discontinued the service. No major events currently appear on the calendar. The mountain's proximity to New Chitose Airport makes it suitable for arrival or departure day skiing when time is limited. Kids lessons run throughout the season for ages 3 to 9.
Season 2025-2026
6 Dec 2025
Opens
30 Mar 2026
Closes
114
Days open
8 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Mount Racey, and where to stay
Mount Racey sits in Yubari city within the Sorachi subprefecture of central Hokkaido, 702 metres above sea level at the summit. Yubari occupies a mountain valley in the Yubari Range, stretching 25 kilometres through coal mining territory that once supported 120,000 residents. The city now holds roughly 6,000 people following mine closures through the 1960s energy transition. Mountains surround the resort, creating a sheltered basin below the main Hokkaido ski belt.
Yubari lies 66 kilometres east of Sapporo and 55 kilometres northeast of New Chitose Airport, making Mount Racey the closest ski resort to Hokkaido's primary international gateway. The city sits in a valley accessed via Route 274, avoiding steep mountain passes that affect higher resorts. Yubari gained recognition for melon cultivation and the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival before declaring bankruptcy in 2007.
Route 274 provides direct access from New Chitose Airport in approximately 1 hour, whilst Sapporo lies 1 hour 30 minutes west. The drive from Furano takes 1 hour 30 minutes covering 94 kilometres. No major mountain passes obstruct winter access, keeping roads passable during storms that close routes to other resorts. Yubari IC on the Doto Expressway sits 20 minutes from the mountain base.
New Chitose Airport serves as the primary gateway, located 53 kilometres southwest with international connections throughout Asia and domestic links across Japan. Yutetsu Bus operates between Shin-Sapporo Station bus terminal and the resort. Hotel Mount Racey previously offered free shuttle service from the airport for guests. The Yubari Line train service closed in 2019, leaving road transport as the sole public access option.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Mount Racey, powered by Stay22.
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Mount Racey Lift System
Five lifts serve the mountain: one gondola, two quad chairs, and two double chairs. The gondola runs the full 404-metre vertical from base to summit. Two high-speed detachable quads handle the majority of uphill transport, manufactured by Poma and Ansaku. Combined uphill capacity across all five lifts exceeds 6,000 skiers per hour.
Gondola No. 5 provides the primary summit access, transporting skiers and snowboarders in enclosed cabins fitted with racks for wide skis and snowboards. Lift No. 1, a Poma-built detachable quad, climbs 590 metres in 2 minutes 40 seconds with capacity for 2,400 riders per hour. Lift No. 2 covers 770 metres in 3 minutes 30 seconds, also moving 2,400 per hour. Both quads run at 4 metres per second.
The two double chairlifts access terrain to skiers' right, including tree skiing zones and advanced runs. One double previously operated on skiers' left but ceased operations, leaving that terrain accessible only via the gondola with return to base required for repeat runs. The beginner quad near the base serves wide learning terrain and connects to upper mountain access.
Modern detachable technology on the main quad chairs reduces queue times and improves flow during peak periods. Wind occasionally forces gondola closures due to exposed ridge position, though the lower double chairs often continue operating. Night skiing previously operated but ceased. The lift system efficiently distributes skiers across available terrain without significant bottlenecks outside holiday periods.
5lifts across 3 types
1
Gondola
2
Quad Chairs
2
Double Chairs
Mount Racey lift system
Mount Racey is served by 5 lifts, listed here by type. Check which lifts are turning against the live conditions before you plan your first laps - early lifts and high-speed chairs get you to the best snow fastest.
More Mount Racey intelligence: trail map, snow report, webcams, resort overview.