Mount Racey
404m vertical, 22 runs, 8m annual snow. Central Hokkaido's most accessible resort, 55km from airport. Indy Pass.
Season 2025-2026
Opens
6 Dec 2025
Closes
30 Mar 2026
Days open
114
Annual snow
8m
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, in the former coal town of Yubari, is steeper than most of Hokkaido's smaller hills. Its 22 runs across about 75 hectares fall 404 vertical metres from 702 metres to a 298-metre base, graded 20% beginner, 40% intermediate and 40% advanced, with no expert-rated terrain. That leans well toward confident skiers, and a gondola, two quads and two double chairs move people efficiently. The slopes face mainly northwest and sit below the treeline, which gives some shelter when storms hit the neighbouring resorts. Indy Pass holders will find it a quiet addition to a Hokkaido itinerary.
Beginners have wide, groomed ground near the base, and intermediate runs weave down the middle of the mountain. The Raccoon Line is the steep one, a pitch of around 43 degrees that will humble tired legs. The longest run covers roughly 3.5 kilometres from top to bottom, and trees between the marked trails hold ungroomed powder for those happy to hunt it. A freestyle park and a kids park add variety. Because the crowds stay light and school groups are mostly midweek, lines are short. Advanced skiers wanting uncrowded fall-line skiing will find the most value here.
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
The record
Historical snowfall at Mount Racey
Daily snow reports at Mount Racey go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
0 cm
Snowiest day
3 Dec 2025
0 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
0 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
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
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Hotels and lodges near Mount Racey, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
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3 Nov 2026
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
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1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
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30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
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30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Mount Racey Snow Report
Snow Report
Updated 4 Nov 2026
702m
summit
+0cm
new snow · last 24 hours
Mainly Clear-2°C / 4°C · SW 19km/h
Snowfall
24 hours
0cm
48 hours
0cm
7 days
0cm
Base depth
0cm
Season total
0cm
Total lifts5
Live open status isn’t available right now.
6 Dec 2025 - 30 Mar 2026
Hour by Hour
Next 36 hours· Updated Nov 4, 2026 at 5:02 AM
Scroll for the full outlook · Open-Meteo
7-Day Outlook
621 mUpdated Nov 4, 2026 at 5:02 AMOpen-Meteo
Days 1–7
12cm
Days 8–14
0.6cm
Wed, Nov 4
Slight Snow Showers
Temp4° / -2°°C
Snow1.2cm(100%)
Wind19 km/h SW
Live snow from the resort feed; forecast from Open-Meteo, via Supabase.
Understanding the Mount Racey snow report
Mount Racey snow conditions, updated regularly: current snowfall, snow depth, temperatures, and the outlook for this Hokkaido resort on the Indy Pass.
Snow measurements
Our snow reports measure snowfall in centimeters over multiple time windows — last 24 hours, last 7 days, and the season total. Base depth reflects accumulation at the 298m base area, while summit depth captures conditions 404m higher at 702m, where snow typically stays colder and lingers longer. Imperial conversions are shown alongside for convenience.
Weather conditions
Current weather conditions affect snow quality. Cold temperatures with low wind typically preserve snow quality, while warm temperatures or rain can impact conditions negatively — something worth watching closely at Mount Racey's 298m base elevation, where temperatures run milder than the summit.
Data sources
We pull Mount Racey's conditions from on-the-ground mountain reporting, then layer in forecast data so you get a fuller picture than either source alone. The mountain is served by 5 lifts, including 2 quad chairlifts and a gondola.
When to check
The biggest swings usually happen right after a storm. Check Mount Racey's report in the morning for the freshest numbers, and again in the afternoon as conditions evolve.