Rusutsu Ski Resort

Hokkaido Backcountry Club offers premium transportation planning to make your travel a breeze. All you have to do on your end is book a flight to Sapporo Chitose airport. Once booked, simply inform Hokkaido Backcountry Club of your flight details, and they’ll handle the rest. You’ll be provided with a direct charter bus that takes you directly to Niseko. Get off at the Niseko Village Hilton stop and employees will provide you with a direct transfer to your lodge. 

This comprehensive service is only provided if you’re staying in Hokkaido Backcountry Club’s accommodations. If staying at Rusutsu Ski Resort, you’ll need to source transportation yourself.

The terrain in Japan isn’t exceptionally high in elevation, but this doesn’t mean that it’s not challenging. Rusutsu Resort’s base starts at 1,312 ft, and the top elevation is 3,261 ft. Despite the lower elevations, the total vertical is comparable to other Western ski resorts. Rusutsu Resort is on the smaller side, with only 523 acres of skiable terrain, but they do have 19 lifts for guests to utilize.

If heliskiing in the Rusutsu Japan Ski Resort area, you’ll mainly be tackling Mt. Shiribetsu. This ancient volcano stands at 3,632 feet tall and unlike other heliskiing operations, you’ll actually be brought to the top. From there, you’ll have sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding valley and terrain. The terrain is a mixture of trees, chutes, and open glades. The difficulty of the runs varies greatly. Slope pitches can be anywhere from 20-40 degrees, meaning you’ll have ample opportunity to cruise, as well as bomb.

This pitch means that there is terrain suitable for any intermediate and expert skier. Intermediates will prefer sticking to the lower-pitched slopes, whereas experts can try their hand at the higher, 40-degree runs (comparable to a double black diamond).

If staying directly at the resort, you’ll have a variety of high-end options available to you. The Rusutsu Resort Hotel is the standard offering with ski-in/ski-out accommodations and all meal plans included. There are multiple room styles you can choose from including suites, Japanese rooms, and cottages. Additional options include The Westin and The Vale. 

Onsen and wellness, as well as dining, is a specialty of Rusutsu Ski Resort. You’ll have fine dining options, casual fare, and sodium-soaking tubs to unwind in after a long day.

When heliskiing with Hokkaido Backcountry Club, you’ll also have to freedom to stay at their private lodge.  The Black Diamond Lodge is located at the base of the Niseko Ski Area and provides a casual atmosphere with both Japanese and western style rooms. Guest suites and dormitory, hostel-style accommodations are available, depending on your budget.

Hokkaido Backcountry Club prioritizes single day heliskiing and has both group and private options available. Alternative activities like cat skiing can be booked separately, but are not provided if there is a cancellation due to weather. Instead, a full or partial refund will be provided.

All packages come with avalanche safety equipment, professional guides, and transportation from local accommodations. You’ll be flying in an EC130 single-engine helicopter, capable of accommodating up to five skiers and one guide. It’s an extremely quiet ride that allows you to converse with your friends during the flight. 

Package choices include:

• 6 Run Big Mountain: This package is the standard group option and includes a guarantee of 6 guided runs. On average, each run is around 2,100 feet, meaning you can experience up to 10,000 vertical feet in a given day.
• Private: If you’d rather experience heliskiing with a carefully selected crew, the private tour option is best for you. This package includes 2 hours of Hobbs time, lunch, and room in the helicopter for up to 10 skiers.