Kiroro Ski Resort

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Kiroro Resort Hokkaido
Kiroro Resort Hokkaido
The deep powder is the forte of Kiroro Japan
The deep powder is the forte of Kiroro Japan
Kiroro Resort is fantastic for beginners
Kiroro Resort is fantastic for beginners
Kiroro Resort - the St Bernard
Kiroro Resort - the St Bernard's are highly photographed!
The Kiroro restaurants offer some amazing cuisine
The Kiroro restaurants offer some amazing cuisine
Kiroro Snow World
Kiroro Snow World
Yu Kiroro offers luxury condos
Yu Kiroro offers luxury condos
Kiroro ski school offers group kids
Kiroro ski school offers group kids' lessons
There are lots of Kiroro activities on offer
There are lots of Kiroro activities on offer
Kiroro Japan
Kiroro Japan
Kiroro Resort has lots of amenities
Kiroro Resort has lots of amenities
Gateway Express Chondola
Gateway Express Chondola
Kiroro has impressive lift infrastructure
Kiroro has impressive lift infrastructure
Kiroro has a few options for onsen
Kiroro has a few options for onsen
Souvenir shop at The Kiroro Hotel
Souvenir shop at The Kiroro Hotel
Kiroro Resort Japan
Kiroro Resort Japan
A very very deep day at Kiroro
A very very deep day at Kiroro
Kiroro Resort
Kiroro Resort
You need a permit to ski the sidecountry
You need a permit to ski the sidecountry
Night Skiing Kiroro
Night Skiing Kiroro

Kiroro Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Kiroro

Kiroro3.5/519
Kiroro3.5 out of 5 based on 19 reviews
  • Recommend
    74%
  • Would Revisit
    74%

Kiroro Ski Resort

Kiroro Resort in Hokkaido Japan is a destination resort with upscale facilities and infrastructure, and Puki Yuki blesses the Kiroro Ski Resort with a mighty lot of powder. Kiroro Japan used to fly under the radar relative to some of the high profile Hokkaido ski resorts nearby, but now it’s becoming much more popular, especially with advent of Club Med Kiroro, and it's a little more difficult for discerning powder hounds to find fresh tracks.

In addition to being a destination resort, Kiroro can also be visited as a day trip from Niseko, Otaru or Sapporo

Kiroro Japan: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • As with many of the other Hokkaido ski resorts, the quality of the powder is fabulous, and the Kiroro snow quantity is ridiculous.
  • Kiroro Ski Resort is a very good destination for powder hounds for a few days or as a day trip from Niseko.
  • If you’re willing to go ski touring/splitboarding, the Kiroro backcountry offers phenomenal powder rewards.
  • Kiroro Resort has fantastic lift infrastructure.
  • Kiroro Hokkaido is a good choice if you want to go skiing early in the season.
  • Kiroro Resort is very family oriented with lots of kids’ activities, and there are kids’ group ski and snowboard lessons in English.
  • There is an extraordinary amount of non-skiing activities on offer for not just kids, but adults too (if you have the budget).
Cons
  • Kiroro Ski Resort is medium sized (by Japanese standards) so there might not be adequate terrain for stays of more than 4-5 days.
  • The nightlife is quiet (as with most Japanese ski resorts).
Pro or Con Depending on Your Perspective
  • The main on-mountain Kiroro accommodation is full-inclusive packages with Kiroro Club Med, which makes for a fuss free holiday but costs a lot.
  • Kiroro is a very well established resort with modern deluxe facilities, however expect to get fleeced at every corner. Kiroro caters to a very upscale market, and if that’s not you, it will hurt the hip pocket.
  • There’s no proper village at Kiroro and it offers a modern Japanese cultural experience.
  • Off-piste and sidecountry skiing and riding are permitted, with certain provisos. You no longer have the risk of having your pass pulled, but the cat is completely out of the bag regarding this former powder hound paradise, and fresh tracks disappear quickly in lift accessed areas. Thankfully a powder reset is never far away.

Kiroro Ski and Snowboard Terrain

Kiroro is a medium sized resort spread over two mountain peaks. The resort has 23 runs, with an equal spread of green, blue and black piste. Even though a third of the slopes are rated as black, the on-piste terrain is not particularly challenging and is mostly suited to beginners and intermediates. The exceptions are a couple of mogul courses where you can watch the locals having a whale of a time ruining their knees!

Skiers and snowboarders who love cruising will enjoy the Grand Line, whilst “L plate” powder hounds will adore a few ungroomed runs. Meanwhile the real powder skiing and riding can be found in the trees. And if you want to head into the sidecountry (ie outside the resort boundaries) you need to submit a backcountry plan to get permission. See the Kiroro Hokkaido skiing page for more information.

Kiroro Snow and Lifts

Formerly known as “Kiroro Snow World”, the ski area was very aptly named. Kiroro Resort is blessed with lots of yuki and is up there as one of the Japan ski resorts (or world ski resorts) that receives the most snowfall. Kiroro Resort cites a statistic of 21 metres of snow per season, which was peculiarly only based on 3 years of data for snow and is recorded at the peak. Regardless of the marketing hype attached to the Kiroro snow volumes, it’s undeniable that this is the capital of Japow.

Hokkaido is often chilly which keeps the snow in pristine condition, yet you may not need to wear your thick thermals at Kiroro (unless you go night skiing!). Thankfully the Kiroro lift infrastructure is incredibly well developed. Of the 10 lifts, one is a toasty gondola, one is a chondola, whilst five are detachable fast chairs with cosy hoods.

Where is Kiroro Snow World?

The Kiroro ski resort is located in Akaigawa which is 43km west of Sapporo Hokkaido, and 28km from the seaside town of Otaru. From the Sapporo New Chitose Airport, the Kiroro bus trip takes 2 hours. Alternatively it’s a 70 minute express train ride to Otaru, followed by a 30-50 minute trip by taxi or bus to Kiroro. Or if you’re staying at Club Med Kiroro Peak, then airport transfers are included in your stay.

Kiroro is only 60 minutes from Niseko, so it’s pretty easy to take a day trip to Kiroro if you have some wheels or go on a guided tour.

Kiroro Hotels

Kiroro is a resort in the truest sense because there is no village or real town, but just a couple of resort complexes centred around the lodging.

There are two Kiroro Club Med hotels that provide a high standard of ski-in ski-out accommodation and a range of facilities. The Club Med Kiroro Peak is conveniently located at the base of the main ski area. Further down the hill is the larger Club Med Kiroro Grand (opening later in 2023), which is connected with the main ski area via a chondola (a cross between a gondola and a chair lift) and a beginner trail. Adjacent to Kiroro Grand and also in a ski-in ski-out position is Yu Kiroro, which offers immaculate luxury condos.

You can book Kiroro accommodation here.

Facilities

The facilities and services at Kiroro Resort are well set up and include a handful of shops, a ski and snowboard rental shop, and ski school. Kiroro has a child specific ski school that offers group lessons (with English language assistance). For adults, ski and snowboard lessons are only available in a private format, which are really expensive. Or group lessons are included for guests at Club Med.

Kiroro Japan has several restaurants offering a variety of sumptuous cuisine, and as to be expected for a Japanese ski resort, the nightlife is incredibly sedate.
Tours That May Include Kiroro

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Hokkaido Safari
GUIDED POWDER PROGRESSION ROAD TRIP
12 Days | Up to 11 Days Guided Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Explore multiple Hokkaido ski areas on this amazing powder progression adventure for advanced to expert skiers & boarders. Locations include the Otaru/Sapporo & Furano ski areas. Groups of up to 4 guests are guided by 1 guide. From price is based on twin share in deluxe western-style room.
Price p/p From price based on double-share room staying at La Vista Furano Hotel & Dormy Inn Premium Otaru; 4 on tour for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,335
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Hokkaido Fix
NISEKO, CENTRAL HOKKAIDO & SAPPORO
8 to 10 Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This CUSTOMISABLE guided backcountry tour starts in NISEKO & then heads to CENTRAL HOKKAIDO in pursuit of some of the deepest & driest snow on the planet. The tour finishes with a day chasing powder around Sapporo (TEINE & KOKUSAI).
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share based on group of 5 (per person) for 8 day trip for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,204
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Hokkaido Unplugged
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE
9 Nights | 8 Days Guiding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
So you have had a taste of Japan powder and you are now ready to get away from the crowds and find the best of Hokkaido. This tour visits some epic Hokkaido backcountry areas.This is a touring focused trip where you will be skinning for all guided days & likely to include some secret road side touring.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for 2023-24 season for group tour.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,807
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Kiroro here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Otaru & Niseko Powder Chaser
HOSTED POWDER CHASING TOUR
7 Nights | 6 Days Chasing Powder
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are on a budget but still want to ride all of the best spots around Niseko & Otaru then this package/tour is for you! Join as a solo traveller or small group or book the entire 5 spots!
Price p/p Price is per person based on a group of 2-5.
Base currency is Japanese Yen/invoice currency is AUD
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,010
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Niseko Guiding
GUIDING IN/FROM NISEKO or OTARU
For PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are in Niseko or Otaru with a group, a day or multiple days of guiding at Niseko or nearby ski areas will make sure you get to the powder stashes (off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry). PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests (i.e. you cannot join a group).
Price p/p From price based on a PER PERSON rate per day for PRIVATE group of 6 in peak season. Full price is 110,000 yen for group in peak season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 123
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BDT Lift Assisted Backcountry Tours
LIFT ASSISTED BACKOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours for a day or more of guided powder hunting in Niseko or one of the nearby resort or backcountry areas with your own PRIVATE GROUP. Areas include Niseko backbowls, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Teine & Kokusai. Primarily lift accessed so minimal hiking.
Price p/p From price based on 1 day tour per person - 5 people in private group (lift tickets not included) for 23/24 season inclusive of tax.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 147
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Kiroro here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Backcountry Touring Day Trips
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY DAY TOURS
Niseko & Surrounding Areas | Private Groups Only
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Ideal if you are staying in NISEKO and are looking for a guided BACKCOUNTRY day in or around Niseko. These day tours are specifically for those who are happy to earn their turns and are for private groups of 1 - 5 guests (but 6 - 7 is also possible with a tail guide).
Price p/p From price based on PER PERSON for a PRIVATE GROUP of 5 guests in shoulder season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 119
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Hidden Hokkaido
INTRO TO POWDER/PROGRESSION
9 Days | 8 Nights
Ability: Advanced
Ideal for advanced skiers & riders as an intro to powder or powder progression. Head to the best of the Hokkaido ski resorts from the bases of Niseko & Furano & get guided to the best lift-accessed powder stashes.
Price p/p
USD 3,752
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Lift Access Day Tours
GUIDED LIFT ACCESS DAY TOURS
Niseko & Nearby Areas | Private Groups Only
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are staying in NISEKO and are looking for a guided day at Niseko or a RESORT NEARBY this could be the trip for you. This tour aims to use the lifts where possible to minimise hiking. These tours are ideally for private groups of 1 - 5 guests or up to 6-7 can be accommodated with a tail guide.
Price p/p From price based on a PRIVATE GROUP of 5 guests, PER PERSON in shoulder season for 23/24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 119
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Kiroro here

Cat Skiing Tours

Niseko Cat Skiing Day Tours
NISEKO DAY CAT SKIING
Single Day Guided, Inc. Lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A day of awesome guided cat skiing near Niseko in backcountry terrain with some steep lines, technical trees, and pillows and mushrooms. The snowcat skiing is ideal for those craving bottomless untracked powder runs.
Price p/p From price is per person for 23/24 season (min 4 persons required to operate)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese yen in taxes
*display price may vary slightly with fluctuations in currency
USD 529
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Shimamaki Snowcat Packages
GUIDED CAT SKIING ADVENTURE (2, 3 or 4 days)
Stay in Traditional Japanese Inn Inc All Meals
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This is the best Japan cat skiing! Departing from Niseko, the trip offers incredible snowcat accessed powder skiing & boarding, staying in a traditional coastal Japanese inn. Ride deep untracked powder all day, feast on Japanese cuisine and soak in the hotel's onsen in the evening.
Price p/p Display price is based on 2 days + 2 nights per person for for group trip for 2024 season (regular season)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*Display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,675
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See all Cat Skiing tours that visit Kiroro here
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