Or how to ski in 3 resorts, in 4 days, in the land of the Snow Queen.
Day 1
It all starts with going to Osaka airport by train. Taking a flight to Sapporo, hopping on a bus to downtown, then changing buses to reach the 1st resort: Bankei (or “ban.K” for the insiders). Renting equipment in the small main building and off to the chairlift!
I left home before 6am this morning, but it’s almost 4pm already. It’s not really a problem, as the resort offers night skiing. As soon as daylight fades, the floodlights illuminate the four slopes of the small resort. Skiing at night is quite fun, and I can see fairly well. However, the cold is becoming more and more present.
There is a huge half-pipe at the bottom of the resort, and hordes of snowboarders keep taking runs one after another. The slope leading there doesn’t interest them much: they prefer to schuss down it, with a few flatland tricks here and there for style, of course. These riders have insane skills, and watching them maneuver so effortlessly at such speeds is just impressive.
Dinner at the resort, then back to the city by bus. A hot bath at the hotel (which becomes a ritual the following days).
Day 2
Heading to Kokusai for the second day. This resort is a bit larger and further away. It takes about an hour by bus from the city center. Well, when the bus isn’t full, that is. We walk to the previous stop on the line to increase our chances. And it works! There a few seats available on the next bus.
Renting equipment, picking up the lift pass, and into the gondola. It’s snowing heavily, and visibility isn’t great. However, the 25cm of powder covering everything are very welcome. The snow is light and remains so throughout the day despite the riders leaving trails.
Back to the city by bus. I try a typical local “soup curry” (spicy vegetable and chicken soup).
Day 3
For the 3rd day, we first need to take the train north, then take a bus to Teine. There’s still gear to rent and lift passes to collect, but as with the other days, much of it can be done online, saving time on-site.
This resort is even larger than the previous one, and the weather is more pleasant. It’s not clear blue skies, but visibility is fine. And that’s good because the sweeping view of Sapporo is definitely worth it. To the north, one can even see a bit of the Sea of Japan. Like in the other resorts, the low altitude means the slopes are surrounded by beautiful trees, more or less loaded with snow.
Return in the late afternoon to the city. I have a miso ramen (noodle soup with miso – fermented soybean), quite common in Japan but apparently originating from Sapporo.
Day 4
No skiing for the last day. We have to take a plane around 5pm, so a leisurely stroll around Sapporo is safer. Visiting the peaceful Nakajimakoen Park, then the Nijo seafood market.
We take the 2:30pm bus to the airport, and after a journey that seems longer than the outbound one, I arrive home around 10pm.
