SnowLocals has created a 3-part video series that shows what Rusutsu Resort is all about. There is deep snow, of course. And there will be deep snow in these videos, but there is more to this Hokkaido mega-resort. This series reveals the possibilities on down days, the characters who make Rusutsu unique, and the acclaimed snorkel-deep blower powder. 

Episode 1:  YUKI [snow]

Yuki is the Japanese word for snow.

Any attempt to portray Rusutsu without mention of the Yuki that falls here would be a very incomplete illustration of Rusutsu, Hokkaido, or even Japan. The snow is why we go to Japan in the first place, thus in the snow is where our video journey to Rusutsu begins.

This is why we dedicate the first episode solely to the incredibly deep and unbelievably light snow that buries Rusutsu each winter. 

This is the first reason we travel to Japan; to find that feeling we are looking for when we chase powder. 

EPISODE 2:  chouwa [balance]

Chouwa means 'balance' in Japanese. 

Episode 2 focuses on parts of Rusutsu Resort that might seem secondary to the perfect snow on the mountain, but are integral to a complete winter vacation and Japanese experience. 

How do you balance activity with relaxation, his adventure with her vacation, extreme and serene? 

The Chouwa episode depicts a day in which no compromises were made, but everyone's expectations were met. Balance. 

EPISODE 3:  nakama [family]

Nakama means 'family' in Japanese. 

Episode 3 shows the people who help make Rusutsu the place that it is. You know that the snow and hospitality in Japan are legendary, but without the employees highlighted in this episode then Rusutsu would not be able to serve breakfast or turn on the lifts each morning. 

These are just a few of the greater Rusutsu family members who find enjoyment in seeing the joy of others. Without them a journey to Japan would not be the same.  

The Nakama episode reveals those behind the scenes who are the ones making all travel experiences unforgettable. Everywhere one can visit there are individuals who strive to make the experience perfect. When you leave satisfied, it should be clear that these characters who are depicted, and many more, are members of the Rusutsu family that has welcomed you into their home for a visit.      

RUSUTSU IS A ONE STOP RESORT FOR YOUR JAPANESE VACATION. LOCATED ON HOKKAIDO THIS ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT HAS EVERYTHING YOU NEED:  SHRED UNTRACKED POW ALL DAY AND BE ENTERTAINED ALL NIGHT. THERE ARE TWO CAMPUSES CONNECTED WITH A MONORAIL, AND YOU’VE GOT ACCESS TO BARS / RESTAURANTS / SHOPS AND PLENTY FOR THE KIDS. 

“IT’S DISNEY LAND OF JAPAN”
 

Hokkaido is where the accounts of perfect snow come from. The frigid air that blows off of Siberia and across the Sea of Japan dries out this otherwise coastal snowpack. The result is a continuous supply of dry and light and fluffy powder to be enjoyed. Like you've heard, perfect.

Rusutsu itself is located an easy 90 minute bus ride from Sapporo, the population hub of Hokkaido and scene of the 1972 Winter Olympics. Rusutsu is easy to get to and it's large and modern, but it lacks the international reputation of neighbor Niseko. This keeps the crowds manageable and the snow pristine. In traditional Japanese style, no detail is overlooked at this resort. From a luxury 24-story all-suite tower to the adjacent hotel complex, and all of the amenities and activities in between, it's tough to feel bored here. If the snow isn't falling and you've already been snowmobiling, dog-sledding, snow rafting, snowshoeing, sledding, and night skiing; then stay inside and tour the bars, restaurants, shops, arcade, merry-go-round (within an indoor village), onsen (Japanese hot bath), pool, water slide, gym, more restaurants, another onsen, singing tree, and whatever else you happen to find within this sprawling complex. Then retire to your room and wait for the snow to fall again because it's never long between storms. 

Simply put, Rusutsu is the hidden gem within an area of the world's best powder. If you are really looking to ski in Japan, then Rusutsu must be on your list of places to go.