Sapporo Teine Review
Sapporo Teine hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics. It hosted the slalom, giant slalom, bobsleigh and luge events. Teine continues to host other domestic and regional events. According to Wikipedia, the first ski courses were cut from about 1968.
The mountain is divided into two zones, namely, the Highland and Olympia Zones. The two zones are joined together by a gondola going up and a super long beginner run called Rainbow, going down. There are great views of Sapporo City from the Highland Zone.
This is 1 of about 8 easily accessible mountains from Sapporo City and by far one of the closest to Sapporo. It is about a 40 minute drive from downtown Sapporo by car. For a standalone mountain, it is in the top 35 in terms of kilometers of pistes offered.
How Long is the Season?
While Sapporo Teine is only about 1000 meters high, it is located in quite high in latitude, giving it a longer winter.
Typically, the upper Highland Zone is open from mid November to the beginning of May. The lower Olympia Zone and open around late December to late March. Always check with the resort for final opening and closing dates.
The mountain announced their 2023/24 season as follows;
○ Highland-zone business period:
Mid.Nov.2023ー5 May 2024
Notice:8 Apr 2024ー5 May 2024
It’ll be open only on saturday,sunday and other holidays.
○ Olympia-Zone business priod:
Early Dec. 2023ー31 Mar 2024
※Openning date may change depends on snow and weather conditions.
Are Lessons Available?
Sapporo Teine offers group (min 2 people) lessons for complete beginners. There are private lessons for individuals or groups.
There are snowboard private group lessons, too.
The lessons are in English, too!
You must be 4 years or old and of the same skiing ability as others.
Check out more here.
There are also “Nature Trekking” guided tours by snowshoe.
Are Rentals Available?
There are rentals for all gear for skiing and snowboarding, including wear. Also, there are two rental locations. One is located at the Highland Ski Cneter on the 1st floor and the other is located at the Olympia Ski Center on the 3rd floor. Olympia is open until 2100hrs. Gear goes from child sizes to adult sizes. There are also high performance gear to rent.
What Other Amenities are Available?
Sapporo Teine have all the usual amenities such coin lockers, many restaurants and cafes, change rooms, fee wife, shops (ski accessories etc), home delivery/ baggage claim (you can send your bags and ski to/from Haneda/Narita but it takes 2 days), nursery, ski patrols, etc.
How to There?
There are many ways to get to Teine but the main routes are;
- Car: It is about a 40 min drive from downtown Sapporo to Teine. The same time from Otaru to Teine.
- Train and Bus: You can take the train from the airport or downtown to Teine Station. From there you will take a bus to either Highland or Olympia. The shortest is Sapporo Station to Olympia with can be done, if the timing is right, in about 25 to 35 minutes. The longest is New Chitose Airport to Highland at about 1 hr 30 mins to about 1 hour 45 mins.
- Bus: There is excellent bus transport from various city hotels to Olympia and Highland Zones. Prior reservations are required. You can get a bus and 1 day lift ticket bundle, too. Depending at which hotel you stay at, it can take anywhere from 1 hr to 1.45 hrs.
Check out all the different ways to get to Teine here.
Where to Stay?
coming soon.