Last winter we were invited by Kiroro Resort to check out what they have going on there. So naturally we put together the A-Team to check it out. We took pro snowboarders Eero Ettala, Heikki Sorsa and Geoff Brown along for the ride.
The Lowdown
Kiroro is THE snowiest major resort on the planet. It’s Japow on steroids. Sure, there’s plenty of other places in the world that get their fair share, but the 23 metres that Kiroro scores on an average season, is a step-up again. This coastal resort gets slammed with clockwork consistency. Another way of looking at it is snowmaking. “Snowmaking machines are useless in Kiroro, they would just be buried in deep snow” and it’s a good point. Kiroro sits in an absolute sweet spot for snowfall, catching snow from most directions as the Siberian Pow Express keeps thundering in from the nearby Sea of Japan. When nearby areas like Niseko and Rusutsu get 10-20cm, in Kiroro it will be 30-40cm. And over a season, that really adds up.
The Terrain
While Kiroro receives 23 metres of snow in an average season, the legendary snowfall doesn’t mean you have to be an experienced skier or snowboarder to enjoy it. Quite the opposite. There are plenty of moderately pitched powder lines, and many areas that are left un-groomed that are perfect to level up. Kiroro has the advantage over other resorts as they have designated side country and tree riding areas within the resort boundary that are patrolled, along with a wide open section that is left un-groomed just for you to ride pow. These areas are perfect to get your lift accessed powder fill. Kiroro also has lots of terrain beyond the resort boundary where you can find fresh tracks all day long.
Luxury Accommodation
We stayed on-mountain at The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. This is a 5 star, luxury hotel with ski-in, ski-out access to the region’s best powder. On-site are a hot spring, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness centre and shops. Dining options include a formal sushi restaurant, authentic steak house, Italian restaurant and European brasserie, using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Our Superior Rooms had 2 single beds that had us feeling zen in no time. Each room had a great heating, private ensuite bathroom, TV, and free WiFi. We also enjoyed the extensive buffet breakfasts and the many dinner dining options.
Easy Airport Transfers
What we like about Kiroro is it’s so easy to get to. It’s a stress-free trip, especially if you’re travelling solo or it’s your first time to Japan. Once your flight arrives in Sapporo, grab your bags and get on the bus. It’s a scenic door-to-door trip, from the airport straight to our hotel. Grab a window seat and in just under 2 hours you will arrive at this powder paradise.
If you want to ride at Kiroro Resort get in touch. It’s one of the resorts we visit on our Japan Freeride Tours. Get in touch for all the info.
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