Mt. Kurodake Ropeway & Ski Area

Kurodake is unlike any ski area you are likely to have skied before in Hokkaido. There are a number of ways to ski and enjoy Kurodake, each catering well to a different level.

Kurodake has a 3km Cable Car which has stood the test of time well and is still running after a fair few years of service. The Cable Car does shut down during some periods during the winter for maintenance work so please enquire or check these dates in advance.

The course under the cable car is amongst the steepest lifted terrain in Japan and, when safe from avalanche danger can be skied. This run takes skiers under the cable car path and then winds its way around the cliffs reaching to the base of the cable car where you emerge from the forest and ski under a Japanese shrine like gate. This run is for experts only and in good snow can be an amazing way to experience Japan and its snow.

Above the cable car there is a 700m pair lift which is some of the highest lifted intermediate skiing in Hokkaido. A short 60m walk from the top of the cable car takes guests to the base of this lift. This lift accesses two groomed courses taking guests back to the base of the pair lift. The sides of these courses are often banked with beautiful powder snow and the courses themselves are in fantastic condition with amazing snow and few skiers.

The other option for skiing Kurodake is to hike up from the top of the Pair Lift. The back country which can be accessed here is second to none but must be entered with caution and all the required safety devices. Snow shoes can be rented from the top of the cable car but beacons and probes should be brought by skiers themselves before coming to Kurodake if they wish to ski the back country safely and enjoyably.

• For Further Information about the basetown 'Sounkyo' Onsen Area Information
• Mt. Kurodake ski area & sightseeing cable car
• Ski area trail map & Kurodake Ropeway Brochure

Kurodake off-piste policy
Mt. Kurodake is probably unlike any other mountain you may have skied on in Hokkaido. It is steep and a big mountain unlike many of the more gentle rolling hills of most Hokkaido ski areas. There are huge cliffs and massive areas where caution must be taken. It is for this reason that at some times the area under the cable car is out of bounds. If the area is free of avalanche danger, this area is open. Around the pair lift is all open and free and the hiking area above the pair lift is open for guests to hike, keeping in mind they must be responsible for their own actions.