Home > Blog > Bankei Ski Resort in Sapporo, Japan

Bankei Ski Resort in Sapporo, Japan

As part of our resources for visitors to Sapporo, we present this guide to Bankei Ski Resort; one of three ski resorts located just minutes from central Sapporo.

Sapporo Bankei Ski Area

— Overview of Bankei Ski Resort
— Bankei is One of the Closest Ski Resorts to Central Sapporo
— Where is Bankei Ski Resort located?
— How Do We Get to Bankei Ski Resort?
— How Much Does it Cost to Ski at Bankei?
— Ski Areas and Facilities at Bankei
— Night Skiing at Bankei
— FIS-Certified Halfpipe at Bankei Ski Resort
— Ski and Snowboard Events at Bankei Sapporo
— History of Bankei Ski Resort
— Bankei Ski Resort is Operated by Sapporo Bankei Co., Ltd
— Other Snow-Related Attractions in Sapporo

More details below.

Overview of Bankei Ski Resort

Resort Name: Bankei Ski Resort (札幌ばんけいスキー場)
Usual Season: Mid-December to late March (weather dependent)
Location: Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Ski Areas: Single main ski area with multiple slopes
Facilities: Terrain park, FIS-certified halfpipe, night skiing
Website: bankei.co.jp

Bankei Ski Resort is a compact and highly-accessible ski and snowboard destination located within Sapporo City.

Bankei Ski Area is known for its night skiing, beginner-friendly slopes, less-expensive lift tickets, and close proximity to downtown Sapporo (just 20-40 minutes from downtown Sapporo). Despite its modest size, the resort attracts snowboarders with features like a terrain park and a full-sized, FIS-certified halfpipe. Bankei is especially popular with local residents, families, and casual riders.

While Bankei is mostly known as a ski resort, the facility hosts events year around. In addition to winter events like the FIS-sanctioned Snowboard World Cup and the Salomon Cup, Bankei hosts other events in Sapporo like the Craft Beer Forest (held at the resort in July).

Thanks to its affordable pricing and relaxed atmosphere, Bankei is generally less crowded than major destination resorts, making it an ideal choice for quick trips, after-work skiing, and freestyle-focused riders.

Bankei is One of the Closest Ski Resorts to Central Sapporo

Among ski resorts in Hokkaido, Bankei stands out for being one of the closest to central Sapporo, with travel times as short as 20–30 minutes by car or bus.

This convenience makes Bankei ideal for:

Visitors that want to ski while staying in downtown Sapporo
Half-day ski trips
Night skiing after work
Beginners who want an easy introduction to skiing or snowboarding

Where is Bankei Ski Resort located?

Bankei Ski Resort is located in Chuo Ward (Chuo-ku), in the western part of Sapporo City. It sits in the foothills of the mountains above the city (above the Maruyama neighborhood), offering a quiet, forested setting while still remaining close to the city center.

How Do We Get to Bankei Ski Resort?

There are several easy ways to reach Bankei Ski Resort:

By Bus:
Bankei operates a seasonal bus shuttle service from central Sapporo directly to Bankei Ski Resort from several major subway stations in Sapporo.

You can catch a bus to and from Bankei via the Hassamuminami Station and the Maruyama Koen Station (on the Subway Tozai Line), and at Makomanai Station (on the Subway Namboku Line). The fee to use the Bankei shuttle bus is 240 – 370 JPY (depending on the station). Bankai offers a discount on lift tickets (200 – 300 JPY) to all customers that pay to ride the Bankei bus. Travel time is usually around 30–40 minutes, depending on traffic.

By Car:
From downtown Sapporo, Bankei can be reached in approximately 20–40 minutes by car. Free parking is available at the resort.

Because of winter road conditions, public transportation is recommended for visitors without experience driving on snow.

How Much does it Cost to Ski at Bankei?

Lift ticket prices vary by season and ticket type, but as a general guide:

Adult 1-Day Lift Pass: 5,800 to 7,000 JPY
Night Skiing Pass: approximately 2,000 JPY
Children & Student Tickets: approximately 4,000 to 5,000 JPY

Compared to other ski areas in Hokkaido, Bankei offers lower prices. There are also additional discount lift ticket prices for Hokkaido residents.

Bankei also offers rental equipment, ski and snowboard lessons, and beginner packages.

Ski Areas and Facilities at Bankei

Bankei Ski Resort features a single compact ski area with multiple groomed slopes, a mogul course, a halfpipe, a terrain park, and a forest course.

Beginner and intermediate slopes dominate the resort
A small terrain park is available during peak season
Wide runs suitable for lessons and casual skiing
The only halfpipe in Hokkaido
A rental shop, ski school, rest areas, and casual dining options

Night Skiing at Bankei

One of Bankei’s major attractions is night skiing, which is available on select slopes. Well-lit runs allow visitors to ski or snowboard after sunset, making Bankei a favorite among locals who want to ski after work or school.

Bankei’s night skiing typically runs until 9 PM, depending on weather conditions.

FIS-Certified Halfpipe at Bankei Ski Resort

One element that makes Bankei unique in Hokkaido is the halfpipe feature. Primarily popular with snowboarders, Bankei provides a full-sized halfpipe to be enjoyed by visitors. While Bankei also offers a terrain park (with jumps, boxes, and rails), Bankei provides the only halfpipe for snowboarders in Hokkaido.

Bankei hosts a big event for snowboarding in Hokkaido called the FIS Snowboard World Cup.

Ski and Snowboard Events at Bankei Sapporo

FIS Snowboard World Cup (Halfpipe)

March 4–8, 2026 is the official World Cup competition period, with finals held on March 7 – 8, 2026. The event brings top international snowboard halfpipe competitors to Bankei’s FIS-certified halfpipe course.

Bankei Salomon Cup

The Bankei Salomom Cup 2025–2026 will be held on February 1, 2026, featuring a Giant Slalom (GS) race. The competition is scheduled to take place on the Orange Course (tentative), with generous prizes provided with the support of Amer Sports Japan.

What is the History of Bankei Ski Resort?

Bankei Ski Resort has long served as a local ski hill for Sapporo residents. The resort originally opened in October 1968, when Bankei Kanko Co., Ltd. was established, helping to establish the Bankei nieghborhood as a winter sports destination in Sapporo. Bankei has played an important role in introducing skiing and snowboarding to generations of locals.

Bankei Ski Resort is Operated by Sapporo Bankei Co., Ltd

Bankei Ski Resort is operated by 札幌ばんけい株式会社 (Sapporo Bankei Co., Ltd.), a local company based in Chuo-ku, Sapporo. The company oversees lift operations, snow grooming, safety, facility maintenance, event planning, and customer services at the resort.

Other Snow-Related Attractions in Sapporo

In addition to Bankei Ski Resort, visitors can enjoy a variety of winter attractions across Sapporo. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort offers a larger ski area with Olympic history and a wide range of courses for all skill levels. Moiwa Ski Resort in Sapporo another local ski area known for its scenic night skiing and views overlooking the city.

For those interested in winter sports history and panoramic city views, Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is a must-visit landmark.

Every February, the city also hosts the world-famous Sapporo Snow Festival, featuring massive snow and ice sculptures displayed throughout central Sapporo.

For more winter activities and ski destinations, be sure to check out our guide to local ski resorts in Sapporo.

Bankei Ski Resort in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo Bankei Ski Area

See Also: