[Photo from welcome.city.sapporo.jp]

Ski area that opens first in Hokkaido

The view overlooking Ishikari Bay is also an attraction

Onze, located on Mt. Harukayama in Otaru City, means November in French. True to its name, this ski area opens every year on November 11th and prides itself on being the first to open in Hokkaido. Snow does not accumulate fully in November even in Hokkaido, but Onze uses machines to first make ice, then grinds it finely to create artificially made snow. The snow is then sprinkled on the slopes. This is how Onze is able to open even when the temperature is not so low. Onze has other unique services that are symbolic to its name, such as being opened until 11:00 at night and selling lift tickets at a discount on the 11th of each month. There are 6 ski slopes, all with a view of Ishikari Bay. Visitors can snowboard and snow scoot as well.

Address: Haruka-cho 357, Otaru

Open: 9:00 - 23:00 *Open everyday from November 11 to April 6

Fee: Day Pass: Adults ¥3,000, Elementary School Students or younger ¥2,000

Parking: Free

Telephone: 0134-62-2228

Website: onze.jp