Kiroro Snow World

Introduction

Kiroro Snow World is a medium size resort with 21 courses and provides something for every level. Good snow and up to date facilities makes this a great powder destination.

Accommodations

There are 2 main resorts in Kiroro. The ski in/ski out Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort formerly known as the Mountain Hotel and the nearby The Kiroro a Tribute Portfolio Hotel formerly known as the Piano Hotel. Both were rebranded in 2015. The Tribute Portfolio Hotel has much more rooms so if you want ski in/ski out, you’ll need to reserve early at the Sheraton. I have been to Kiroro 4 times and have always stayed at the Tribute Portfolio due to the Sheraton rooms being fully booked.

The Sheraton is at the base of the ski area where you can make all your activity reservations, lift ticket purchases, rentals and lessons. The kids room or day care is also located at the Sheraton.

The Tribute Portfolio Hotel is kind of ski in/ski out since there is a shuttle every 15 min that takes you to and from both hotels so there really is no walking. The shuttle ride is around 3-5 min so it is still relatively close and walkable. But of course nothing beats true ski in/ski out.

The Tribute room sizes are nicely sized enough to fit 4 people and has a good variety of restaurants. The Tribute also has a nice onsen for curing those tired muscles although it’s not an outdoor one.

Ski Area

Facilities

The Sheraton Hotel at the base of the ski resort is where you’ll need to make lift ticket purchases, ski school reservations, mountain club registration and any ski or snowboard related activity. The child care is also located at the Sheraton. For Kiroro branded wear and ski/snowboard gear you can only find it at the the Sheraton Hotel as well. Have not been there but there is an indoor onsen as well.

At the Tribute Hotel, that’s where you’ll find all the non skiing activities. They have a small shopping store where you can purchase some small gifts and snacks, a small arcade, snow park for the kids, and a kids activity area. The Tribute Hotel also has a large indoor onsen and massage services but in addition, a swimming pool, large outdoor onsen and massage chairs which is separate from the Tribute Hotel. The snow park, pool and outdoor onsen do however require an additional fee for entry. A benefit of staying at the Tribute is that you don’t need to catch the shuttle to visit these places.

Food

Activities

Kiroro has many typically winter activities such as snow mobiling, snow shoeing, etc but one feature is that Kiroro is located near the famous town of Otaru. Kiroro offers a free shuttle service to Otaru town for a day where you can go shopping and eat fresh delicious food. Otaru has numerous stores that specialize in glass ware.