The official member notice received by the operator covers 2026–27 pass holders whose home resort is Rusutsu. For 28 November 2026–31 March 2027, the member alone rides the Sapporo–Rusutsu bus free with advance booking through the dedicated site, a correct membership number, and a membership card plus ID at boarding. The operator now advertises 2026–27 Sapporo service as accepting reservations. Check the dedicated site for member-free bookings. Service is scheduled to start on 28 November. If collecting your pass at Rusutsu and you do not yet know your number, contact web-ticket@rusutsu.co.jp. Other home resorts are not confirmed by this notice.
Book the journey to your accommodation, not just the bus to the resort. Here is how to compare a scheduled bus, a private transfer and a car for winter 2026–27.
Late October–November: the summer resort buses have reached their final dates
The published 2026 summer timetable ended Sapporo–Rusutsu service on 18 October, airport-to-resort BIGRUNS on 24 October and resort-to-airport BIGRUNS on 25 October. Do not plan on these summer services for travel from 26 October. Winter service is planned from 28 November; the operator now advertises both the Sapporo and airport routes as accepting reservations. Confirm the service available on your travel date and the onward journey to your accommodation before booking; a timetable or reservation link does not establish current operation or seat availability.
For winter 2026–27, Rusutsu announces renovation work at Kamori Building 3 from late October 2026. The information desk and boarding area may be harder to find; passengers will be told the boarding location on the morning of travel. Toilets inside the building will not be available. Recheck your operator’s latest instructions instead of relying on an old meeting-point photo.
Online deadline: seven days before travel at 24:00 JST. The operator lists winter bookings as open; check your date and seats.
Sapporo → Rusutsu Resort · Rusutsu Express
¥3,000 per seat, prepaid online
The operator advertises reservations as open. Book by 15:00 JST the day before; service is planned from 28 November. See the member-only exception above.
Private transfer → your agreed destination
Request a current total quote
Confirm pickup, the exact property, seats, ski bags, child seats, waiting time and any additional charges.
Rental car → your accommodation
Compare your actual hire dates and cover
Check winter equipment, parking and your ability to drive in snow. A rental booking does not guarantee suitable road conditions.
Bus fares and reservation plans checked 17 October 2026. Schedules and conditions may change.
A bus arriving at Rusutsu Resort does not mean a transfer to a Kimobetsu lodge is included. Ask your property about the exact stop, onward journey and check-in time before paying. Do not rely on finding a vehicle after arrival. Confirmed private transport may suit a longer, self-catering stay; a resort hotel can be simpler for a short, lift-focused trip.
At the published ¥5,000 online fare, six BIGRUNS seats cost ¥30,000 one way; eight cost ¥40,000. These are bus-only arithmetic examples, not private-transfer quotes. Compare the private vehicle’s total price, luggage capacity and final drop-off. A vehicle is not automatically cheaper, and eight passengers plus ski bags may need more space than expected.
Send these details with a transfer inquiry.
Travel date, flight number and domestic/international terminal.
Number of adults and children; required child seats.
Number and size of suitcases, ski/snowboard bags or packed bicycles.
Exact accommodation name and address; request both outward and return prices.
Ask about flight delays, pickup location, payment and cancellation terms.
Need help with a Japanese-language inquiry?
We can help communicate an inquiry to a local operator. A request is not a reservation: the operator must confirm the vehicle, price and booking.
Can I arrive at the airport and buy a BIGRUNS seat that day?
The published winter online deadline is seven days before travel. Do not assume a same-day seat; check another service or a confirmed transfer before flying.
Does an airport bus go directly to every Kimobetsu lodge?
Do not assume it does. Confirm the operator’s stop and the separate journey to your booked property.
Does a ski pass include the Sapporo bus?
The official member notice received by the operator covers 2026–27 pass holders whose home resort is Rusutsu. For 28 November 2026–31 March 2027, the member alone rides the Sapporo–Rusutsu bus free with advance booking through the dedicated site, a correct membership number, and a membership card plus ID at boarding. The operator now advertises 2026–27 Sapporo service as accepting reservations. Check the dedicated site for member-free bookings. Service is scheduled to start on 28 November. If collecting your pass at Rusutsu and you do not yet know your number, contact web-ticket@rusutsu.co.jp. Other home resorts are not confirmed by this notice.
Niseko loop bus: 28 November–22 March planned
The 2026–27 service is scheduled for 28 November 2026–22 March 2027, with a flat ¥100 fare and free travel for elementary-school children and younger. A free pass is also available to Niseko residents, local workers and students; distribution is planned from 16 November, subject to eligibility checks. Use the updated official timetable for connections. This local service does not depart from Kimobetsu or Rusutsu.
Kutchan Tourism’s 29 October notice schedules the Hirafu Free Shuttle and Kutchan Night Bus for 1 December 2026–31 March 2027, free for everyone. The shuttle circulates within Hirafu; the night bus links Hirafu Welcome Center and central Kutchan/JR station, with evening service planned from the 17:00 hour. Detailed timetables and stop maps are forthcoming. These buses do not provide the connection from Kimobetsu or Rusutsu.
Izumikawa–Asahino road: closure lifted per village notice
Rusutsu Village announced that the bridge-work closure on part of Izumikawa–Asahino road would be lifted at 17:00 JST on 5 November 2026, earlier than the original 6 November end date. The announced reopening time has passed. Check current local restrictions before travel.
Scheduled for 3 January–28 February 2027: ¥9,900 return, bus only; no one-way use or lift ticket included. Hirafu Welcome Center 08:30 → Rusutsu East Mt. 09:15; return 16:30 → 17:15. Capacity: 40 daily. Reservations are planned to open in early December, with online prepayment by 15:00 JST the previous day. Booking and service have not started. This is not a Kimobetsu accommodation transfer.
