Hokkaido, Japan: Bibai Snowland

 

Winter season ended 25 March 2025.

I was looking for a place near Sapporo apart from Niseko (which is too popular and crowded during snow season).  As much as I wanted to enjoy the snow activities, I also prefer to visit something that is not too advanced to what I'm confident I can do safely. 

Bibai Snow Land serves as a golf course during summer, but turns into snow land during winter. Compared to the high slopes in Niseko, this one I can say is safer for beginners and kids.  They announce their services by the start and end of winter season.  However, by the time of my visit (March 2025), I can no longer use the Klook Tour.  But I did not fret, because going DIY is just easy.   

I booked a reservation from the website, and chose the unlimited ride full-day plan (because I want to enjoy snowmobiles and 4-wheel buggy).  Thanks to Japan Coupons as I got a 300-yen discount. 

I was checking the JR ticket from Sapporo station to Bibai JR station, it is 3,060-yen one-way trip.  Lucky that they offer a Sapporo-Bibai S Ticket (round-trip non-reserve seating discount ticket) for only 3,120 (March 2025).  To know more about the easy access or limited discount fares, visit their website. 

Instructions like which ticket machine to claim your tickets is provided on their website.  Since it is non-reserve seat, ensure to be on the designated car, and come early to still catch a good window view. 

From Bibai station, take the West Exit and a shuttle bus is already waiting. Ensure to take note of their schedule.

Scenery along the way is majestic.

Upon arrival, you will be guided to register and find your name on the list.  They will give you the ticket (blue arm badge), guide to the lounge area, locker bins, and lunch area. 

After leaving my things in the locker, I headed immediately to get my helmet and queue in the 4-wheel buggy and snowmobiles.

They give full instructions on what to do or touch on the vehicle.  They speak good-English.  There are spotters who are ready to help or guide you.

After your first ride, line up again and wait for your next turn.

Some notes you may also want to consider:

• Take care of your eyes, I did not use ski goggles, but I ensured to wear sunglasses.  It will be too bright when the sun strikes the snow. 
• You may want to use a hat, cap, or headwear before wearing the helmet.  
• I did wear 2 gloves, as I 've been using my phone to capture photos.  But it could be too cold, when staying outside too long. 
• Wear waterproof and windproof pants and top, so you can enjoy and stay longer outside.  If you like to rent, they also have: cold-weather clothing, snow pants, high-quality clothing tops and bottoms, boots and gloves. 
• I did not wear crampons on the area because the snow was soft during my visit.  I still brought it, as I need it roaming around back in Sapporo.

Other activities you can enjoy are: snow tubing, bubble ball, snow bike, and snow soccer.

There are seating areas if you feel tired.

For lunch, I had a reserved table facing the glass window.  Watching people playing outside and felt so happy with their service.

I enjoyed the seafood hotpot and buffet during my day trip.  I loved the crab, salmon, and scallops included in the soup.  Even more touching as someone from the kitchen went to the table to thank me for the visit.

 

Afterwards, I headed back outside to play some more on the snow.

Going here solo is very fun after all.  It's such a good alternative for skiing and snowboarding.  Family and child friendly.  All the staff were very accommodating, welcoming, cheerful and helpful.   It's an incredible experience for my first Sapporo visit; I definitely enjoyed the 4-wheel buggy and snowmobile and even by just simply lying on the snow.  Excellent service of the staff and felt safe in the activities.

Even though my March visit is considered late, it still has nice snow, the scenery is stunning.  There are lone trees if you are looking for it.

Plan ahead and monitor the schedule of the shuttle service back to the station and the S-train back to Sapporo station.

Definitely worth the trip and highly recommended.

How to get there

Alpen SNOWLAND BIBAI Leisure center

250-1 Chashinai, Bibai, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 079-0261, Japan

Itinerary: Places to go, Things to see, What to do?

Day	Places to See	Food and Restaurants	Accommodation
1	Otaru Canal	Bikkuri Donkey	Hotel Dormy Inn Premium
2	Otaru Canal Sakaimachi Street Otaru Music Box Museum 出抜き小路 火の見櫓  Observation Deck Japan Post Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway Asari Station	Kitaichi Hall LeTAO Main Store Robataya Turukichi	same
3	Nikka Whisky Hokkaido Factory Guardian Angels Cathedral Sapporo TV Tower Susukino Undeground market between Susukino,  Odori and Sapporo stations	Baristart Coffee	Hotel Forza Sapporo
4	Moai statue in Makomanai Takino Hill of Buddha Royce Town Factory	Lamp Light Books café	same
5	Bibai Snow Land JR Tower Observatory T38	Morihico Coffee T'café	same
6	Hokkaido University Museum Domestic and International areas	Tokuichi Tully's Coffee