No license needed. Beginners welcome.
Ride the quiet snowfields of Rankoshi.
Before departure, our guide will walk you through the controls and signals. We welcome first-time riders, families, groups, and visitors from overseas.
Reservations & Inquiries View Services ↓Before you book
Want to book,
but not sure what to expect?
You're interested in snowmobiling, but you can't bring yourself to hit the booking button without knowing the requirements or what to expect on the day. We'll address each of those concerns one by one.
Do I need a license to ride?
Have you already given up, assuming you need a regular driver's license?
Can a complete beginner really drive one?
Worries like "the controls seem complicated" or "what if I fall?" are holding you back from taking that first step.
Can kids ride along? What should I wear?
You'd love to join as a family, but you don't know the age requirements or what to bring, and even reaching out to ask feels like too much effort.
Our approach
We answer each concern,
so you can ride with confidence.
This page covers what you need to know: who can join, how the day goes, and how we approach safety. If anything is still unclear, contact us by form or phone.
Why Guests Choose Golden Max Resort
What's possible
on Rankoshi's snowfields.
Rankoshi is one of the quieter towns in the Niseko area. Without other groups around, you can enjoy the time entirely with your family or friends.
You practice the throttle, brake, turning and riding signals on the spot before setting off. First-timers and passengers on 2-seaters can set off at ease.
We handle the maintenance and sales of snowmobiles in-house. Every vehicle you ride is inspected and confirmed in good condition by our own hands before it goes out.
After returning from the snowfields, enjoy grilled dishes and jingisukan (Hokkaido-style grilled lamb) in a warm indoor setting. Experience and dining all in one place.
Course Options & Estimated Pricing
Choose a course that fits
how long you want to ride.
Snowmobile Experience
3,000円〜
For first-timers. After a short lesson, you ride across the snowfields on our grounds with a guide. 1-seater / 2-seater
Long Course (approx. ◯◯ min)
◯◯,000円〜
For those who want plenty of time on the snow. We also stop for photos at scenic spots. 1-seater / 2-seater
Banana Boat & Snow Tube
◯,◯◯◯円〜
Ride a boat or tube pulled by a snowmobile across the snowy fields. Great for families with children and groups
Private Plan
◯◯,000円〜
A private tour exclusively for your family or group. Please contact us to discuss group size and duration
BBQ House (jingisukan grilled lamb)
お1人 ◯,◯◯◯円〜
Enjoy a warm meal indoors before or after your activity. Feel free to inquire about bringing your own ingredients
Official prices for each course will be posted once finalized. Hokkaido residents receive a ¥500 discount. All prices are tax-inclusive. Helmets are included in the price. Course content may be modified or cancelled depending on weather and snow conditions.
How It Works
From Check-In to Farewell —
Your Day at a Glance.
-
01
Check-In
Meet us on-site and confirm your name and chosen course at the reception desk.
-
02
Gear Up
We'll hand you a helmet and go over your clothing, gloves, and goggles together.
-
03
Briefing
Your guide will explain the throttle, brakes, how to turn, and hand signals used while riding, followed by practice on flat ground.
-
04
Head Out to the Snow Fields
Follow your guide onto the snow course within the grounds. We start off nice and easy.
-
05
Riding & Photo Time
Once you've found your rhythm, we stop at a scenic spot for a break — and of course, photos.
-
06
Farewell
Return to the reception area and you're all done. If you've booked the BBQ House, head straight over for your meal.
Our Commitment to Safety
Safety comes first,
so the fun can follow.
Riding on snow is not entirely without risk. With that in mind, we are committed to taking thorough safety measures.
Pre-Departure Briefing and Practice Run
Before setting off, everyone reviews the controls, hand signals during the ride, and how to stop.
Guide Leads the Way and Matches Your Pace
A guide rides at the front and adjusts speed and rest stops while keeping an eye on all participants.
Assessing Snow and Weather Conditions on the Day
If visibility or snow conditions are poor, we will decide to change the course or cancel the activity.
Helmet Requirement and Equipment Check
Helmets are provided. We will check your clothing and equipment together at check-in.
Certifications & Insurance
Details of the guide's certifications and insurance coverage will be posted on this page once confirmed.
BBQ House & Four Seasons
After the snowfields,
you can keep enjoying the same place.
Enjoy a classic Hokkaido-style jingisukan BBQ in a warm, cozy indoor space. Available before or after your activity (reservation required).
This area has a history of gold mining. Today, it is a place of quiet snowfields, forests, and rivers.
Ponies live on the property and can be visited year-round. When the snow melts, it's the season to ride buggies through the greenery.
Guest reviews
What our guests say.
It was my first time driving, but there was practice time before we set off, so I was able to ride calmly. My child in the back was thrilled. (Sample review)
There were no other groups, so we had the whole snow field to ourselves. It was also a great help that the guide could assist us in English. (Sample review)
The jingisukan lamb barbecue after the ride was delicious. Even for us non-skiers, it was a wonderful way to enjoy Niseko in winter. (Sample review)
A word from the owner
Come and enjoy
the snow of Rankoshi with us.
I guide snowmobile tours across the snowy fields of Rankoshi. Whether you are a first-timer, a family, or a visitor from abroad, I make it a priority to provide a thorough pre-departure briefing and check the snow conditions on the day, so that everyone can enjoy the snow and tranquility of this land.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Want to Know Before You Book — Answered.
Q. Can I participate without a driver's license?
A. Yes. Since you will be riding on a snow field within our private grounds, no driver's license is required. Before departure, a guide will explain how to operate the snowmobile and the signals used.
Q. Is it okay if I have never driven before?
A. Yes. You will practice starting, stopping, and turning on flat ground before heading out. A guide will lead the way throughout the ride and match your pace.
Q. Can children ride along?
A. 2-seater riding is available. The age for drivers and the age and height conditions for passengers will be posted on this page once confirmed. If you need to know sooner, please contact us.
Q. What else can we do besides snowmobiling?
A. We offer snowmobile-towed banana boat and snow tubing rides, pony interaction experiences, and dining at our BBQ house. Non-drivers and children can enjoy the fun together as well.
Q. What are your operating hours and season?
A. We are open 9:00–16:00. The winter season runs from mid-December to late March and may shift with snow conditions.
Q. What should I wear and bring?
A. Please prepare waterproof and warm outerwear (top and bottom) such as ski wear, gloves, a neck warmer, goggles, and non-slip winter boots. Helmets are provided.
Q. What happens on days with bad weather?
A. If we determine that riding is not safe due to a blizzard, poor visibility, or similar conditions, the activity will be cancelled or the program will be modified. Details on how fees are handled in the event of a cancellation at our discretion will be explained at the time of booking.
Q. Are there cancellation fees?
A. Our cancellation policy will be posted once finalized. It will also be explained to you at the time of booking.
Q. What payment methods are accepted?
A. In addition to cash, we are preparing to accept credit cards and other payment methods. Details will be posted once finalized.
Q. Can I make inquiries in English?
A. Yes, we are happy to handle inquiries in English and provide on-the-day guidance in English. English inquiries are welcome.
See you on the snow
Feel free to reach out,
even if you just have questions.
You don't need to have made up your mind about booking. If you have any questions about conditions, pricing, or how the day unfolds, please let us know via the form or by phone. We are also happy to answer questions in English.
Reservations & Inquiries
Feel free to reach out
via the form or by phone.
Please fill in the form with your preferred date, number of guests, and any questions. You can write in English. You can also reach us by phone at 090-6442-3863 or via Instagram DM.
Meeting Point & Access
Meet us on site,
on the snowfields of Rankoshi.
About Us