In addition to
@YesHokkaido comments above,
@tjroaming, I can fill you in from my Rusutsu season pass experience from ‘17-18. I thoroughly enjoyed Rusutsu and it would definitely provide plenty good skiing for 4 days for your family
Just about every Monday morning, I rode the complimentary bus from Sapporo to Rusutsu, stashed my belongings in a season locker, and skied the resort until Maiko of SetsuGetsuKaro (SGK) B&B/ hostel in Kimobetsu, a small farming town, generously picked me up in time to bath before dinner is served.
You can use translator for her blog.
北海道、ニセコからほど近い羊蹄山麓の町にある廃校カフェ・キャンプ場・ライダーハウスを経営している雪月花廊のページです。
kimobetsu28.sakura.ne.jp
I ski toured Tu/Wed/Thu with Niisan, an older gentleman who spends every winter in a mini RV at SGK whom I befriended. Then Maiko drove me back to Rusutsu Friday so I ski the resort again until the afternoon shuttle back to Sapporo for me to rejoin family
@YesHokkaido. I’m not sure if Maiko still provides transfer service (20 minutes away) but you can contact her directly for info. I’ve also certainly helped her entertain some Aussie and Kiwi guests and showed them around the resort that winter.
Furano would certainly offer you tons of dining options and more western luxury, but Maiko offers an authentic Japanese home experience which I treasure. I understand her more modest accommodation may not work for everyone.
Enjoy your Japow adventure!!!