What to do (and wear) for Chinese New Year in Niseko

No matter what time of year you visit Niseko, it’s guaranteed to be a fun time. Although, if you’re looking for a bustling atmosphere with various events on offer, there’s no better time than Chinese (Lunar) New Year. In 2024, the Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Dragon, symbolising power, nobility, honour, luck, and success.

To mark this commemorative event, we’ve compiled a list of Niseko’s different events on offer and the gear you’ll need to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in style.

QUICK NAVIGATION

WHAT’S ON IN NISEKO
ESSENTIAL GEAR
LOCAL STYLE GEAR
LUX END GEAR

What's On Around Niseko This Lunar New Year

Shishimai
Lion dances are performed during Chinese New Year parades and are believed to drive away evil spirits to bring good luck for the year. Niseko hosts two different Shishimai performances in Niseko over the Chinese New Year period:
Hanazono Edge, February 10th, 3:30 p.m.
The Vale Niseko, February 10th, 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Taiko Drum Performance
Taiko drumming is a traditional Japanese practice in which choreographed drummers perform powerful, synchronised performances on large wooden drums called taiko’s.
The Maples Niseko, February 10th, 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
The Vale Niseko, February 10th, 5:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Firework Displays
See Niseko’s night sky lit up by a firework display in celebration of the Lunar New Year.
Hanazono Slope, February 10th, 7:00 p.m.
Hilton Niseko Village, February 11th, 9:30 p.m.
Sapporo Ice Festival
Now obviously this one isn’t in Niseko, but only an hour away from the resort you’ll find the Sapporo Ice Festival. Held from the 4th to the 12th of February, the Ice Festival boasts mesmerising building sized ice sculptures which feature layers of colourful projection mapping. Trust us, it’s an experience that is worth the trek.

What to Wear for Chinese New Year

Whether you’re cruising the slopes or around town for Chinese New Year, you want to be looking your best. Which is why we’ve curated a specialised gear guide to ensure that you’re decked out in top-of-the-line gear to keep you warm, comfortable and dry during your Lunar New Year stay.

Essential Picks

Anon M4 Goggles

These toric-lens goggles offer the best optics, widest field of view, and the simplicity of our quick-change magnetic lens system in a frame designed for smaller faces. A perfect all-rounder google.

Sorel Tivoli IV

A staple for practicality, the Tivoli IV waterproof boot will ensure that you’re in comfort enjoying some après around the village. A perfect blend of style and substance, these tall boots feature microfleece lining with 100g insulation and a EVA footbed, providing ultimate comfort, while maintaining a luxury aesthetic with its furry insides.

Arc'teryx Macai Lightweight Jacket

It’s almost impossible to try on the Macai jacket and not want to go home with it. The jacket has a full-tech outer, while also rocking a fully insulated inner padded with duck and geese feathers, making it feel like you’re wearing a puffer jacket base layer underneath your actual jacket. Available at our Rhythm Summit store in Sapphire/Yukon, this Arcy’ jacket will keep you warm, comfortable and snug whether you're shredding the slopes, exploring the village or heading to the Sapporo ice festival.

Available in-store.

Season Eqpt Nexus

These gender inclusive skis are available in 5 different sizes, catering to a wide range of skiers. Featuring a sleek yet simplistic design that’ll never go out of style, these directional skis are perfect for all mountain carving, park, and deep powder runs. If you're unfamiliar with the brand but are interested in a new, highly sought after model, you can go for a test ride at our Season Demo Day on the 10th and 11th of February.

Available in-store.

assorted japan themed ski gear

Local Style

Don’t just look stylish while you’re carving pow, take a piece of Japan home with you with these items:

Island Supernaut

If you’re looking to head home with a board that says “100% Hokkaido made” on it, look no further than Island. A local brand made from Hokkaido woodcore, these powder freestyle boards are built to provide extra pop throughout the nose and tail, making them a good fit for those looking to lap park or launch backcountry features–and who doesn’t want a board named after a Black Sabbath song?

Armada X Oyuki 106 UL Skis

As a limited edition collaboration between Armada and Niseko founded brand Oyuki, the 106 UL skis are an evolution of the long-sought one-ski quiver. Designed for all-mountain shredders, these ultralight skis provide the ultimate combination for those looking to shred pow, boost airs and charge groomers. Featuring custom artwork of Japanese Yokai (winter monsters) by Japanese illustrator Kentaro Yoshida, the 106 UL skis are versatile skis ready to take on anything.

Capita Kazu Kokubo Pro Snowboard 2024

Name a better way to celebrate the Year of the Dragon than getting a board with a sick dragon graphic on it. Designed for advanced riders looking to push it to the next level, the CAPiTA Kazu features all the right dimensions for deep snow freestyling, and is the perfect board for those dedicated to shredding gnar in the backcountry. Ride the dragon–literally.

Oyuki Range

With every item tried and tested in the Niseko alpine ranges, Oyuki gear is the perfect choice for visitors looking to venture out onto the slopes during their Chinese New Year stay. With designs inspired by varying aspects of Japan and Japanese snow culture, the Oyuki line is the go-to choice for customers looking for style and practicality with a bit of souvenir value.

Lux End Picks

Our partner store Moncler Grenoble is located in central Hirafu Village right next door to Rhythm Summit.

Verdons Short Down Jacket

Providing luxury and comfort, the Verdons short down jacket will keep you snug, warm and dry while you’re shredding the slopes. Made from technical nylon, the short down jacket comes with a visored hood, powder skirt, and wrist gaiters, making it the perfect winter wardrobe addition.

Available in both red and yellow from Moncler Niseko, operated by Rhythm Japan.

Bright Red Bauges Ski Jacket

Also found at Moncler Niseko is the Bauges Ski Jacket, a timeless choice that’ll never go out of style, with a plush shearling trim, streamlined down padding, and waterproof zipped pockets.

Available from Moncler Niseko, operated by Rhythm Japan.

Whitespace X Moncler Snowboard

There’s no better way to advance your snowboarding than riding on a board designed by one of the best riders in the world. As a collaboration between Moncler and Shaun White’s company WHITESPACE, this limited edition board is sold out online and in most stores around the world, making its appearance at Moncler Niseko an extremely sought after purchase for snowboarders worldwide. Get in quick, there’s only one available – it’s that limited. .

Available from Moncler Niseko, operated by Rhythm Japan.

Crampon Spikes

Take it from us, if there’s one thing you want while walking around Niseko, it’s traction on your feet. With slippery ice covering most footpaths and roads, a pair of shoe spikes is an essential purchase that’ll make sure you don’t slip over and injure yourself before you’re out on the slopes. For those looking for a luxury option that’ll look great with your outfit, look no further than Moncler’s Crampon spikes. For those looking for a cheaper alternative, our Rhythm Hirafu and Rhythm Summit stores also stock Oyuki branded shoe spikes. .

Available from Moncler Niseko, operated by Rhythm Japan.

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