Where to Ski in Niseko (in a Nutshell)!
The name Niseko refers to a wide area located in the Shiribetsu Subprefecture, in the southwest of Japan’s northern-most island, Hokkaido. Within the Niseko area you’ll find Hirafu Village, which is home to majority of the bars, restaurants, shops and accommodation. From Hirafu you can easily access a group of four resorts that are collectively known as Niseko United. While each of these resorts can be ridden with one pass (called an All Mountain Pass) they all offer a unique skiing experience. Here’s what we love most about each Niseko United resort!
Niseko Grand Hirafu
This is the largest of the four resort areas and, if you’re staying in Hirafu, it could be considered the most central. A number of ski schools use this area as their base because it offers terrain to suit everyone from beginner to expert riders. The resort is easy to access thanks to the high speed Hirafu Gondola, which will get you out on the mountain and starting your day in no time at all. If you explore high enough you’ll find the King Lift #4, from which you can leave the resort boundaries via a backcountry access gate and hike to the peak of Mt Niseko Annupuri (provided you’re an experience rider with the correct avalanche safety gear!). From here you’ll find one of the best views and some of the best riding Niseko has to offer.
Hanazono
This resort area is a favourite for beginners and powderhounds alike. The base of the resort is ideal for first timers who can learn to turn on the gentle slopes and get a ride to the top via easy-to-use ski carpets. This is also where you’ll find Hanazono 308, a cafeteria style eatery that serves some of the best meals on the mountain. Advanced skiers and snowboarders will love Strawberry Fields, a gate accessed run that’s famous for collecting deep, dry powder. And if you do venture off the Peak, Hanazono is where you’ll end up!
Niseko Village
Formerly known as Higashyama, this area was given an overhaul not long ago, which means it now offers loads of options for riding, eating and accommodation. Beginners will love the cruisy slopes around the base where there are plenty of runs to help them learn and progress. In the right conditions, experts can access the Mizu No Sawa Avalanche Control Area, which is super steep and stacks of fun.
Niseko Annupuri
Niseko Annupuri, which is the western-most resort area, is home to both a recently upgraded high speed gondola plus a newly installed beginner lift, making it a fantastic all-round resort. Riders that are keen for some off-piste action will love the gate accessed Annupuri Bowls, which offer some of the steepest, deepest and longest runs in the area.
Other Places to Explore
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort is outside of the Niseko United conglomerate and not accessible on the All Mountain Pass, however it is relatively easy to get to from Hirafu and provides a great alternative for riding pow on busy days. Rusutsu Resort is a 35-minute drive from Hirafu and offers some of the best tree skiing you’ll experience anywhere in Japan. Kutchan is a small but bustling town 15 minutes away where you’ll find supermarkets, a post office and a train station, along with sensational restaurants that aren’t as heavily booked as the ones in Hirafu. Niseko Town is also close by and offers even more alternatives for tasty dinners.
