The region commonly known as Niseko is made up of four resorts that join at the top of Mt An’nupuri – otherwise known as Niseko United. Niseko United Resort is made up of Hirafu, Hanazono, An’nupuri & Niseko Village. Voted three consecutive times as Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards, you can be assured of world class skiing on your holiday to this powder mecca.
The Niseko United offers 2191 acres of terrain with a top elevation of 1308m and over 47km of groomed slopes. The resort terrain caters for all levels; Beginner 30%, Intermediate 42%, and Advanced 28%. There is also 30 square kms of backcountry to explore ‘not officially on the maps’. Trail guides are in English and detailed with 60 runs and 38 lifts operating daily from 8.30am to 8:30pm – that’s over 12 hours of riding per day and some of the best night skiing in the world.
The Niseko United smartcard lift ticket is an electronic ticketing system providing access to all four resorts and includes the free shuttle bus linking all resorts. Whether you’re talking parks, epic tree runs, family slopes, open bowls or deep powder snow – it’s easy to see why Niseko is booming. Featuring covered lifts and gondolas and amazing tree runs, you can also try your hand at snowmobiling, cat skiing, snowshoeing or dog sledding. Beginners can make the most of ski schools including dedicated learner facilities and kids’ clubs.
Hirafu
Hirafu is a world famous snow resort renowned for the excellent dry powder which travels thousands of kilometers from Siberia. The elevation from the top of the lift is 940m and you can ski all the way down to the base. Grand Hirafu is a combination of Hirafu and Hanazono Ski Resorts and offers one of the largest areas of night skiing in Asia.
Hanazono
Hanazono is a part of the Grand Hirafu Resort located on the northeast facing slopes. This ski area is characterised by very deep snow as well as access to the peak. The Hanazono Adventure Park offers fun activities for the whole family including snow rafting, snowmobiling and Asia’s largest magic carpet facility for beginners.
Niseko Village
Formerly known as Niseko Higashiyama, Niseko Village Ski Resort provides a range of ski runs up to 5km long. The slopes feature a beautiful line of white birch trees and outstanding views of Mount Yotei. A convenient gondola runs directly to the top of the mountain.
Niseko Village also offers ‘First Tracks Cat Skiing’, a guided tour designed for early skiers to get the most out of their experience before the lifts open for the day.
An’nupuri
The An’nupuri ski resort is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. The enormous stretch of accessible back country is the perfect opportunity for endless hours of exhilarating skiing. A number of ungroomed slopes are also available. The resort is enhanced by the many onsen nearby – the best way to relax after a day on the slopes.
NISEKO RULES The Niseko area’s official regulations ‘Niseko Rules’ was created for the safety and freedom of every skier and snowboarder riding inside or outside the ski resort boundaries.