Niseko

With deep dry powder, an incredible four resorts accessible via a single pass and a vibrant après scene, Niskeo is one of Japan’s most popular snow destinations, especially for Australians. Sitting on the ridge of An’nupuri, this is Japan’s biggest ski area and there is terrain to keep every ability excited, challenged and coming back for more. Niseko is a great place to bring your family thanks to plenty of English speaking services, English signs and self-contained apartments.

Difficulty

Beginner	30%
Intermediate	40%
Advanced	30%

At a Glance

Terrain Area

887ha

Summit

1,309m

Mt. Vertical

1,009m

Season

Dec-Apr

Lifts

Food & Bars

185

Accommodation Niseko
Skiing & Boarding
Activities
Getting There

Accommodation Niseko

When skiing or boarding at Niseko, you can stay in Hirafu or the villages of Niseko and An’nupuri. Hirafu is most popular with international skiers and boarders, with its vibrant après scene and wide range of accommodation. If you’re looking for ski-in-ski-out lodgings, you’ll need to book into a luxurious hotel or apartment in the upper Hirafu area. Further down you’ll find more affordable apartments, pensions and houses close to bars and restaurants, and if you’re looking for a quieter scene altogether, Lower Hirafu has plenty of accommodation within a walk or shuttle back to the village activity. It’s also possible to stay in Niseko Village or An’nupuri, however both centres are a little removed from the restaurants and bars that this area is renowned for. On the flip side, here you’ll be close to the chair lifts and there are some beautiful authentic pensions in An'nupuri.

Skiing & Boarding

Niseko doesn’t have the steepest steeps, however you’ll love the variety of terrain and the light dry powder that falls across the four resorts of An’nupuri, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama), Hirafu and Hanazono. This is Japan’s largest ski area with plenty to suit skiers and boarders of all abilities. All four resorts are connected by shuttles at the base and lifts at the top, and skiable with one pass. From these resorts you can also reach Moiwa, although you’ll need a separate pass for this small resort.

Activities

Niseko may be a westernised resort, however there are plenty of authentic cultural experiences to give you a true taste of Japan. After a hectic day on the slopes, take the time to relax tired muscles in a natural hot spring – or onsen. Don’t give up the opportunity to learn to make sushi or to attend a traditional tea ceremony. Enjoy fantastic Japanese cuisine in the many restaurants, especially in Hirafu, where you’ll also find some great fun karaoke bars. Niseko has amazing night skiing with lights bright enough for advanced skiers and boarders to get in amongst the trees. There are also terrain parks at most of the resorts, with Hanazono the resort with the greatest variety including freestyle terrain parks for kids and a half-pipe. While you’re staying at Niseko you can also experience cat skiing, ski touring, snow mobiling and more.

Getting There & Around

To get to Niseko, you’ll need to fly into Sapporo New Chitose airport then it's a 3 hour drive. Once you’re in Niseko there are plenty of shuttles to get you around and in the popular village of Hirafu, it’s easy to walk around or catch a shuttle.