Niseko’s main ski resort is called Niseko United, which is made up of four interlinked, world class ski areas; Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, Hanazono and Niseko Village. The main village is called Hirafu.
Niseko refers to a mountainous region of south-western Hokkaido, which is Japan’s northern most island. Its closest airport is Chitose, which is 2.5 hours away and the nearest major city is Sapporo, which is a two-hour drive. The area has recently become hugely popular, mainly because of its huge annual snowfall. Niseko receives on average 14 meters of snow, most of which comes down as light, dry powder, which is considered ideal for skiing and snowboarding. It has won the “Best Resort in Asia” award at the World Ski Awards four years in a row, but many people would argue that it is also home to the best conditions for skiing and snowboarding in the world.
Niseko’s main ski resort is called Niseko United, which is made up of four interlinked, world class ski areas; Grand Hirafu, Annupuri, Hanazono and Niseko Village. The ‘hub’ or main town centre is a quaint but burgeoning village called Hirafu. Hirafu has grown hugely over the last 10 years and is now populated by a mix of luxury hotels and apartments, designer homes and more traditional pensions. Visitors will also find an assortment of bars and restaurants, ranging from Michelin starred fine dining establishments to hole in the wall, speak-easy style whiskey bars. Many bars and restaurants take pride in using local produce, which is available in abundance thanks to Hokkaido’s naturally rich and fertile farmland. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy off the mountain and outside the bars and restaurants, including an assortment of onsens (natural hot springs), which offer a chance to relax and indulge in one of Japan’s oldest customs. The countryside surrounding Hirafu is a frozen wonderland that can be explored by show shoe, snowmobile, snow cat or even helicopter. Hirafu and the broader Niseko region offer something special to every single person who visits, all of whom will fall for its special charms.
MOUNTAIN STATISTICS
- Elevation top: 1,309m
- Elevation bottom: 300m
- Highest lifted point: 1,200m
- Vertical drop: 1,009
- Skiable terrain: 887ha
- Longest run: 5.6km
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 30%
- Total number of trails: 61
- Total lifts: 38
