Niseko fascinates skiers and snowboarders from all around the world every winter. The main attraction of the resort is the impressive powder snow, and new-fallen snow called “aspirin snow” covers tremendous vast land of the ski slope.

Have you ever experienced with skiing on “powder snow”, yet it’s actually fluffy only on surface and hard underneath?? This could happen very rarely in Niseko area as they offer the true quality of fluffy powder snow.

Niseko has been admired as the sanctuary of skiers for many decades in Japan, and started being recognizable in abroad from 90s. Now, the resort is No.1 winter destination among Australian (well, it’s summer for them), and has very international atmosphere as many things are served in English.

Other big attractions in Niseko ski resort are delicious local food in the northern gourmet city, Hokkaido, and stunning hot spring facilities. Some of outdoor bath offers amazing snow view while you soak into hot onsen bath. The Japan’s top ski resort is full of attraction and it’s definitely one of the best ski resorts in the world.

So today, I’d like to share 4 greatest ski areas in Niseko with the latest information for the 2024-2025 season. Let’s take a look!

Niseko United

4 ski resorts on top of Mt An’nupuri (1,308m) are collectively called Niseko United: Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, Niseko Village Ski Resort, Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort.

Niseko is located in western Hokkaido where is thankfully gifted by the perfect climate to create the fine quality of powder snow, the seasonal winds from Eurasia which contains lots of water and the dry air in Hokkaido.

1. Niseko HANAZONO Ski Resort

Niseko HANAZONO Ski Resort (ニセコHANAZONOスキー場) is located the easternmost of Mt Niseko Annupuri.

Various ski courses and snow activities are offered at the resort, such as Weiss Cat Assisted Backcountry Tour which allows only 12 guests to ski at an isolated area of the mountain. If you wish to ride a snowmobile, Snowmobile Tours is also recommended, which is guided and suitable even for first timers.

Please be reminded that night skiing is not available on this resort.

[Information]

Number of Courses: 8

Maximum Slope Gradient: 30°

Longest run: 4,550m

Ticket: JPY6,700(1 day)/13,100(2 days)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (50%), Snowboard (50%)

Hours: 8:30AM to 4:30PM

Night Skiing: Unavailable

Season: November 30, 2024 to April 6, 2025

Website: https://hanazononiseko.com/en

2. Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort

The largest resort of Niseko United, Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort (ニセコグラン・ヒラフスキー場) is known for Japan’s largest ski slope and its finest quality powder snow.

There are 30 kinds of ski courses with 15 lifts and gondolas.

The 5,600m long-run offers the amazing scenery of the 2,000m high Mt.Yotei (which is also called Ezo-Fuji since it looks like Mt.Fuji.)

There is also a large Free Ride Park where numbers of facilities which are great for freestyle skiers and snowboarders to challenge their skills.

[Information]

Number of Courses: 30

Maximum Slope Gradient: 40°

Longest run: 5,600m

Ticket: JPY 6,700(1 day)/13,100(2 days)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (60%), Snowboard (40%)

Hours: 8:30AM to 4:30PM(weekdays)

Night Skiing: 4:30PM to 8:30PM

Season: From December 14, 2024 to 23 March 2025

Website: https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/

3. Niseko Village Ski Resort

Niseko Village Ski Resort (ニセコビレッジスキー場) is located in the west of Grand Hirafu resort, and has several resort hotels such as KASARA townhouse and Hilton at the base.

The resort has dynamic and entertaining courses with many steeply slopes through the virgin forest which are more suitable for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

The recommended activity is skiing with sunrise on the first-touch of the powder snow. The resort also offers many attraction such as hot spring, spa, and shopping as well as other snow activities.

[Information]

Number of Courses: 27

Maximum Slope Gradient: 35°

Longest run: 5,100m

Ticket: JPY8,800(1 day)/16,800(2 days)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (65%), Snowboard (35%)

Hours: 8:30AM to 4:00PM

Night Skiing: 4:00PM to 7:00PM from December 14 to 23 March

Season: November 30, 2024 to April 6, 2025

Website: http://www.niseko-village.com/en/

4. Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort

Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort (ニセコアンヌプリ国際スキー場) is located in the westernmost of Niseko United and offers the well maintained snow slopes with gentle and easy courses.

Annupuri Ski Resort also offers a great view of Mt. Yotei from the peak point, as skiers can take photos with the background of the mountain while skiing.

From this season, the new course for beginners is newly launched, and some of existing courses are extended. The resort is perfect for both beginners and advanced skiers.

[Information]

Number of Courses: 13

Maximum Slope Gradient: 34°

Longest run: 3300m

Ticket: 5,200 yen~(1 day)/11,300 yen~(2 days)

Equipment Rental: Available

Player ratio : Ski (65%), Snowboard (35%)

Hours: 8:30AM to 7:30PM

Night Skiing: 4:30PM to 7:30PM

Season: November 30, 2024 to May 6, 2025

Website: https://annupuri.info/winter/english/

Where to Stay in Niseko

There are numerous accommodation options in the Niseko area from luxurious hotels to budget lodges. This is the list of highly-recommended hotels perfect for skiers and snowboarders in Niseko Ski resorts.

Get the All Mountain Pass

It’s too difficult to choose one resort out of the 4 attractive ones, isn’t it? Don’t worry!! Niseko offers you a special pass All Moutain Pass with which you can use all lifts in the 4 resorts of Niseko mountain.

Rate JPY6,300 (8 hours)/7,400 (1 day)/13,600 (2 days)/19,800(3 days)/44,600(7 days)

How to Get to Niseko

Niseko is located in the south west of Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido.

Train: 2.5 hours from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport

Car: 2 hours from Sapporo

Bus: Train: 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport

Does a pocket WiFi work in Niseko ski resorts?

Latest models of pocket WiFi with 4G LTE cover almost all of the area in Niseko. For those who are wondering which pocket WiFi rental option is best in Japan, it is recommended to rent a portable WiFi with unlimited data usage and highest data speed. Check out the best deal with the premium WiFi by Japan Wireless.

For more info about skiing in other areas in Japan ,check these lists below!

▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Japan
▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Hokkaido
▶︎Best Ski Resorts near Tokyo
▶︎Best Ski Resorts around Mt.Fuji
▶︎Best Ski Resorts in Hakuba
▶︎Best Ski Resorts near Osaka

How about having a prime ski experience at Niseko this winter?? If you haven’t done ski or snowboarding in Japan yet, this could be your next travel plan! Hokkaido offers a variety of attractions for tourists, so you may wanna check out these articles, too!↓↓

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