Niseko ski resort - Japan

Niseko is the most popular and well-known ski resort in Japan! Niseko ski resort receives an average of 12 -14 metres of the driest powder snow and is regarded as one of the top 10 international ski resorts in the world.

Located on the northern island of Japan (Hokkaido), Niseko ski resort is 120km south west from Sapporo. The entire area is made up of four interconnected ski areas including; Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Annupuri and Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama). 

Find out more about Niseko

• Accommodation in Niseko
• Resort stats
• Image gallery for Niseko
• Getting to Niseko
• Niseko trail map, village map, and a Google Map of Niseko
• Other useful information, including nightlife, food, weather, money, and onsens in Niseko
• GET A QUOTE on ski or snowboard holidays in Niseko

Grand Hotel Onsen	Powder skiing in Niseko	Indoor pool complex

 Niseko resort statistics

Niseko ski resort is an expansive ski area consisting of Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Annupuri and Niseko Village.
With 48 km of serviced runs, 38 lifts and a common lift pass, there is always a variety of uncrowded quality skiing to be had. The longest run is 5.6 klms and a vertical drop of 1000 meters between the highest and lowest lifted point.

Terrain

Beginner - 30%
Intermediate - 40%
Advanced - 30%

Resort operations

The ski lifts are open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. offering incredible value for money. There are no surface tows in Niseko, only chairlifts and most have protective weather hoods. A 4-person express gondola leaves from the resort centre and lifts you 500 vertical metres in just 10 minutes. Niseko also boasts one of the largest night lit areas in the world, ensuring some of the most phenomenal night skiing and snowboarding available!

The snow quality on piste is excellent due to daily grooming, consistent snowfalls and low temperatures. Off piste - the powder is nothing short of phenomenal, and is regarded as the most consistent dry powder snow in the world. 

On a clear day the views from Niseko Japan are absolutely breathtaking, snow as far as the eye can see, all the way to the ocean’s edge. Niseko is regarded as the premier ski area in Japan.

Mountain facts:

Season Dec ~ April
Snowfall - 12 metres
Lift Base Altitude - 300m
Peak Altitude - 1309 m
Vertical Drop - 1009 m
Longest run - 5.6 klms
Highest lifted - 1200 m
Lifts Open - 8.30 a.m.
Lifts Close - 8.30 p.m.
35 Chairlifts and 3 Gondolas
Mountain restaurants - 17
Half pipe - Yes
Terrain park - Yes

Lift Passes

The All-mountain lift pass covers the entire skiable area; including Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Annupuri and Niseko Village.

Village Facilities

• The resort provides a free shuttle bus service that runs throughout the entire village to transport you to and from the main express Gondola.
• 2 x Convenience Stores and plenty of shops
• Numerous Bars and Restaurants
• 30 meter indoor swimming pool which is available for public use. There are also single spas, steam rooms and saunas within the complex. Open 12.00 – 9.00 p.m. daily
• Ski and snowboard rental available
• Ski and snowboard schools available
• Local Onsens (outdoor natural hot springs)
• Internet cafes
• Child minding services

Google Map of Niseko

Check out Niseko's location using Google Maps.

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Onsens

Onsens are natural thermal springs and are abundant in the Niseko area. This steaming hot natural water is tapped and channelled into large indoor and outdoor bathing pools. Well before the development of ski resorts the Niseko region was originally a popular destination for holiday-makers who would travel to the area to bathe in the many Onsen.
 

Nightlife in Niseko

The nightlife in Niseko is varied with an atmosphere to suit all tastes, there are a variety of bars from small and cosy to 'night club style' if you wnat to party to the early hours of the morning. You can get all manner of drinks including the local beers on tap!

Food

The food in Niseko is one of the truly unforgettable experiences this unique destination has to offer. Hokkaido is famous for its abundance and variety of fresh produce, namely seafood. Niseko has numerous restaurants catering to a variety of international cuisines, including Izakaya (traditional Japanese cuisine) Sushi restaurants, Indian, Italian, A La carte, Pizza, Noodle bars, just to name a few. A local wine and dine guide is available through our office.

Weather

If you want to experience the best snow in the world, you need to be prepared, as it can get cold. It's not unusual to receive 40cm+ of snow over night in Niseko. Take plenty of warm clothing and waterproof outerwear. Thermals are a must, along with warm gloves, and of course, a good pair of double lens goggles is highly recommended.

Money

People's initial thoughts are that Japan is expensive and crowded. That may be the case in Tokyo 5 star Hotels. Niseko, however is very reasonably priced but you will have to be prepared to carry Yen cash and we strongly suggest bringing some with you. Credit cards are readily accepted in the shops and department stores but you can't use them on the mountain to buy lunches or in most of the village restaurants. Cash is king here and you can access that by ATM withdrawals at either Kutchan's Post Office's ATM or Yama Shizen West apartment's ATM in the lower level, commercial suites.