niseko hirafu
winter in niseko
Niseko experiences a phenomenal five-month ski season, thanks to the deep blankets of dry snow swept in by Siberian winds. With the annual snowfall averaging a powdery 15 metres, Niseko is beyond comparison with many of the most popular northern hemisphere resorts.
The Niseko United resort area comprises three ski areas – Grand Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annupuri. Each section is accessible by the lift system and is covered by the All-Mountain Lift Pass. Grand Hirafu is the largest of the three areas and a lift pass can be purchased for this area on its own.
Niseko United consists of 57 runs, 38 lifts and gondolas and over 47 km in groomed slopes. The terrain boasts half-pipes, quarter pipes, table tops, mogul fields, tree runs, natural hits and of course the meticulously groomed slopes for first timers. There is a good mixture of beginner, intermediate and advanced runs, so rest assured that everyone's abilities are catered for!
Lift facilities operate over 12 hours a day, starting at 8:30am and closing at 9:00pm. There are a variety of lifts including single open lifts, quad hooded lifts and high speed gondolas. Take advantage of these extended hours and treat yourself to a Niseko specialty – night powder sessions! Brilliant visibility can be enjoyed with huge areas of the mountain illuminated.
View the Niseko Hirafu welcome center at the top of the village.
For more information
summer in niseko
Everyone knows that a Niseko winter is magic, but few have caught on to the real secret of the area – summer. Mild weather, long sunny days and a brilliantly green Mt. Yotei set the scene for any outdoor sport imaginable.
A multitude of impeccably presented golf courses are scattered throughout the region, mountain biking and hiking trails are revealed when the last snowflake melts. Rivers and streams flow freely, attracting thousands of rafters and fly fishermen over the warmer months.
So next time you plan a Niseko holiday, consider the advice of locals and discover what the best season really is.
village info
Niseko-Hirafu village is located directly at the base of Mt Annupuri. Combined with the attraction of natural hot springs, lively ski town atmosphere, first class facilites and numerous English speaking service providers, it is little surprise that Niseko is quickly becoming world-renowned.
The continual growth in numbers of bars and restaurants has resulted in a broad spectrum of cuisine styles, from Italian fusion to traditional Japanese, hotel buffets to Tibetan curries or Mongolian-style dining. All tastes and budgets are accommodated and no guest will be left wanting for anything.
Other than skiing and snowboarding, Niseko offers a multitude of activities including snowshoeing, indoor rock climbing, snow mobiling and horse riding. The area is famous within Japan for its relaxing and invigorating onsens (natural hot springs). There is no better way to finish an exhausting day of outdoor sports than to unwind in an onsen!
access
| From Sapporo | |
|---|---|
| Car | 2.5 hours on Route 230. |
| Japan Rail | Approx. 2 hours to Kutchan station, 10 minute taxi trip to Niseko. |
| Bus | Approx 2.5 hours. | From New Chitose Airport |
| Car | 2.5 hours on Route 276 |
| Japan Rail | Approx. 3 hours to Kutchan station, 10 minute taxi trip to Niseko. |
| Bus | Approx. 2.5 hours. |
| From Hakodate | |
| Car | 3.5 hours on Route 5. |
| Japan Rail | Approx. 3.5 hours to Kutchan station, 10 minute taxi trip to Niseko. |
