Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Located in the northeast of Mt. Niseko Annupuri is Niseko Hanazono Resort. Here, guests are offered the unique opportunity to begin the skiing day an hour before everyone else. During the resort’s guided tour, run by a team of knowledgeable locals, guests are taken to hidden powder spots and backcountry areas inaccessible to the general public and are provided with a “First Track” guarantee, in which the ski lifts can be ridden while the slopes remain empty. Group sizes are extremely small, with a maximum of four guests per guide. Knowing the mountains of Niseko inside and out, these guides prepare tailor-made plans to ensure the best experience for everyone, from first-time backcountry skiers to those with years of experience under their belts, all depending on the skills and preferences of the group and the conditions of the mountain on the given day. For the more experienced skiers, Hanazono Park, at Niseko Hanazono Resort, is one of the largest terrain parks in Hokkaido to be designed around banked slaloms, kickers, and jibs, allowing guests to practice their favorite tricks. New obstacles are added as the snow cover increases, making for novel and exciting layouts that can be enjoyed afresh several times in one season. Niseko Hanazono Resort is an enjoyable destination for families and advanced skiers alike, with plenty of great experiences to enjoy.

With 30 courses to choose from, Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU is the largest ski resort in Japan. These 30 courses are serviced by 15 lifts and gondolas, so beginners and experienced skiers alike can choose the path that suits them best. For the more daring skiers, the highest lift reaches 940 meters above the baseline, making for a thrilling descent. At the end of a fun-packed day carving up the powder on the slopes, the base town offers many ways to relax and unwind in the form of local restaurants and high-quality hot springs and provides a wide variety of lodging facilities. Grand Hirafu is especially recommended for those wishing to celebrate the festive season; every year on December 31, about 150 skiers and snowboarders hold a “torch run”, which is followed by a firework display to celebrate the New Year.

Located at the center of Niseko United Ski Resort, in between Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, is Niseko Village. What makes Niseko Village special is its forest course that weaves through the surrounding native forest. While the confidence to zip between the trees may be the reserve of more experienced skiers, a snow school and activities and programs for kids are also available. The names of the courses are unique and add a fun twist to amuse all guests: Jagaimo (potato), Misoshiru (miso soup), and Namara (meaning “extremely” in Hokkaido dialect). In addition to the ski slopes, two luxury hotels are located at the foot of the mountain: a boutique hotel, “The Green Leaf Niseko Village”, and “Hilton Niseko Village”, which boasts 22 stories, as well as luxury Kasara Townhouses. Niseko Village is also home to a shopping and dining-area complex: an Edo-themed commercial facility built on the concept of traditional Japanese “machiya” architecture. In addition to enjoying dishes made with fresh vegetables from local farmers and seafood from Hokkaido, guests can also enjoy shopping for designer and novelty goods.

For newcomers to the sport of skiing, Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, a peaceful snow resort with the finest powder snow, is perfect, offering a variety of wide and gentle courses that beginners and families can enjoy with ease. What is more, the four-star resort hotel Niseko Northern Resort An’nupuri, located at the foot of the mountain, has a designated slope for small children to enjoy sledding. That being said, there is still much to enjoy for adults, such as the numerous hot-spring facilities in the surrounding area—the one that offers the chance to enjoy an outdoor snow bath is a must-visit. Moreover, while the resort is popular among novices and families, there is also a championship course for advanced skiers, making this resort suitable for all.