A Guide to the Best Niseko Ski Resorts

During the winter in Japan, Niseko sees many tourists from all over the world. They are here for one reason only: to ski. If you have a passion for winter sports, or are planning on visiting Japan to enjoy snow, mountains, and skiing; then here are the three best places in Niseko. So, if you are traveling to Hokkaido to ski, then read on to learn more about these amazing resorts:

Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu

(image by grand-hirafu.jp)

Every year, many skiers from Japan and abroad come to Hokkaido’s Niseko area in search of high-quality powder snow. Even among the many ski resorts there, Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu is always blessed with opportunities to ski on fresh snow thanks to the large site, and it has also been popular with overseas skiers. With a variety of courses available, you can ski down and enjoy different vistas without tiring of any of them. Naturally, it’s great for advanced skiers, but school lessons are also available for the beginners. There are also activities such as nature trekking. And at the snow park which is off-limits to skiers and snowboarders, there is an area where kids can enjoy themselves playing in the snow so that Grand Hirafu is a place for the whole family to have fun.

During the winter ski season at the resort from November to May, there are a variety of events held such as ski competitions, Xmas events, mini-tours and fireworks competitions. You can also enjoy a superb view of Mt. Yotei from the restaurants. At the Hotel Niseko Aspen adjacent to the resort, there are complete facilities such as a pool and an onsen, so feel free to relax after a day of skiing.

Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu also has lots of fun facilities in the summer. The Summer Gondola from where you can get the perfect view of Mt. Annupuri can rise to an altitude of 820m. It’s filled with facilities such as the Hanazono Activity Center where you can try rafting and canyoning, a golf course and a BBQ area where you can get a taste of the Hokkaido specialty Jingisukan so that you can make even better memories on a family vacation.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 5,600 / Child: ¥ 3,100 

- Guidebook from Planetyze about Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu
- Reviews from TripAdvisor about Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu
- Tours of Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu

Niseko Village Ski Resort

(image by flickr.com)

Mt. Niseko Annupuri at Hokkaido’s Niseko. The lovely natural scene that spreads out there is especially full of winter sports, and during that season, many tourists visit so that they can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. Among the numerous ski resorts on Annupuri, the Niseko Village Ski Resort has a lot of slopes with a high degree of difficulty so that the advanced skiers can enjoy them to their hearts’ content. Furthermore, besides skiing and snowboarding, a variety of other winter sports can be tried out. There are winter activities that can only be found at Niseko Village such as snowmobiling, cross-country snow rafting and reindeer sleighing. For the advanced skiers, there is also the First Tracks Cat Skiing where you can ski down fresh and untouched powder snow. Have an absolutely great time with winter sports on the superior powder snow and the thrilling slopes.

The nature activities where you can get up close and personal with Mother Nature on Annupuri during the warm seasons are also recommended. Starting with the zip line tour using wires and pulleys in the middle of the forest at Pure Activity Center, there are plenty of activities you can try such as tree trekking and horseback riding. Also at Niseko Village Golf Course, you can play a round while getting that grand view.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 5,600 / Child: ¥ 3,100

- Guidebook from Planetyze about Niseko Village Ski Resort
- Reviews from TripAdvisor about Niseko Village Ski Resort
- Tours of Niseko Village Ski Resort

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area

(image by annupuri.info)

Hokkaido’s Niseko is a hit for winter sports due to the superior powder snow which falls during winter. In recent years, along with Japanese tourists, the resort has also attracted an increasing number of overseas tourists who want to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding. Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area is a resort located on the active volcano of Annupuri, and with its characteristic gentle slopes, it is especially recommended for those novices at winter sports and people who want to take that relaxing slide down in the midst of nature. Along with that great feeling of skiing down in the middle of nature, you can also appreciate the calm landscape of Annupuri while on the lift. There are also plenty of areas for the children to enjoy things such as sledding and other snow activities so this is the perfect place for families. During its winter operation while the snow is on the ground, there are a lot of other events held as well. The lift areas are lit up with candles during night operations, and in the New Year, there are activities outside of skiing to get the excitement up such as a countdown fireworks performance. Also around the Annupuri area, there is Niseko Onsen along with many other onsen hotels. How about warming up in a hot spring to rid yourself of those chills at the ski resort?

Even if winter operations come to an end, the Annupuri resort is also great for fun that can only be had in the summer. The 1000m plateau observation point at Annupuri provides a grand view. The observation point can be easily reached by gondola so you can enjoy that walk in the sky. There are also many outdoor activities such as nature tours and trekking so the resort is great for full enjoyment during summer with its grand scenery of Hokkaido.

Admission: Adult: ¥ 6,400 / Child: ¥ 3,500

- Guidebook from Planetyze about Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area
- Reviews from TripAdvisor about Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area
- Tours of Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area