World Famous Powder
Niseko United connects four distinct resort areas across one mountain massif, all accessible with a single lift pass. Each resort brings its own character, terrain, and facilities, while sharing access to some of the world's most consistent powder snowfall.
New Lift Launch
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu’s King Quad Lift #3—reborn in December 2025 as a high-speed 6-seater with heated seats and loading carpet—represents the resort’s largest infrastructure investment in recent years. This upgrade adds 600 passengers per hour, eases peak-period congestion, and improves access to mid-mountain zones.
2025-26 Season Dates
Niseko Annupuri
November 29, 2025 – May 6, 2026
Niseko Village
November 29, 2025 – April 12, 2026
Grand Hirafu
November 29, 2025 – May 6, 2026
Hanazono
November 29, 2025 – April 12, 2026
For current conditions, lift status, and daily updates, visit our Live page or check each resort's website or the Niseko United information portal.
The quietest and most local-feeling of Niseko's resorts, Annupuri attracts those seeking space, calm, and a more traditional Japanese resort atmosphere. The terrain is underrated—long cruisers, excellent tree skiing, and fewer crowds than you'll find elsewhere on the mountain.
Locals’ Tip: Don't plan too much. Just step inside, take a seat, and let the evening unfold.
.svg){kind=icon}
.svg){kind=icon}
Season runs Nov 29–Apr 5; night skiing Dec 13–Mar 22.
Niseko Annupuri Snow School (Japanese-led, SAJ/JSBA certified): Group/private (¥40,000/2hr private, ¥90,000/full day); kids/family programs (ages 3+, play-based).
Niseko Winterlab (English-speaking, Annupuri-based): Custom privates/guiding (¥50,000+/day, backcountry tours); multi-language (Eng/Jap). Book online 1mo ahead; all-mountain access.
Lift and season passes can be purchased from the Lift Ticket Counters of four resorts of Niseko United or online.
Nook Annupuri Rental (base, gondola level): Full skis/snowboards (beginner–expert), helmets/goggles/kids gear; boot fitting, free swaps.
Quieter and more contained than Hirafu, Niseko Village offers a classic ski resort experience—lift access from your accommodation, family-friendly atmosphere, and terrain that includes some of Niseko's most underrated runs.
Locals’ Tip: Best Mt Yotei views can be found in the library-bar area at the Ritz Reserve.
Season runs Nov 29–Apr 5;
Night skiing Dec 13–Mar 22.
Dec 25 – Niseko Village Christmas Day Santa
4:30–7pm: 4:30–5pm
Hilton; 5:05–5:25pm
Higashiyama Ritz-Carlton; 5:30–5:50pm
Hinode Hills; 5:55–6:25pm
Green Leaf; 6:30pm+ Niseko-yo.
Festive photos and cheer.
Plus evening fireworks at Hilton.
Lift and season passes can be purchased from the Lift Ticket Counters of four resorts of Niseko United or online.
Niseko Village Snow School: Group/private (¥40,000+/2hr private), kids programs (ages 3+, play-based).
Rhythm Rides: English/multi-language guiding, specialty powder/backcountry tours. Book online 1 month ahead.
Village Sports (base): Premium skis/boards (Armada, Salomon), helmets, kids gear; boot fitting, free swaps.
Winter First (delivery): Full sets ¥5,000–¥15,000/5 days, to accommodations. 10% multi-day discounts.
The beating heart of Niseko United and the biggest single resort. Hirafu delivers the widest variety: 12 lifts, 50 runs, legendary night skiing, and direct village access to hundreds of restaurants and bars. From gentle greens off the new Ace Gondola and Ace Pair lifts to the steep King and Super courses, it has something for every level.
Locals’ Tip: Grand Hirafu has some of the best hidden dining secrets on the mountain.
2025-26 highlights: the brand-new 10-person Ace Gondola (opened 2024) with heated seats and Wi-Fi; upgraded.
Base facilities (restaurants, rentals, lockers); new summit restaurant at Hirafu top (opening mid-season).
Night skiing until 7:00pm.
grand-hirafu.jp
Swatch Nines Comes to Niseko in April 2026
European Swatch Nines freestyle event will arrive at Grand Hirafu in April 2026 – the event’s first time in Asia. The world’s best riders will come together to experiment, film and push the boundaries of creativity and progression.
Lift and season passes can be purchased from the Lift Ticket Counters of four resorts of Niseko United or online.
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU Ski School: group/private lesson available
Niseko Black: powder & backcountry guiding.
Rhythm Japan: world-class fleet, 3D boot fitting, same-day tuning.
Niseko Sports: Offering top-brand rental gear and expert-certified tuning for safe, high-performance equipment
Hanazono brings a resort-within-a-resort feel—contained, well-designed, and increasingly sophisticated. Known for terrain parks, tree skiing, and a more laid-back vibe than neighboring Hirafu, Hanazono balances playful energy with serious terrain.
Locals’ Tip: Take the free shuttle bus (every 20 minutes) between Hirafu and Hanazono.
Hanazono 308 is the lively family-friendly base.
Grab slope-side meals at Hanazono EDGE (restaurant, café & bar for 500+), fresh coffee and pastries at SPROUT Café, and top rentals at Niseko Sports.
Dec 24 – Hanazono Santa Meet & Greet
3:30pm at Christmas tree (near gondola).
Free "hot apple cider" cookies and fireworks. Presents for kids. First 200 small children.
Fireworks Saturday 2025-26
Saturdays from December 13-March 21
19:00 - approx. 5 min. *Around 17:00 on Dec. 13,
24:00 on Dec. 31, during the event on Feb. 15.
Lift and season passes can be purchased from the Lift Ticket Counters of four resorts of Niseko United or online.
Ski Schools
- Niseko International Snowsports School (NISS): Resort-operated at Hanazono base. Private/group ski/snowboard lessons; multilingual (English, others).
Instruction Options
- Private: Custom, all levels (incl. telemark/adaptive).
- Group: Small (max 6), 5.5hrs w/lunch; Levels 1-5.
- Terrain park coaching: In Yuki kids (advanced); beginner areas for Tic Tac.
Kids' Programs
- Tic Tac (3-6yrs): Play-based beginner, crafts, snow activities, GPS tracking.
- Yuki (7-14yrs): Progressive levels, terrain park/off-piste, passport goals.
Languages
Multilingual instructors from global backgrounds.
Niseko Sports: Hanazono 308 (resort base, Kutchan). Premium/economy skis, snowboards, boots; outerwear, helmets, avalanche gear. Suitable for terrain park.
Diamond X Sport: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono. High-end skis/snowboards (incl. Gentemstick), boots, outerwear, avalanche gear. Suitable for terrain park.
Near By Resorts
Offering a compact scale with just 3 lifts and 8 runs over 470m vertical—ideal for uncrowded, relaxed skiing. Its serene, laid-back atmosphere feels like a locals' hideaway, away from the main resort bustle, with a traditional Japanese vibe and stunning Mt Yōtei views.
Locals’ Tip: Niseko United passes are not valid at Moiwa. Separate lift tickets required.
Adult day pass: ¥13,000 (online ¥11,800)
Child (4-12): ¥3,000 (online ¥2,700)
Senior (60+): ¥12,000 (online ¥10,800)
Hour/point options available
Multi-day: Bundles via Niseko United (¥12,000/day All Mountain).
Buy online/app or Center Lodge counter.
Hours: 9am–3:30pm
niseko-moiwa.jp/lift-pass
Moiwa Rental Shop (Center Lodge base):
Newest model of ski gear is available for rent at the Center Lodge of Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort.
We rent powder boards and powder skis so you can enjoy our resort’s powder snow. It is important to select the best gear for the right condition to enjoy your mountain rides. We highly recommend that you rent gear that are designed specifically for powder snow.
Private: first-time skiers and snowboarders as well as intermediate and advanced level skiers.
Powder: Fine tune your powder skiing and riding levels with specialized powder lessons.
Spring: special spring time rates for all ski levels
