Niseko United Resort

Niseko United is made up of four resorts that are located on Mt. Niseko Annupuri. All of the resorts, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village (formally Higashiyama) and Annupuri can be accessed with one lift ticket.

Each resort has its own base area with facilities that include cafes, restaurants, ski hire, snowboard lessons and ski lessons.

Mountain Stats

• Winter season: November – May
• Locals like: Early March & epic night sessions
• Average snowfall: 11 to 14 metres (depends who you ask)
• Lift operation: 8.30am to 9.00pm every day (weather permitting)
• Snow making facilities: Not needed
• Terrain parks: 3 – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono & Higashiyama
• Halfpipe: 2 – Hanazono, Grand Hirafu (sometimes)
• Base elevation: 300 metres
• Highest lift point: 1,200 metres
• Mountain summit: 1,308 metres
• Piste Rating
• Green runs: 30% – novice
• Red runs: 40% – intermediate
• Black runs: 30% – advanced

Download the trail map (PDF)

The Niseko United Resort Family

Grand Hirafu Resort

Grand Hirafu provides the most popular access to the Niseko United Ski Resort as the majority of holiday accommodation is based in the village at the foot of the lifts. The terrain is varied with areas for beginners through to advanced. Access to the peak is also available.

Grand Hirafu night skiing area is one of the largest in Japan, with lifts operating until 8.30pm every night and the ski area open until 9.00pm (weather permitting). Beginners to advanced riders have piste and off-piste terrain available and we highly recommended you try it out!

Hanazono Resort

The smallest resort in terms of lift numbers, however it has some high quality terrain, features and amenities.

Strawberry Fields, accessed from the top of Hanazono #1 is popular for its powder stashes, pillow hits and easy access. It is a little on the short side, but will still get the legs burning. Dropping down from the peak or from the top of the Hanazono #3 lift you can access some great open gullies that funnel down into the trees. The first gully will deliver you back to the base of the lift to do it all again, however the other gullies that are a little wider out and may require a small hike back to the main piste. Be warned, dropping below the cat track will not be a fun hike out.

The park monkeys are also well catered for, with a well maintained pipe, jump and rail lines.

Niseko Village Resort

Start your day with a hot chocolate from the cafe under the Gondola and you day will always be epic!

Niseko Village Resort (formerly Niseko Higashiyama Resort) is often overlooked by visitors to the area and it shouldn’t be!

Home to what can only be described as the sickest terrain in Niseko, Mizuno-no Sawa, this place will tickle anyone’s fancy! The area is not only for advanced rider however, the resort has a variety of terrain to suit everyone. The kids area and first timers are well catered for, beginners have plenty of room to learn and refine their skills over a variety of runs, they also have a green run from one of the highest lift access points on Niseko United. If you like a little cross country skiing, you can take a few laps around the golf course as well.

The amenities are excellent and it is well worth taking a few hours to explore what Niseko Village Resort has to offer.

Annupuri Resort

The majority of the piste at Annupuri Resort is mellow and nice and wide so it is well suited to beginners and intermediates. Advanced riders will be happy with access to the peak and some of the best gully runs in town. You can also ride down to Goshiki Onsen, but the trip back is either a long hike or a taxi ride.

The lifties here always seem to be smiling and love a high five when you exit the lift, it must be the J-Pop and Hip Hop that is played through the sound system. The food in the Rest House is cheaper than other parts of Niseko United, the Rest Hut is a nice little place get warm and have a coffee as well! If you want to lash out on a meal you can also check out the restaurant in Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri.

If you feel like cruising some groomers, escaping the crowds, or getting out in backcountry gullies, Annupuri Resort is a great part of town.