Niseko
Part Of Niseko Shakotan Otaru Kaigan Quasi National Park · Kutchan, Hokkaido
A ski area in western Hokkaido, on the slopes of Mount Niseko Annupuri, that has become one of the best-known winter destinations in the world for its powder snow. Cold, dry winds from Siberia pick up moisture over the Sea of Japan and drop it as light, deep snow, often many metres over a season. Four linked resorts, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri, share the mountain and can be skied on a single all-mountain pass, with gates opening to the backcountry when conditions allow. Night skiing on floodlit slopes is a local speciality. Across the valley rises Mount Yotei, a near-perfect volcanic cone known as the Fuji of Hokkaido. Grand Hirafu village has grown into an international resort town, full of Australian and Asian visitors, with modern chalets, bars and high prices, while hot-spring baths are scattered around the area. In summer the area turns to rafting, hiking, cycling and golf. Niseko is about two to three hours by road from New Chitose airport or Sapporo, and accommodation in peak season sells out far ahead.
Hirafu, Kutchan-cho, Kutchan, Hokkaido, 044-0080, Japan
NO OPENING TIME HERE WAS CHECKED. The structure: lifts run in the day from about 8:30 am to about 4 pm, with night skiing on floodlit lower slopes into the evening on most of the season; upper lifts and the gates often close in wind or storms. The season runs roughly from early December to early April. Traps: upper lift closures in storms mean the resorts may not link; shuttle buses and taxis are scarce late at night; some restaurants close on set days. Confirm times and conditions before relying on them.