Niseko area is one of the best ski areas in Japan and ski/snowboard enthusiasts should check out.
Where is Niseko Area?
Niseko is located in the southwest of Hokkaido, Japan, surrounded by Mt.Yotei to Mt.Niseko-Annupuri to the north.
In winter, the monsoon blowing from Siberia hits Mt. Annupuri, resulting in a powdery snow with little moisture.
This abundance of powder snow is the reason why Niseko has become famous overseas, and Hokkaido's Niseko Ski Resort is probably the most well-known resort in Japan among overseas skiers and boarders.
In addition, with the recent increase in the number of skiers and snowboarders from overseas, restaurants and hotels have become more and more English-speaking, so travelers who don't speak Japanese at all will probably have no trouble with ski trips.
Four ski resorts unite to form "Niseko United"
Four ski resorts in Niseko have joined together to form "Niseko United", which allows skiers to use a common ticket for all four resorts located at the foot of Mt.Niseko Annupuri.
"Niseko United" is the first ski resort in Japan to establish the "Niseko Rules", which respects the freedom of skiers/snowboarders and opens up backcountry areas outside the slopes.
- Niseko HANAZONO Resort
- Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu
- Niseko Village Ski Resort
- Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort
More information : https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/
Niseko Rule : https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/niseko-rules/
6 skiing resorts in Niseko area
Here are 6 skiing resorts in Niseko area.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
At Niseko HANAZONO Resort, skiers/snowboarders can not only enjoy the high quality Niseko powder, but also one of the largest terrain parks in Hokkaido.
There are also events at the park such as "HANAZONO SLOPE STYLE" and "HANAZONO BANKED SLALOM".
Backcountry guide services, snowmobile tours, snowshoe tours, tube parks, and other activities are also available to enjoy the snow to the fullest.
More information : https://hanazononiseko.com/en
Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu
Niseko Grand Hirafu is the largest of the four ski areas in Niseko United.
It is the perfect place to enjoy some of the world's best quality powder snow and of course access to off-piste and side-country areas.
There is also a wide range of restaurants, bars, stores and services for nightlife, and many English-speaking stores, so visitors can enjoy a variety of après-ski activities.
More information : https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Niseko Village Ski Resort has a long, vertical course layout that allows for long runs on powder courses.
Winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fast track cat skiing.
"The Village, a shopping and dining area based on "traditional Japanese townhouse architecture," offers shopping and local Hokkaido cuisine.
The Green Leaf Hotel, Hilton Niseko Hotel, and many other hotels make it an attractive place for a luxurious resort stay.
More information : https://www.niseko-village.com/en/
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort
As with the rest of Niseko, the amount and quality of snow is excellent at this ski resort.
Of all the ski areas in Niseko United, It has the most gates to the side-country and offers a variety of terrain.
There are many quaint hot springs in the vicinity, making it the perfect location for one of winter's most enjoyable outdoor snow baths.
More information : https://annupuri.info/winter/english/
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort is not part of the Niseko United, so it may offer a more local atmosphere than the other four international ski resorts in the Niseko United area.
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort is also a good place to enjoy Niseko powder while avoiding the crowds.
Moiwa is said to have started around 1919 and is known as a ski resort with a long history. It is said that skiing was introduced to Japan in 1911, so it is said that Moiwa was used as a ski resort relatively early in the history of skiing in Japan.
Check out skiing history in Japan here:
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History of Skiing : How Skiing was Introduced in Japan?
Skiing is a popular activity in Japan, and is now enjoyed by many people as a winter leisure activity. Many ski resorts have been built as leisure activities, and the economy revolves around them, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment in Japan. Japan's natural environment provides high quality powder snow known as JAPOW (Japan Powder), which has attracted the attention of overseas ski enthusiasts to skiing in Japan. Skiing in Japan has also become a sporting event, and many Japanese skiers are now active in the sport. What was the trigger for the spread of skiing in Japan? The beginning of ...
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More information : https://niseko-moiwa.jp/
IWANAI RESORT
Iwanai Resort's appeal lies in its cat skiing and untouched powder.
Although the resort has only one lift, cat skiing is the main attraction, making it a ski resort for powder lovers.
There is also a private snowcat service. By informing the guide of the terrain participants would like to ski, the guide will take them where they want to go.
This is a place that truly lives up to its name, "Hidden Hokkaido".
More information : https://iwanairesort.com/
