Niseko comes alive in the winter time. With the snow comes a flurry of activities for the whole family, with plenty to see and do on and off the slopes.
The Niseko ski resort, also known as Niseko United, has four major resorts. Annupuri boasts great groomed runs for beginners and intermediates, with access to side-country skiing. Niseko Village, or Higashiyama, is also great for those just starting out and learning. Grand Hirafu offers skiing that’s perfect for all levels and Hanazono offers exciting tree skiing, side country access, the best snow quality, and terrain park fun.
Please take note that the rates displayed on this page are based on 2018/19 figures; and may be subject to change for the upcoming 2019/20 season in conjunction with the increase of the Japanese consumption tax.
Snow Sports
Boarders and skiers love Niseko for its near-perfect snow conditions. Whether novice or expert, the resort is home to numerous ski schools, offering private and group lessons for young and old.
Lift Passes
Our complimentary Concierge service will be able to assist you in pre-booking All Mountain Lift Passes and the Grand Hirafu Only Lift Passes.
All Mountain Lift Passes
To fully experience a Niseko skiing holiday, get your hands on the Niseko All-Mountain Pass from Niseko United. This convenient ticket is your gateway to the most exciting skiing and boarding across the entire resort – that’s access to 28 ski lifts as well as the inter-resort shuttle. Your playground spans Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Higashiyama/ Niseko Village and Annupuri. With an All Mountain Lift Pass, you are entitled to ride the Niseko United shuttle buses for free.
Grand Hirafu Only Lift Passes
These passes allow you access to the Grand Hirafu and Hanazono resorts only – both are more than sufficient for beginners.
Other Passes
The Grand Hirafu Resort offers points and hourly-based tickets, which can be purchased from the ticketing counters at lift bases.
All lift passes include a refundable JPY 1000 deposit, which can be collected when the passes are returned to any Refund Machines.
2018-19 Lift Operations Schedule
Dates: 23 November 2018 – 6 May 2019 : 0830 – 1630
Night Skiing: 11 December 2018 – 20 March 2019 : 1630 – 2100
Note: Dates and hours of lift operation are subject to change and according to snow and weather conditions.
Map of Resort & Trails | Weather & Lift Status |
Equipment Rental
Visitors should ideally collect rental gear on the day of arrival to avoid wasting precious slope time on the first skiing day. Most rental shops do not charge for the day if the rental gear is collected after 3 pm or 4pm (depending on rental provider). If you are staying at an accommodation that provides Ski Valet service, you will not need to lug your equipment with you back and forth. Instead, take advantage of storage for adults’ and kids’ skis and snowboards, heated boot storage, and overnight ski and snowboard tuning service.
Niseko’s Top Rental Shops:
Equipment rentals cost about JPY 10,000 for 3-days of use of skis, boots and poles, or snowboard and boots. Snow gear, such as waterproof jackets, pants and helmets can also be rented, but we suggest you buy your own ski goggles and gloves for hygiene purposes.
If you are looking to store your items before heading out to the slopes, there are paid lockers located at:
- Family base – NBS at Alpen Ridge (Small lockers are JPY500 per day and large lockers are JPY1,000 per day.)
- Dot Base
- Mountain Centre
Ski Schools
We recommend at least 3 full ski days with 2 or 3 half-day lessons in the morning and self-practice in the afternoon. English speaking instructors are readily available in Niseko at Niseko Base Snowsports which operates at the Ace Family lift area, GoSnow which operates at both Ace Family and Hirafu Gondola area, plus NISS, which operates at Hirafu and Hanazono.
Groups of 4 or more people at a similar level may find it worthwhile to book a private instructor as the cost is similar to group lessons. If you are travelling at peak season, it is highly recommended to book lessons at least 2 months before your trip. Please know there are Early Bird discounts if you book by August. (subject to change every season). Morning sessions start from JPY 8,000, per lesson, per person; all-day sessions start from JPY 10,000 per lesson, per person; and 5-day morning packages start from JPY 36,000 per person.
If you are looking for boutique options, or backcountry guides, we work with smaller providers such as Japan Powder Connection, Pure Hokkaido, Hokkaido Ski Club, Propeak, Niseko Winterlab, Next Stage Snowsports – just to name a few.
Cross-country Skiing Cross country skiing is a great way to enjoy skiing at a more leisurely pace, though your legs will still feel the burn! Whether you are just learning or are a X-country veteran Niseko’s fluffy powder snow can be enjoyed in many places beyond the mountain.
Our Concierge team is more than happy to tailor recommendations based on your personal needs. Kindly email us if you require a full price list.
Dining
For a culinary adventure, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Celebrated as the breadbasket of Japan, Hokkaido’s fertile land and bounteous seas have created a treasure trove of fresh vegetables and seafood.
There are quick eats – like ramen and udon – and a wide variety of international cuisines to experience as well.
It is always a good idea to secure reservations at your preferred restaurants as spaces are very limited, especially during peak season. The Luxe Nomad Concierge Service can assist with reservations and other arrangements post booking.
We recommend these spots:
Rakuichi. Anthony Bourdain featured this tiny little soba restaurant on No Reservations and they don’t take any reservations for lunch. They now have become ridiculously popular and often sell out by 1:30pm despite their 3pm closing time. Definitely a must try. Their duck soba and tempura is made right in front of you, and their soba kaiseki dinner, which changes depending on their produce, is fantastic and of great value considering kaiseki dinners in Japan. Bookings for dinner are required as this place seats only 10-12 guest.
Kamimura. If you’re one of the lucky 40 of the night to dine at Kamimura, send our compliments to Chef Yuichi Kamimura. The Michelin-starred restaurant is located on the lobby level of Shiki, so when it’s snowed out, stay in and have yourself a 10-course (mostly French cuisine) dinner, which, depending on the season, can feature Haboro king prawn sashimi and sautéed Sempoushi oyster.
Bang Bang. No stranger to the gastronomy scene of Niseko, Bang Bang has been making a splash for years. Their specialty is ‘yakitori’; skewered meat in a classic Japanese marinade grilled over hot charcoal. If you can’t get enough of Bang Bang (or forgot to make a reservation), Bang Bang 2 is just down the street with a slightly different menu, which includes bento boxes for a super quick meal.
Ezo Seafoods. The freshest Hokkaido seafood includes oysters, scallops and soy-braised rockfish. The restaurant is run by an Australian native named James Gallagher and his Japanese wife Keiko Takaoka. So snag yourself a table and you’ll see what all the fuss is about.
An Dining. Located in Ki Niseko, the restaurant is run by Chef Shinichi Maeda, previously the Head Chef at Sake Brisbane in Australia where he picked up the highly regarded Chef’s Hat in the 2012 Queensland Good Food Guide. Chef Shinichi serves up fresh and simple cuisine with the aim of supporting modest local businesses such as fisherman, vegetable farmers and speciality markets.
Crab Dining Kanon. Excellent crab specialty restaurant.
Sessa Hotpot Famed for its wagyu shabu-shabu, this eatery is not to be missed; you will leave with your tummies warm and hearts fuller!
Abucha 2 Famous for hotpot and contemporary Hokkaido cuisine.
Hanayoshi. Outstanding sushi and sashimi spot, still a local gem. Ask them about their specials of the day. Not much English is spoken but they do have an English menu. Ask for a seat at the sushi counter if there’s just a few of you – it’s always fun to watch the sushi experts at work and ask for “omakase”. Most cab drivers know where Hanayoshi is. If not, please give the driver this address/phone number: 80-2 Hondori Niseko-cho, Abuta-gun, (81) 0136-44-3444.
Sushi Shin. A Michelin starred chef serving fresh sushi and sashimi -definitely not to be missed.
Tip: Feeling like having meals within the comforts of your accommodation? Our Concierge team will also be able to arrange a private chef for you.
Onsen
Niseko has an abundance of natural volcanic hot water springs, making for the perfect therapy for those looking to unwind after a day on the slopes. While some accommodation does include access to private and semi-private onsens, all guests can indulge in a therapeutic soak in many of the resort’s public retreats including Hirafu Tei, Niseko Grand Hotel, Yugokorotei, Kanronomori, and Iko-Noi-Mura. Some are modern in style, and some are traditionally Japanese. Most onsens are separated by gender, although there are also mixed onsens. Access to public onsens starts from JPY500 per adult.
Tips & Rules
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- Tattoos are still considered taboo throughout Japan and you may be denied entry if your tattoo is visible.
- Coin lockers are usually provided for your valuables.
- Onsens are a place for rest and relaxation, although some onsens permit beer to be consumed. Noisy behaviour is considered rude.
- Bathing suits are not permitted. Some onsens provide modesty dress for mixed bathing areas.
- Most onsens provide towel rentals.
- You are required to wash your hair and body thoroughly in the showers before entering the onsen pools.
- Please respect other bather’s space and avoid staring.
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Non-Ski Activities
We understand that not everyone goes skiing, hence here are some suggestions on non-ski activities for some family fun!
Snowshoe Tours. For those seeking a quiet way to enjoy the snow, snowshoe tours are a great low-intensity snow-based activity. A walk around Hangetsu Lake or along the Shiribetsu River is an easy way to experience Niseko’s winter scenery. You can pick between daytime and evening tours based on your personal preference.
Snowmobile Tours.Fun in the snow just does not stop on a snowmobile adventure. It’s the ideal activity when you need a break from the slopes! There’s something for everyone whether adrenaline-packed fun or scenic tours through the countryside. Whether zipping through a travelled course or across a field of fresh powder, ripping along feeling the winter wind across your face is a real rush. Tours can range from a short 30 minutes to several hours, depending on what you are looking for.
Snowbike Tours. Snowbiking is great for thrill-seekers. It is slightly more intensive than snowmobiling and is one step further in the extreme sports direction. Be ready for a day of adrenaline-pumping action.
Day Trip to Hokkaidian Homestead. Learn more about the amazing produce that Hokkaido has to offer, at Hokkaido’s first culinary workshop, Hokkaidian Homestead. Your hosts will take you through an immersive culinary experience where you may sample the best of Hokkaido while basking in the beautiful nature in which the Homestead is set in.
Snowrafting, Snowtubing and Toboggan Riding. The Hanazono Adventure Park, which is situated directly in front of Hanazono 308, offers fun and exciting snow-play activities for all ages. There is a dedicated tube park for children to play in the snow, a 200m sky ride, where you can soar through the air via zipline up to 10m in the air. They also have Magic Carpet rides which take you up and down the park. Activities depend on availability and bookings are not accepted. Activities are weather and snow dependent too. Tubing and toboggan riding is a surefire way to feel like a kid again. You and your kids can race down the slopes.
Snowbanana boat. Not many people can claim they’ve shredded fresh powder on a banana, but you can after a banana boat ride. Blow the minds of your friends on social media with this one!
Sightseeing Gondola. You may go up mountain for sightseeing, with expansive views of Mount Yotei. Round way tickets can be purchased on-site.
Ski Runs
The four most popular resorts in Niseko boasts some of the most diverse ski runs, catering to beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers alike.
The base ski lifts for each resort are the gateway to fresh powder fun.
Grand Hirafu
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- Ace Family Lift – Ace Family Lift is for beginners and is located immediately in front of The Vale, AYA Niseko, Alpen Ridge, Chalet Murasaki and First Tracks – so it is close for all those staying in middle and lower Hirafu. It’s popular with families because it’s a beginner slope and includes GoSnow’s kids’ school and practice area. The Ace Family Pair Lift was upgraded to High-Speed Quad Lift in December 2017.
- Ace Pair Lifts – Located near the Hirafu Welcome Centre and Chalet Ivy, this lift is further uphill than the Ace Family Lift.
- Ace Quad Lift – For intermediate and advanced skiers, this lift is located near Chalet Ivy.
- King Pair Lift – Two lifts located between the Ace lifts and the Holiday Pair lifts take skiers to some fun beginner slopes.
- Holiday Pair Lift – Located near Hirafu Gondola, this lift is suitable for beginners.
- Hirafu Gondola – A covered 8-seater lift more suited for intermediate and advanced level skiers and boarders. Most ski lessons convene at the base of the Gondola.
Niseko Village/Higashiyama
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- Mori-no Chair – Advanced skiers only to the fast track for some ungroomed runs.
- Village Express – Originating in the beginners’ area, this lift takes skiers to plenty of green runs.
- Community Chair – Another short ride to beginner runs on this lift.
- Niseko Gondola – The longest lift at 2,660 meters to some of the best advanced skiing in Niseko Village.
- Banzai Chair – Perfect for beginners.
- Upper Village Gondola – Another lift ideal for those who prefer the beginner slopes.
Hanazono
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- Hanazono Hooded Quad Lift – This base lift is the launching pad for beginner, intermediate and advanced runs.
Annupuri
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- Jumbo Quad Lift – Perfect for beginners, this lift takes snow lovers to Paradise Hut.
- Annupuri Gondola Lift – This lift is best for intermediate and advanced skiers as it rides up 2,274 meters up the mountain.
Kids
Should you need assistance with arranging babysitting or daycare services for your children, our Concierge team will be more than happy to help.
The Luxe Nomad works closely with Niseko Kids Club, which provides these services at the following rates:
Daycare
- Morning (8:30 – 13:00) JPY 9,500 – JPY 13,500
- Afternoon (13:30 – 16:30) JPY 7,500 – JPY 10,000
- Full Day (08:30 – 16:30) JPY 12,500 – JPY 18,500
Babysitting
- Rates go from JPY 10,500 for 1 child, to JPY 16500 (maximum of 4 children per session), depending on the number of children.