Moiwa
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Many people think that
Niseko Japan is made up of four ski resorts, yet in reality Niseko is comprised of five resorts. The small Moiwa ski resort is often considered to be the forgotten cousin of Niseko. Niseko-Moiwa may be hidden in the shadow of the ever popular “
Niseko”, yet Moiwa can be a superb place to feed your addiction for powder. Away from the hustle and bustle of “Niseko”, the Niseko Moiwa resort (formerly known as La Ponte) receives awesome dumps of snow but minus the hordes.
Moiwa is far enough away from the frenzy of Hirafu so you can enjoy the serenity and the abundant fresh tracks, but also close enough to Niseko to provide easy access to the fun and frivolity of this large ski resort.
Moiwa Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The terrain at Moiwa may be short with only 470 metres of vertical, but it’s very sweet because it’s generally quiet and devoid of any crowds.
The ski resort is serviced by two chair lifts, a covered high speed quad and a 2-seater lift, which provide access to six runs (or courses as the Japanese like to call them). Most of the courses are delightfully groomed, but the main event for powderhounds is the many off-piste lines through the trees, and the delicious backcountry that’s a very short hike away.
Of course the piece de resistance of Moiwa is the snow. Moiwa scores really well on the pow-dometer. The ski resort sits at a lower elevation than Niseko proper, and receives only approximately 10 metres of snow per season, which of course is nothing to be sneezed at. With consistently cold temperatures, the reliability and quality of the snow is very similar to that of the infamous Niseko. This could be the place to partake in some pillow talk and revel in over the head blower powder!
Where is Moiwa Ski Resort?
Moiwa is to the skiers’ right of the An’nupuri area of
Niseko; about 1km via road. It’s possible for intermediate riders and above to ski into the Moiwa village from An’nupuri, and in the right conditions experienced riders can ski over to Niseko via backcountry gate number 6. Alternatively there are free shuttle buses from Hirafu (the main village of Niseko) to Moiwa during the day, an 11km trip that takes about 10 minutes.
From the New-Chitose airport there are shuttle transfer options to get to Moiwa. Alternatively from Sapporo you can catch a train to JR Niseko Station, and then get a 10 minute taxi or bus to Niseko-Moiwa.
Niseko Moiwa shouldn’t be confused with the Mount Moiwa ropeway near
Sapporo.
Moiwa Accommodation
To ski at Moiwa you can stay in one of the Niseko villages (Niseko Village, Hanazono, or the mega Niseko Hirafu) and ski in to Moiwa. Stay in Hirafu accommodation if you want to get the free shuttle bus to Moiwa. See our
Niseko accommodation page for more information.
Alternatively stay in Annupuri or the Konbu Onsen area which is really close to the Moiwa lifts, or there are a few accommodation options near the base of the Moiwa ski area. As an example, Moiwa Lodge provides convenient slope-side access. Moiwa Lodge has traditional Japanese accommodation in twin and triple rooms, or dormitory accommodation for the particularly frugal. They also have two self-contained cottages.
Moiwa Facilities
Moiwa has a snappy new day lodge that houses the ski resort facilities and services. Upstairs is a 200 seat restaurant where you can feast on ramen, udon noodles, hamburgers or fried chicken, whilst using the complimentary wireless internet.
Moiwa ski resort also offers snowboard and ski hire. In addition to standard rental equipment they also hire out fat powder skis. The modern day lodge has large changing rooms and a powder room for the chicks, also one could swear that the real powder room is out in the Moiwa backcountry!
Why Ski or Snowboard at Moiwa?
Moiwa is a little gem and is perfect to take in as a day trip from Niseko. Moiwa has the infamous Niseko snow, but without all the punters and queues. Word is leaking out about Moiwa, so get there quickly before it becomes as well known as Niseko.