Lifts & Terrain
There are four major zones of the resort accessible off the one electronic lift ticket, which are interconnected via lifts at the top of the mountain. The terrain is very varied, but in summary, Niseko is “
deep not steep”.
The
An’nupuri area has great groomed runs but also provides off-piste and tree skiing.
Higashiyama (with the distinctive Higashiyama Prince hotel at the base) is largely a beginner and intermediate area.
Hirafu has something to offer everyone, whilst
Hanazonzo is probably more suited to tree skiers as the groomed runs here do not offer much variety.
There are many lifts including gondolas in Hirafu, An’nupuri and Higashiyama. There are no surface tows, although there are a few slow single chair lifts (affectionately known as the suicide chairs considering there are no safety bars) which work well in the sometimes windy conditions, but if the weather is particularly foul, even these lifts need to close. Once these top lifts are closed, access between Hirafu and An’nupuri is only possible via shuttle bus (or taxi). The hooded chairs and the gondolas are also a godsend on bad-weather days.
If you want some assistance in orientating yourself to the vast terrain, complimentary ski hosting is available through some hotels, tour groups or ground services operators such as
Ski Japan and
Deep Powder Tours.
Generally night skiing is for beginners, but this is not the case in Niseko where the area that is lit up is so extensive that it’s possible to ski the Miharashi trees and other advanced areas. After a little après, it can be incredibly peaceful and surreal bouncing around in the fresh powder under the lights. Be sure to wear a helmet!
The only negative aspect to the mountain, which you may also find in other Japanese resorts, is the annoying music and announcements that disturb the tranquility. You’ll be keen to ski in the trees and out-of-bounds just to get away from the noise.
Beginner Skiing TerrainFor beginners, there are beautifully groomed slopes at the base of the mountain which are well populated with Japanese groups taking ski lessons. It’s quite entertaining to watch the large groups with identical outfits, only differentiated by a numbered bib.
For the Intermediate Niseko is paradise for the intermediate skier or snowboarder. With long groomers and fantastic fall-line, there’s plenty to choose from. The challenge for intermediates that are not used to powder is the sometimes knee-deep white stuff on the groomed runs. This takes a little practice if you’re used to ice or hard-packed snow underfoot, but is a great opportunity to learn to powder ski in relatively easy conditions.
For the Family / Kids Niseko is very well suited to families considering the variety of terrain, and the available areas for beginners. There is child minding available through Hirafu Kids and also through ground tour operators. There are two ski schools that offer ski/board lessons in English for both adults and children.
For the Shredder There is plenty of natural freestyle terrain in the off-piste areas amongst the trees, but there are also three terrain parks offering rails, spines and table-tops, and there’s a half-pipe close to the Hirafu gondola.
Advanced Ski Terrain There are some relatively steep runs at the Alpen Super Course and under the Hirafu gondola. There are also some ungroomed bumps runs, but considering it snows so much, the bumps don’t have much of a chance to properly form. There are no particularly steep on-piste runs at Niseko.
For the Powder Hound Off-piste skiing is permitted in Niseko which makes it a wonderful haven for all powderhounds. There are only small drop-offs so it’s a place where you can improve your confidence, however keep an eye out for large cracks in the snow. Needless to say, these need to be avoided due to the associated avalanche risk, but also because it may take you half an hour to climb your way out! There are many “don’t ski here or you will die”-type signs in popular stashes, so of course, caution should be exercised.
There are many non-secret areas for off-piste and tree skiing including Miharashi trees
at the top of the gondola, the tight trees in Blueberry Fields
(left of Hanazono no.1 lift) and more widely spaced trees in Strawberry Fields
(right of Hanazono no. 1 lift). Take care in Strawberry Fields as we managed to catch the love bug in this area! The Peak walk, which isn’t always “open”, is a 20 minute hike from the top of the no. 4 King lift and will provide you with an awesome kilometre of vertical if you ski it down to the golf course.
There are some amazing out-of-bounds areas which are accessed fairly easily with no or minimal hiking, and have easy exits back to lifts. The An’nupuri bowls
are an example of this and provide for great open and tree skiing terrain. With a little investigating, you’re likely to find your own secret stashes where you’re likely to get away from the crowds and enjoy more freshies.
Have respect for the patrollers who are pretty lenient, and if they’re guarding the entry to an out-of-bounds area, it’s for a good reason such as significant avalanche danger. Trail maps will also indicate “strictly off-limits” areas.
Snow and Weather Conditions Whatever the definition of “champagne powder” is, the powder at Niseko is even better. It’s incredibly light and dry, is in great abundance and is better than anything you’ll find anywhere in the world. No one can really agree on the average annual snowfall, as there’s too much of it to keep track.
The Siberian weather patterns that bring the fabulous snow, also create the wind and the cold, so Niseko is a place where you may need warm clothes, a neck warmer, face protection, and a hat or headband under your helmet. It’s unlikely you’ll get much of a chance to use your sunglasses, and you won’t see the great view of Mount Yotei everyday, so take a photo opportunity when you can. Mount Yotei is a large extinct volcano, which has been known to be mistaken for Mount Fuji.
Powder Hounds Terrain Rating:
