Moiwa Ski Resort

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Moiwa Japan
Moiwa Japan
Moiwa Ski Resort Japan
Moiwa Ski Resort Japan
Modern day lodge at Niseko Moiwa
Modern day lodge at Niseko Moiwa
The Moiwa sidecountry
The Moiwa sidecountry
Moiwa is unintimidating for beginners
Moiwa is unintimidating for beginners
The cafeteria offers a range of Japanese & western fare
The cafeteria offers a range of Japanese & western fare
The cafeteria at the base of Moiwa
The cafeteria at the base of Moiwa
Small ski and snowboard retail shop in the day lodge
Small ski and snowboard retail shop in the day lodge
Small ski and snowboard rental shop
Small ski and snowboard rental shop
An izakaya in the Moiwa village
An izakaya in the Moiwa village
A cute little bar inside Moiwa Lodge
A cute little bar inside Moiwa Lodge
The Moiwa nightlife is reasonably sedate
The Moiwa nightlife is reasonably sedate
Hotel Kanronomori in Moiwa has lovely onsen baths
Hotel Kanronomori in Moiwa has lovely onsen baths
Restaurant at Lodge Moiwa 834 opposite the slopes
Restaurant at Lodge Moiwa 834 opposite the slopes
Moiwa accommodation is mostly very affordable
Moiwa accommodation is mostly very affordable
Moiwa Japan
Moiwa Japan
Moiwa Ski Resort
Moiwa Ski Resort
Niseko Moiwa is popular with beginners
Niseko Moiwa is popular with beginners
Niseko Moiwa
Niseko Moiwa
The Moiwa snow is a highlight
The Moiwa snow is a highlight

Moiwa Ski Resort

Readers Ratings

Moiwa

Moiwa3.5/514
Moiwa3.5 out of 5 based on 14 reviews
  • Recommend
    93%
  • Would Revisit
    86%

Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort

Many people think that Niseko is made up of four ski resorts, yet in reality Niseko is comprised of five ski areas. 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 United, yet Moiwa can be a superb place to feed your addiction for powder. Slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Niseko United, the Niseko Moiwa Resort (formerly known as La Ponte) receives awesome dumps of snow but minus the mega hordes.

Pros and Cons of Moiwa

Pros 
  • Moiwa offers very good lift accessed backcountry, although long traverses are required to get back to the lifts (which isn’t too dissimilar to Niseko United).
  • As part of Konbu Onsen, the area around Moiwa is renowned for some amazing onsen.
  • Much of the Moiwa lodging provides better value for money than Hirafu or the other Niseko villages, and there is inexpensive accommodation close to the slopes.
  • The Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort is unintimidating, unfrenzied and stress-free, so it’s a nice place for beginners to learn.
  • You can ski or snowboard from Moiwa to Niseko United via the sidecountry (if the backcountry gate is open) and return via a trail.
Cons
  • Moiwa is a small ski area with respect to piste and terrain within the resort boundaries.
  • If you stay in the Moiwa village, the options for evening dining and drinking are very limited.
  • Various accommodation providers in Moiwa offer shuttles from Moiwa to other parts of Niseko, but these are not very regular.
  • Without fresh snow, advanced riders will find it very boring, although the same could be said for lots of Japanese ski resorts.
Pro or Con Depending on Your Perspective
  • The courses are uncrowded relative to Niseko United. The off-piste and sidecountry zones are a little quieter than Niseko, although the main easy zones get hit pretty quickly on a powder day. Nevertheless, relative to many ski resorts around the world, Moiwa is still a powder gem.
  • Moiwa is not part of the Niseko United lift pass or the Ikon Pass, but this helps to keep the crowds down.
  • There is no longer a shuttle from Hirafu to Moiwa. This also helps to minimise the powder hunting crowds.

Moiwa Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The terrain at Moiwa is small and short with only 8 marked trails (or courses as the Japanese like to call them) and 470 metres of vertical (330 – 800m), but it’s very sweet because it’s quiet relative to Niseko United. The Moiwa ski resort is serviced by 4 lifts: a covered high speed quad; 2 pair lifts; and a covered magic carpet for novices.

Most of the courses are delightfully groomed and nothing is steep, whilst the main event for powder hounds is the many off-piste lines through the trees, and the delicious sidecountry and backcountry that’s a very short hike away.

Advanced riders can get across to Niseko Annupuri and then onto other parts of Niseko United.
[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Moiwa" subcategory="Lift Tickets"]

Moiwa Snow

Of course the piece de resistance of Niseko Moiwa is the snow. Moiwa receives about 10 to 14 metres of snow per season, which amounts to a very good score on the pow-dometer. The aspect is sunnier than the nearby ski areas, yet with consistently cold temperatures in winter, the reliability and quality of the snow is very similar to that of its famous neighbour. Moiwa could be the place to revel in over the head blower powder!

Where is Moiwa Ski Resort?

Moiwa is far enough away from the frenzy of Niseko Hirafu so you can enjoy the relative serenity, but also close enough to Niseko United to provide easy access to the fun and frivolity of this large ski resort.

Moiwa sits on the same mountain as the Niseko United ski resorts, to the skiers’ right of the Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort; about 1.8km via road. It’s possible for intermediate riders to ski into the Moiwa village from An’nupuri via the piste (but not back), and in the right conditions experienced riders can ski over to Niseko via backcountry gate number 6.

Some of the hotels and lodges in the Moiwa area provide shuttles across to Niseko United (e.g. to Annupuri).

From the New-Chitose Airport there are shuttle transfer options to get to Moiwa.

Niseko Moiwa shouldn’t be confused with the Mount Moiwa ropeway near Sapporo.

Moiwa Accommodation

Moiwa Accommodation Listings

If you’re really looking for inexpensive Moiwa accommodation, check out Lodge Moiwa 834. The lodge provides modern capsule accommodation, and it’s only 1 minute walk to the slopes.

Moiwa Lodge is just a few minutes walk to the lifts. This Moiwa accommodation is popular with powder skiers and boarders who don’t need the frills of Hirafu, and enjoy hanging out with like-minded pow chasers in the lounge areas, restaurant and bar. The affordability is probably also a drawcard. Accommodation options include twin, triple and family rooms with private toilet and wash basin, and self-contained cottages. They also have dormitory accommodation for the particularly frugal. For those that don’t want to ski at Moiwa, free shuttles are provided to Annupuri of Niseko United.

Hotel Kanronomori is a beautiful Japanese hotel that has fantastic indoor and outdoor onsen baths on-site. It's located about 700m from the lifts, and shuttles are provided to the Moiwa slopes, Annupuri and Hirafu.

One Niseko Resort Towers is a deluxe hotel located near the base of Moiwa Ski Resort, with rooms ranging from studios to massive grand suites that sleep up to 5 adults.

To ski at Moiwa you can also stay in one of the Niseko villages (Niseko Village, Hanazono, or the mega Niseko Hirafu). Stay in Hirafu accommodation if you want to get the free shuttle bus to Moiwa. See our Niseko accommodation page for more lodging options.

Moiwa Facilities

Moiwa has a modern day lodge that houses the ski resort facilities and services. Upstairs is a restaurant where you can feast on ramen, udon noodles, pizza, hamburgers or fried chicken.

The day lodge also has a small ski and snowboard rental shop, and large changing rooms and a powder room for the ladies, although one could swear that the real powder room is out in the Moiwa backcountry!

The Moiwa ski school offers snowsports lessons in a private format.

[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Moiwa" subcategory="Lessons"] [AdListings collection="Japan" category="Moiwa" subcategory="Rentals"]

Moiwa Restaurants & Bars

The base area of Moiwa has very limited options for evening dining and nightlife.

[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Moiwa Restaurants"]   Nearby at One Niseko Resort is the Tura Restaurant and One Bar, which is a very sedate whisky bar.

A little further afield at Hotel Kanronomori is Restaurant Cullinet which requires a reservation, and Restaurant Creo which serves snacks and a la carte meals.
Tours That May Include Moiwa

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Hokkaido Storm Chaser
GUIDED STORM CHASING SAFARI
7 Days | 6 Nights | 6 Ski Areas
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Chase the storms and access the deepest and best quality snow conditions on the day in the Otaru area and Central Hokkaido's world famous deep dry powder.
Price p/p Displayed price may cary slightly due to exchange rates fluctuations
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Price includes 13% tax.
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Price includes 13% tax.
USD 2,807
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Hokkaido Fix
NISEKO, CENTRAL HOKKAIDO & SAPPORO
8 to 10 Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This CUSTOMISABLE guided backcountry tour starts in NISEKO & then heads to CENTRAL HOKKAIDO in pursuit of some of the deepest & driest snow on the planet. The tour finishes with a day chasing powder around Sapporo (TEINE & KOKUSAI).
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share based on group of 5 (per person) for 8 day trip for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,204
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Hokkaido Explorer Tour
FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED TOUR
12 Nights - 10 Ski Areas - 10 Days Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Chase the best conditions and snowfall in the side country at Hokkaido's best ski areas. Based in the city of Asahikawa, then Furano, Otaru & Niseko.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option per person for first & last group tour for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,585
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Moiwa here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Otaru & Niseko Powder Chaser
HOSTED POWDER CHASING TOUR
7 Nights | 6 Days Chasing Powder
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are on a budget but still want to ride all of the best spots around Niseko & Otaru then this package/tour is for you! Join as a solo traveller or small group or book the entire 5 spots!
Price p/p Price is per person based on a group of 2-5.
Base currency is Japanese Yen/invoice currency is AUD
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,010
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Niseko Guiding
GUIDING IN/FROM NISEKO or OTARU
For PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are in Niseko or Otaru with a group, a day or multiple days of guiding at Niseko or nearby ski areas will make sure you get to the powder stashes (off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry). PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 6 guests (i.e. you cannot join a group).
Price p/p From price based on a PER PERSON rate per day for PRIVATE group of 6 in peak season. Full price is 110,000 yen for group in peak season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 123
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BDT Lift Assisted Backcountry Tours
LIFT ASSISTED BACKOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours for a day or more of guided powder hunting in Niseko or one of the nearby resort or backcountry areas with your own PRIVATE GROUP. Areas include Niseko backbowls, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Teine & Kokusai. Primarily lift accessed so minimal hiking.
Price p/p From price based on 1 day tour per person - 5 people in private group (lift tickets not included) for 23/24 season inclusive of tax.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 147
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Moiwa here

Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area Tours

Guided Photography Tours
GUIDED PHOTOGRAPHIC TOURS
Half & Full Day Package | Private Groups Only
Ability: Beginner to Expert
Experience Niseko’s world-famous powder snow with your guide and professional photographer. Incredible snow… the best zones… epic shots!! Private groups only of up to 5 in a group. Suited to all abilities.
Price p/p Form price based on half-day package per person in a private group of 5
base/invoice currency is JPY
Displayed price might vary slightly from actual due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 114
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See all Single-Base, Single-Ski-Area tours that visit Moiwa here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Backcountry Touring Day Trips
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY DAY TOURS
Niseko & Surrounding Areas | Private Groups Only
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Ideal if you are staying in NISEKO and are looking for a guided BACKCOUNTRY day in or around Niseko. These day tours are specifically for those who are happy to earn their turns and are for private groups of 1 - 5 guests (but 6 - 7 is also possible with a tail guide).
Price p/p From price based on PER PERSON for a PRIVATE GROUP of 5 guests in shoulder season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 119
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BDT Guided BC Day Tours
PRIVATE GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOURS
Niseko Area | Shiribetsu & Yotei
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Join Black Diamond Tours on an epic day (or days) of guided backcountry skiing or riding near Niseko. Ideal for private groups. Areas include Niseko backcountry areas, Shiribetsu, lower Mt Yotei or Yotei summit (weather pending).
Price p/p From price based on 1 day of guided backcountry skiing/riding per person (5 guests in your group e.g. 110,000 yen total).
Base/invoice currency is in JPY ex taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 147
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Lift Access Day Tours
GUIDED LIFT ACCESS DAY TOURS
Niseko & Nearby Areas | Private Groups Only
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
If you are staying in NISEKO and are looking for a guided day at Niseko or a RESORT NEARBY this could be the trip for you. This tour aims to use the lifts where possible to minimise hiking. These tours are ideally for private groups of 1 - 5 guests or up to 6-7 can be accommodated with a tail guide.
Price p/p From price based on a PRIVATE GROUP of 5 guests, PER PERSON in shoulder season for 23/24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 119
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Moiwa here

Cat Skiing Tours

Iwanai Cat Skiing Day Package
MIXED GROUP DAY CAT SKIING
7 - 9 Runs
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Iwanai Cat Skiing serves up powder runs of 450-680m of vertical bliss, with 6 to 9 runs for the day. Located near Niseko, the Iwanai Resort snowcat skiing terrain scores masses of snowfall. Ideal for advanced riders with powder experience for group tours or strong intermediates for private snowcat.
Price p/p Price is per person per day
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations. Price includes 8% sales tax
USD 871
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Chisenupuri Cat Skiing
UNGUIDED CAT SKIING NEAR NISEKO
Single Day, Pick Up & Return Niseko
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Unguided cat skiing near Niseko is at the former ski resort of Chisenupuri. You have the freedom to explore and it is ideal for apprentice powder hounds or advanced riders heading to Niseko. Chisenupuri cat skiing is a lust-do! Finish the cat ski day with a soak in an amazing onsen.
Price p/p Price is per person per day inclusive of tax
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 570
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Niseko Cat Skiing Day Tours
NISEKO DAY CAT SKIING
Single Day Guided, Inc. Lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A day of awesome guided cat skiing near Niseko in backcountry terrain with some steep lines, technical trees, and pillows and mushrooms. The snowcat skiing is ideal for those craving bottomless untracked powder runs.
Price p/p From price is per person for 23/24 season (min 4 persons required to operate)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese yen in taxes
*display price may vary slightly with fluctuations in currency
USD 529
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See all Cat Skiing tours that visit Moiwa here
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