Niseko Annupuri

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Niseko Annupuri

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Niseko Annupuri

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Niseko Annupuri4 out of 5 based on 3 reviews
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An’nupuri Ski Resort

Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort is one of the four Niseko United ski areas and is interconnected with Niseko Village and then Hirafu and Hanazono. Officially known as Niseko Annupuri Kokusai (ie Annupuri International), most people just shorten it to Annupuri.

The An’nupuri village at the base of the ski area is quaint, and much of it has the old-school Niseko vibe whereby it’s retained some of its Japanese-ness and quiet atmosphere. This sleepy part of Niseko is ideal for real skiers and snowboarders who are in Niseko for the powder and not the other types of fluff.

Pros and Cons of Niseko Annupuri

Pros
  • Much of the Annupuri accommodation is less costly than other parts of Niseko.
  • The Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort provides easy access to what’s arguably the best Niseko sidecountry terrain, and it provides the easiest access to Moiwa.
  • The village is close to Konbu Onsen; a hot pot of onsen hotels.
  • It can get a little busy at Annupuri Ski Resort but not to the same degree as Hirafu.
  • The new quad chair lift is a dream for beginners as it accesses some nice mellow slopes and there are easy progressions for beginners.
  • Like the rest of Niseko, the snow quantity and quality are amazing.
Cons
  • As with other parts of Niseko, the Annupuri Ski Resort is frequently over loved by powder chasers. Thankfully it’s a long season from late November to early May so there are plenty of times to avoid the crowds.
  • The foul weather that brings the big snowfalls is also responsible for frequently closing the primitive top lift at Annupuri Ski Resort, which cuts it off from the rest of Niseko United. The upside is that the Hirafu punters can’t get over to Annupuri.
  • Ski and snowboard lessons with an English speaking ski instructor are only conducted in a private format (only ages 6 and up).
Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective
  • Relative to crazy Hirafu, Niseko Annupuri village is a quiet sleepy hollow, and it’s very laidback relative to Niseko Village where the wealthy ski bunnies hang out. There isn’t much in the way of pretty boutiques or party bars, but people stay in Annupuri to chase powder.
  • It’s somewhat time consuming to get to Hirafu if you are seeking vibrant nightlife.

Niseko Annupuri Ski and Snowboard Terrain

The trail map doesn’t look like much and it reflects that in isolation, Annupuri Ski Resort is rather small with only 13 courses and 6 lifts. It’s a skinny ski area between the elevations of 400 and 1,156 metres (756m vertical). Thankfully the slopes are interconnected with the other Niseko United ski areas, and Annupuri also provides access to sidecountry terrain and Moiwa. See the An’nupuri ski resort page for more information on the terrain.

Where is Niseko Annupuri?

The Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort and the village that sits at the base are located between Niseko Village (interconnected via the piste) and Moiwa (interconnected via the piste in one direction).

The New Chitose Airport (Sapporo Airport) is the main gateway airport (114km away) and there are airport shuttle buses and private transfers available. See the travel to Annupuri page for more information.

Annupuri Accommodation

The small Annupuri village sits at the base of the ski area, yet true ski-in ski-out accommodation is limited to the Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri. Within very short walking distance of the Annupuri gondola are a couple of streets where much of the Annupuri accommodation is concentrated, whilst other parts of the village are somewhat spread out.

There are a few Annupuri hotels and other options include lodges, inexpensive pensions, chalets and very close by are Japanese ryokans with onsen.

Annupuri Accommodation Listings

Ski Resort Facilities

Ski and snowboard rentals are available, although not the same variety that you’d find in Hirafu. For Annupuri ski lessons and snowboard tuition, group lessons are only in Japanese, so if you want to know what the instructor is actually saying, paying the premium for private lessons is the only option (ages 6 and up).

Annupuri has a handful of cafeterias and eateries that are located slopeside, so it’s easy enough to stop for a snack or lunch.

Annupuri Restaurants

Don’t expect a main street lined with restaurants, but there is a decent range of Annupuri restaurants if you’re prepared to explore a little. A few places are old school Japanese and only accept cash.

Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri has a few dining options including a lovely izakaya and a funky lounge bar.

Lucky Fingers sounds like a men’s club but it’s a lovely restaurant and bar, serving up very interesting Western/Japanese fusion cuisine including lots of fancy izakaya style snacks. The cocktails are also rather impressive.

Del Sole Caffe Pizzeria is a tiny pizza restaurant (they also do take-away pizza) if you’ve got a hankering for some western cuisine. Taj Mahal is about 1km from the main Annupuri village and has lovely Indian food, whilst Sushi Shin at the Kamui Hotel has absolutely superb sushi and is a branch restaurant of "Sushi Miyakawa" in Sapporo.

For those who are lucky enough to be guests of Lodge 401, the bar snacks on offer are amazing.

Annupuri Activities

In the Niseko region there are lots of Niseko ski guiding options available to explore the powder in the off-piste, sidecountry or backcountry. Niseko cat skiing is also an emerging activity to score plenty of fresh powder, and there are snowcat skiing outfits that cater to intermediate powder riders up to experts.

Specific Annupuri activities are pretty much limited to the kids’ park. For shopping requirements, you’ll want to head into Hirafu.
Tours That May Include Annupuri

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Powder Progression for Skiers
GUIDED SKIER PROGRESSION TOUR
8 Nights | 4 Days Instruction | 2 Days Guiding
Ability: Advanced
Do you charge the piste but struggle in powder? This Niseko and Otaru based tour is an instructional tour with certified instructors and includes day trips to nearby ski resorts.
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share accom for group tours in 23/24 season with exception of snow festival tour.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,647
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Southern Hokkaido Powder Tour
HOSTED & GUIDED ADVENTURE
10 Nights - 8 Days Guided Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
The Southern Hokkaido region scores the most snow and with this lift accessed sidecountry tour you'll get to explore the best ski areas. 3 nights in Otaru, 5 nights in Hirafu Niseko & 2 nights in Hakodate.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share option for group tour for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 3,183
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Hokkaido Powder Tour
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE
7 Nights | 8 Days | 6 Days Skiing/Riding
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Ski waist deep powder, summit volcanoes, take a soak in the natural hot springs and enjoy great food; these are just some of the highlights of this tour. This is a backcountry road trip for those who have an appetite for a real adventure...and are fit.
Price p/p Price is per person based on twin or triple-share rooms
Base/invoice currency is CAD
Displayed price may vary slightly to actual due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 3,104
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Niseko Annupuri 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 Niseko Annupuri 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 Niseko Annupuri 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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Summit Ski Day Guiding
GUIDED DAY TOURS
Private groups only of up to 5 guests
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Day guiding for your PRIVATE GROUP of up to 5 people (or more if you add a second guide) for Niseko area including Rusutsu or Central Hokkaido such as Furano, Asahidake etc. Summit Ski offer instructor/guides for these locations.
Price p/p Price is per person based on a PRIVATE group of 5 for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly to actual due to currency fluctuations
USD 134
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See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Niseko Annupuri here

Heli Skiing Tours

Shiribetsu-Dake Day Heliskiing
DAY HELI SKIING RUSUTSU - 6 RUN PACKAGE
Includes Niseko pickup & lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A heli skiing operation near Rusutsu & Niseko. Make this one of the best days of your life skiing Hokkaido's deep dry powder on a dormant volcano (adjacent to Rusutsu and not far from Niseko).
Price p/p From price based on 6-run heli ski day 2023 rates.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,233
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See all Heli Skiing tours that visit Niseko Annupuri 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 Niseko Annupuri here
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