Niseko Hanazono

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Niseko Hanazono

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Niseko Hanazono

Niseko Hanazono4/52
Niseko Hanazono4 out of 5 based on 2 reviews
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Hanazono Ski Resort

Hanazono Niseko is one of the four Niseko United ski areas and it’s interconnected via the slopes and lifts with Niseko Hirafu and then Niseko Village and Annupuri. The Niseko Hanazono area has transformed itself from being primarily for day trippers to a playground for the affluent at the massive Park Hyatt Niseko, which is now the primary feature of the Hanazono base.

Pros and Cons of Niseko Hanazono

Pros
  • Hanazono Ski Resort is better than Hirafu for beginners due to the gentle slopes and easy progressions.
  • Hanazono is very family friendly, with an enclosed magic carpet, kids’ group lessons (in English), child care, indoor play centre, and other kids’ activities.
  • The Niseko snow is renowned for often being phenomenal, but on those rare days when the sun comes out, the Hanazono snow quality is superior to the other Niseko ski areas due to its mostly north-easterly orientation.
  • Niseko Hanazono has decent terrain parks.
  • The sidecountry is plenty of fun and minimal ingress/egress effort is required.
  • Hanazono can be a nice ski area to play on inclement days because there is a gondola, the two main lifts have hoods, and it’s a fraction more protected than the other side of the mountain.
Cons
  • With the exception of the ritzy Park Hyatt Niseko, there’s negligible Hanazono accommodation so most beginners have to catch a shuttle from Hirafu in order to ski Hanazono.
  • For those staying in Hanazono accommodation, the options for evening restaurants and bars are rather limited.

Hanazono Ski and Snowboard Terrain

Niseko United provides plenty of terrain variety, but Hanazono Ski Resort itself is rather small with only 12 courses. The ski area has a gondola, a 6-person hooded chair lift, a hooded quad, a standard quad chair lift, and a covered magic carpet at the base for novices. The ski area covers 732 metres of vertical drop (308m - 1,040m). Hanazono is mostly mellow and one of the runs near the base is so flat in parts that it sometimes traps snowboarders. The official trail stats are 22% beginner, 66% intermediate and 12% advanced, which doesn’t quite represent the extent of the beginner terrain considering that a few of the red runs are very easy and good for progression. Niseko Hanazono only has one black run which hits a mere maximum gradient of 30 degrees and has an average of only 14 degrees!

Hanazono has some off-piste tree skiing (ie inside the resort boundaries) from Lift #3 and also in the famed Strawberry Fields and Blueberry Fields where freshies seem to last about 5 minutes. And if you don your avalanche safety gear and the Niseko backcountry gates are open, the slackcountry offers amazing tree skiing and there are various options that drop back into Hanazono.

Hanazono Niseko is popular for the terrain park features, which includes a main park with different sized kickers and banks (sadly there is no longer a pipe). There is also a beginner and intermediate park with a couple of boxes and rails.

Night skiing at Hanazono is available from the gondola.

Hanazono has plans afoot to install a gondola in the future to connect with Weiss, which would set Hanazono up to become an even bigger player at Niseko Japan.

Where is Hanazono Niseko?

The Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort and the little village that sits at the base are located between Niseko Hirafu (Hirafu and Hanazono are interconnected via the piste) and the old Weiss Ski Resort where Weiss Cat Skiing currently operates.

See the Niseko travel page for information on the location of Niseko and airport shuttles.

There are shuttle buses between multiple locations in Hirafu and Hanazono that operate every 20 minutes between 7:50am and 5pm. The Park Hyatt Niseko runs shuttle buses for its guests between Hanazono, Kutchan and Hirafu from about 5pm and into the evening during peak season.

Hanazono Accommodation

There isn’t a proper village at Hanazono, with the base primarily consisting of the Park Hyatt and a couple of daytime buildings. The Park Hyatt Niseko offers a range of luxury hotel rooms and suites, along with residences. Otherwise there are only a few options for Hanazono accommodation.

Hanazono Accommodation Listings

Ski Resort Facilities & Activities

Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort has well developed amenities. NISS (Niseko International Snowsports School) offers Hanazono ski and snowboard lessons. Kids’ group ski lessons are available for ages 3-6 whilst ski and snowboard lessons are available for ages 7-17. Adult group lessons are also available, and of course NISS also offers private lessons.

Edge Restaurant & Bar sits near the base of the Hanazono #1 chair lift. It serves up expensive cafeteria food, but it seems that people are willing to pay the elevated prices because it’s often jam packed.

Hanazono 308 is the other base building which has a rental shop, retail shop, the ski school, a small coffee shop, and child care that incorporates an amazing indoor play area. In the late afternoon the play area is opened up for others to use (for a hefty fee). The Park Hyatt features restaurants as well as a very upmarket ski boutique.
[AdListings collection="Japan" category="Niseko" subcategory="Hanazono Rentals"]
Hanazono activities include snowmobile tours, snowshoeing tours, winter horse riding, tubing and Weiss Cat Skiing.
Tours In/Near Niseko

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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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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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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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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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Niseko Hanazono 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 Hanazono here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

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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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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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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