Niseko & Surrounding Ski Resorts

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Niseko & Surrounding Ski Resorts

Niseko Area

The Niseko Area consists of the Hokkaido ski resorts that are southwest of Sapporo. Whilst some Niseko-centric people think Niseko is THE capital of skiing in Japan, we will at least give Niseko credit for being the epicentre of this region. Powder chasing fiends can use Niseko accommodation as a base to explore Niseko as well as the ski resorts near Niseko, the famed Niseko backcountry and Mt Yotei, and the cat ski operations. You can choose to rent a car and undertake DIY exploring, or head on a guided tour and have a guide to drive you around and show you the powder stockpiles.

Ski Resorts Near Niseko

First and foremost is Niseko United which is made up of the four interconnected ski areas. Starting north and moving southwest these are: Next to Annupuri is Moiwa, which is a small ski area that’s relatively untrafficked compared to Niseko United. By road it’s 2.5km west of Niseko Annupuri and 12km SW of Niseko Hirafu.

Rusutsu is 28km southwest of Hirafu (about 30 mins drive). The excellent in-bounds tree skiing is no longer a secret, but it tends to be a little less busy compared to Niseko (which compared to the high profile North American ski resorts is not that busy!).

Iwanai Resort is 40km by road NW of Niseko Hirafu (about 45 mins drive). Iwanai is a very small lift-accessed ski area, with the main attraction being the Iwanai cat skiing above the resort.

Other ski resorts near Niseko that are a manageable day trip from Niseko include those west of Sapporo near the seaside town of Otaru. These include Kiroro (51km NE of Hirafu), Sapporo Kokusai, Sapporo Teine, Asari and Otaru Tenguyama.

Cat Skiing Niseko

For abundant fresh tracks, the region has various cat skiing operations. See the Niseko cat skiing page for more information on the differences between the snowcat outfits and also the cat skiing videos.

Weiss Cat Skiing is at the old Weiss ski resort adjacent to Niseko Hanazono.

Chisenupuri Snowcats operated by Hokkaido Backcountry Club is at the former Chisenupuri Ski Resort, which is next to Moiwa.

Rising Sun Cat Skiing is a 30 minute drive from Niseko; out past Kutchan and north of Mt Yotei.

Iwanai Cat Skiing is by the coast, 40km from Hirafu.

Heli Skiing

Near Rusutsu is heli skiing on Mt Shiribetsu. Winter in the Niseko area doesn’t see too many fine weather days so there can be lots of no-fly days, but if the weather gods are kind, the heli skiing is amazing!
Tours In/Near the Niseko Area

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

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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Hokkaido Unlocked
BACKCOUNTRY TOURING
7 Days | 6 Nights | 5 Days Guided Skiing
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This backcountry bonanza takes in the best Hokkaido backcountry zones in Central Hokkaido and the famed Niseko area. Whilst a lift may be used at times to gain initial vertical, you'll mostly be earning your powder turns yet the rewards will be sweet
Price p/p Price is per person based on min 2 in group for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly to actual due to currency fluctuations
USD 2,680
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit NISEKO AREA 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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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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Niseko Lessons
ON & OFF-PISTE LESSONS AT/FROM NISEKO
For PRIVATE GROUPS ONLY of up to 4 guests
Ability: Beginner to Advanced
Whether you are an absolute beginner skier or snowboarder, or are more advanced looking to improve your powder skiing/riding ability, this program is ideal. PRIVATE LESSONS ONLY of up to 4 guests (i.e. you cannot join a group).
Price p/p From price based on a PER PERSON cost per day for PRIVATE group of 4 in peak season. Full price is 90,000 yen for group for 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY in taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 151
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit NISEKO AREA 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 AREA here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

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 AREA 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 AREA 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 AREA here