Niseko (ニセコ) Ski Resort, also known as Shinsetsu Valley, is located in the central Hokkaido region. From Niseko Ski Resort, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the iconic Mount Yotei (also called Ezo Fuji). The area receives an average annual snowfall of over 10 meters, earning worldwide fame for its exceptionally dry and light powder snow. The ski season generally runs from late November to late April, and with abundant snowfall, sometimes the season extends into early May.

Thanks to its heavy snowfall, calling Niseko a “world-class” ski resort is no exaggeration. For this reason, Niseko attracts not only Japanese visitors but also ski enthusiasts from around the world, all eager to experience its legendary powder snow. Whether it’s weekdays or holidays, Niseko is always bustling with people during the ski season.

Niseko is composed of four ski areas: “Annupuri International Ski Area“, “Niseko Village Ski Resort“, “Grand Hirafu Ski Resort“, and “Hanazono Ski Resort“. The peaks of all four resorts are interconnected, allowing skiers to move between them from the top of the mountain. With over 70 diverse runs, there is something for everyone, from beginners to experts. Besides skiing between the different areas from the summit, visitors can also take shuttle buses to other resorts or back to their accommodations. Below is a brief introduction to each ski area (in no particular order).

Niseko United: http://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/index.html
2018-19 Ski Map: http://www.nisekotourism.com/2018-19-niseko-opening-date

<Grand Hirafu Ski Resort>

Among the four ski areas, Grand Hirafu (ひらふ) is the largest and most well-known, with the greatest variety of restaurants, making it the top choice for most Niseko visitors. Based on our past experiences staying in Hirafu, mornings can get crowded with long lines for lift tickets and gondolas. Therefore, we recommend getting in line early for tickets and gondola rides if you are staying in Hirafu.

As the largest of the four areas, Grand Hirafu offers the most ski run choices, including many forested trails. This makes it very popular among snow lovers. The gondola and Ace Lift are open during night skiing hours, which adds extra points for Hirafu. The night skiing run stretches over 2 kilometers, making night sessions even more challenging and fun. Red zones like Jumbo and Center are perfect for intermediate and advanced skiers, while the green zones at the base, such as Holiday and Family runs, are ideal for beginners.

Longest ski run: 5,600 meters
Gondolas / Chairlifts: 1 / 15
Trails: 30 (Beginner: 35% / Intermediate: 40% / Advanced: 25%)
2018-19 Opening Dates: 2018.11.23 – 2019.5.6
Night skiing: Until 8:30 pm (2018.12.11 – 2019.3.20)
Grand Hirafu Official Site: http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/

If you’re looking for Ski-in/Ski-out, consider Hotel Niseko Alpen near the Ace Quad Lift #2, or Ki Niseko near the Hirafu Gondola Station.
Hotel Niseko Alpen: http://www.hotel-nisekoalpen.jp/en/
Ki Niseko: https://www.kiniseko.com/

For hotels with private onsen baths and close to the gondola, consider Hirafutei “ひらふ亭”:
http://hirafutei.info/en/

Besides these hotels, Hirafu also offers various types of accommodations, inns, and B&Bs for snow lovers. You can refer to the link below:
http://www.niseko-hirafu.jp/accommodation/

A breathtaking view of Mount Yotei

<Annupuri International Ski Area>

Annupuri International Ski Area is just as popular as Grand Hirafu. From the top of the mountain down to the base, you’ll enjoy wide-open views and spacious slopes. Compared to Hirafu, Annupuri’s tree runs are wider and cover more area. Annupuri also has more beginner slopes than Hirafu—after taking the lift to the mid-mountain, there are several beginner trails available. From mid-mountain to the summit, there are intermediate and advanced runs for all skill levels. The tree areas inside Annupuri are my personal favorite, but remember, always wear suitable safety gear when skiing in the trees.

Longest ski run: 4,500 meters
Gondolas / Chairlifts: 1 / 4
Trails: 14 (Beginner: 30% / Intermediate: 40% / Advanced: 30%)
2018-19 Opening Dates: 2018.11.23 – 2019.5.6
Night skiing: Until 8:30 pm (2018.12.11 – 2019.3.20)
Annupuri Official Site: http://annupuri.info/winter/english/
For Annupuri accommodations, see: http://annupuri.info/winter/gelande/activity/

<Hanazono Ski Resort>

Hanazono Ski Resort shares ski passes with Hirafu and offers the widest and longest beginner runs among the four areas. Beginners can enjoy the Silver Dream trail from the top all the way to the base—a run of about 3 kilometers. At the base, Hanazono 308 is a Western-Japanese style restaurant, and the bell at the restaurant entrance is a popular photo spot for all visitors. In terms of accommodation, the most convenient choice is the Ski-in/Ski-out Hanazono Resort.

Longest ski run: 4,500 meters
Chairlifts: 3
Trails: 8 (Beginner: 25% / Intermediate: 60% / Advanced: 15%)
2018-19 Opening Dates: 2018.12.1 – 2019.3.31
Night skiing: Not available
Hanazono Resort Official Site: http://www.hanazononiseko.com/en/snow/

Popular photo spot outside Hanazono 308

Beginner practice area with automatic conveyor

Participate in the resort’s snowmobile tours

<Niseko Village Ski Resort>

Because the Hilton Hotel is located at Niseko Village Ski Resort, it is often called the Hilton Ski Area. Those booking package trips to Niseko typically stay at the Hilton. As a true resort, it offers complete and luxurious facilities. While Niseko Village is smaller than the other three areas, it has the most beginner runs, while intermediate and advanced trails are highly challenging—an absolute must-try for experienced skiers. However, snowboarders should note that the lower section to the gondola station is very flat, so if you are not fast enough, you may need to walk to the lift.

Longest ski run: 5,500 meters
Gondolas / Chairlifts: 1 / 7
Trails: 27 (Beginner: 35% / Intermediate: 30% / Advanced: 35%)
2018-19 Opening Dates: 2018.12.1 – 2019.4.7
Night skiing: Until 8:00 pm (2018.12.11 – 2019.3.20)
Niseko Village Official Site: http://www.niseko-village.com/en/

At the base of Niseko Village, there are two resort hotels: Hilton Niseko Village and The Green Leaf Niseko Village. The Hilton is right next to the gondola for true Ski-in/Ski-out convenience. The Hilton also provides a free shuttle bus to Hirafu (guests at The Green Leaf can walk to the Hilton to take the bus).
The Green Leaf Official Website: http://www.thegreenleafhotel.com/en/
Beyond skiing, Hilton Niseko Village offers a range of snow activities, including snowmobiles, reindeer sledding, snow rafting, and snowshoeing.

Source: “Japan Ski Freedom” Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/japansnowlover/