Welcome To The Powder Capital Of The World!
Niseko can arguably be ‘the powder capital of the world,’ and rightly so. Located on northern Japan’s Hokkaido Island, it’s home to some of the top ski resorts in the country. As such it is a bustling playground for ski and snowboard enthusiasts the world over.
Here you will find incredible long trails, tree runs, and large powder bowls. Alternatively, if you’re an experienced skier looking for greater thrills, you may choose to go off-piste. Though not very common in Japan, there are gates leading out from many resorts into the “wilder” backcountry. Also, having a Niseko Ski Pass will get you into all of the resorts we mention here.
And when you are finished with your ski adventure, Niseko offers plenty of après-ski (after ski) indulgence. With trendy bars and restaurants ranging from casual to elegant, relax in style with the most delectable food. Then when the mood strikes, check out the island’s hot springs onsen bathing, a popular activity here.
Here are the Top Ski resorts in Niseko:
1. Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu
As the largest ski resort in Niseko, if you want to be in the heart of ski central in Japan, Grand Hirafu is it! Aside from the vast space and consistently fresh powder for skiing, the après-ski scene here is second to none. There are a variety of courses available, each offering gorgeous mountain views. The resort caters to both advanced and beginner skiers, offering classes throughout the season.
Not a skier? Not to worry, there are gondolas to take you up in elevation for great views of nature, before bringing you back down to shop, eat and drink. And when the sun goes down, the fun continues with a few hip spots such as the jazzy Bar Gyu (also known as The Fridge Door).
This is a great location for families as well, with both couple and family lifts. But the best part for kids is a children’s snow park area with snow-tubing, and an area designated to just let them loose to build igloos and snowmen. Activities such as nature trekking is something the entire family can take part in together.
2. Niseko Village Ski Resort
This ski resort is popular with more advanced skiers, as there are many slopes with a high degree of difficulty for the ultimate ski challenge, with thrilling slopes amidst gorgeous scenery. The First Tracks Cat Skiing is popular – where you can ski down fresh and untouched powder snow. There is also snowboarding, cross-country skiing and even reindeer sleighing to enjoy here! And for the less experienced skier, they will find chair lifts that cater to beginners, with gentler slopes.
The atmosphere is that of a welcoming village, with some shops, restaurants and bars. While this is nearest to the Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, it has a decidedly more relaxed vibe. Spas and excellent hot springs offer relaxation after the ski day.
3. Annupuri International Ski Area
Located on the active Annupuri volcano, this is another popular ski area for overseas travelers and has a distinctly laid-back vibe. Its characteristic gentle slopes are especially good for ski novices who want to experience good skiing for the first time. It is one of the best ski resorts in Niseko for beginners. The rolling landscape of Annupuri has a calming effect as you ride the lifts to your next descent. At night, the lift areas even light up with candles, giving the slopes a romantic air. During New Year’s, Annupuri comes alive with excitement and fireworks.
This is also a great ski area for families, with sledding and other winter activities the entire family can enjoy together. The base and accommodations nearby have several onsen facilities, with relaxing hot springs to get that chill out of you after a good day of outdoor activity.
Both thrill-seekers and more novice skiers can also enjoy backcountry skiing and mountaineering, making Annupuri a great choice for skiers of all experience levels.
4. Hanazono Ski Resort
If you are a beginning skier, this should be your top choice. Here the snow tends to be the deepest, with the most powder. There is a ski school, as well as terrain parks with pipes, rails, jumps and slalom runs. Adults and kids alike will delight in snow-tubing, with thrilling lanes and magic carpets that take you back up to the top. This means that Hanazono is also a great resort for the little ones.
But that doesn’t mean they’ve left out the more experienced skiers. Exhilarating challenges await you if your skiing ability is savvier, with off-piste Blueberry and Strawberry Fields that are well-known as backcountry ski treasures. This resort is known for its fabulous tree courses, in particular.
And when your adventures are over, dine at Hanazono 308, with a range of international foods that can be enjoyed as you take in the magnificent views of the slopes. Lunchtime entertainment with music is available for those that like to take a small reprieve during the day.
The Best Way to Get There
A reliable car service is the most convenient way of getting directly to your ski resort in Niseko. Arrive easily from Sapporo Airport or New Chitose Airport to your Niseko hotel or any other destination via private car service.
With a car service, there is no need to make transportation transfers from wherever you are – a private vehicle will drive you directly from your pick-up point to the ski resort of your choice. All provided cars are clean and comfortable, with ample leg room and plenty of space for your luggage and your ski equipment!
People from all over the world travel to Japan to enjoy the beauty of Niseko’s skiing culture. The resorts readily accommodate for visitors looking to move between different slopes throughout their stay. All in all, Niseko is a place of immense beauty, engaging culture, and some of the friendliest people. Come discover why Niseko is the world’s premier spot for skiers!
Asia Car Service provides private limousine transfers. If you are interested in private car service for your Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Niseko Ski Resort, please don’t hesitate to contact us: bookings@asiacarservice.com.
We’re also excited to offer you a $10 discount on your first service with our company, redeemable with this promo code 10CARBLOG. Just click the image below and get your discounted quote!
