A beautiful town located at Hokkaido Island; Niseko is a must-visit winter destination for people looking to play with powder snow. This town features five ski resort that each has its charm. If you want less crowdy places, you should visit the underrated Moiwa Ski Resort. In case you’re looking for a more challenging slope, then opt for Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu. But aside from the ski resorts, this place also features numerous hot spring resorts, known in Japan as onsen. You will also love playing golf here with a view of the snow-capped mountain peaks. In case you’re still on the lookout for the best ski resorts to suit your preference, read on, and discover our list of the top ski resorts in Niseko, Japan.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to ski slopes and equipment. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on {{date}}.
1. Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
An underrated and almost forgotten ski resort in Niseko, Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort is small in area and has low elevation with only 10 meters (32.81 ft) of snow every winter, but what makes it a must-visit resort is its powdery snow. If you want a smaller crowd, then you’ll love this place and its fresh tracks. Its course has only 470 m (1541.99 ft) of vertical, but what it lacks in the elevation, it makes up for its quietness and tranquility. In case you want a more challenging course, the resort offers an off-piste line through the trees. Another good thing about this property is it has easy access to the large resorts in Niseko.
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Address: 448 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan
Website: Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Opening hours: 8am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 3,300 JPY or 30.63 USD
2. Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area
Relatively small compared to the other Niseko United Ski Areas, Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area features 13 courses and 6 ski lifts, and allows night skiing. The courses here range from beginner to advance and is often crowded. Thankfully, the winter season here is longer, giving you a chance to escape the crowd. Another good thing is this place just sits at the base of the Annapuri Village. The village is quite an attraction for it somewhat retain its Japanese style, unlike other villages. For the facilities in the resort, they have ski schools, equipment rental, kid’s area, as well as an on-site restaurant.
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area
Address: Niseko-485 Niseko, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan
Website: Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Ski resorts near Niseko
3. Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
One of the largest winter parks in Japan and the largest ski resort in Niseko, Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu features an eight-seater express gondola, two ski centers, and many courses that range from beginner to advanced slopes. The most difficult terrain here is “the Peak” that poses a challenge even for expert skiers. The Hirafu Village, where the ski resort is located, offers a unique atmosphere for its wide array of restaurants, cafes, and bar. Also, another must-try activity is skiing at night with powder snow while looking at the spectacular night view and breathing the fresh mountain air.
Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
Address: Japan, 〒044-0081 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, Kutchanchoji Yamada 204
Website: Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu
4. Niseko Village Ski Resort
Located in the center of the United Ski Area, between Annupuri and Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village Ski Resort features a large variety of courses ranging from beginner to expert and the steepest slopes. The slopes here are well-groomed and have the beautiful backdrop of the Yotei Mountain, making it a photographer’s heaven. If you’re a beginner, you should ski at the base but if you’re an advanced skier and want some challenge, you better take the lift to the peak and go on an exciting descent. You should also drop by the neighborhood near the ski area, where you’ll find lots of charming cafes, restaurants, bars, as well as the famous Milk Kobo dairy.
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Address: Higashiyama, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1592, Japan
Website: Niseko Village Ski Resort
5. Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort
Whether you’re in Hanazano for skiing, food, or its snow, Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort will make sure that everything you need is available. With its vast area, you’ll find here the deepest and the most powdery snow you’ve ever experienced. This resort is very popular for its high falls of powdery snow and long ski months, starting from the start of December up to April. It is a most sought-after ski area for its tree courses and wide open areas. Also, they have other facilities here such as an in-house ski school, equipment rental, and many activities like tubing for the kids, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and more.
Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort
Address: 328-36 Iwaobetsu, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun 044-0082, Hokkaido
Website: Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4pm (daily)
Beautiful Niseko
There’s more to this Hokkaido town than its powder snow. All you have to do is explore and visit the quaint and attractive villages. Finally, make sure you try skiing and snowboarding in its ski resorts. And don’t forget to take many photos, for there’s no such thing as too many when it comes to hoarding memories. Check out our list of the best ski resorts in Niseko, Japan, for your guide.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to