Niseko is internationally acclaimed for having some of the best snow and resorts in the whole of Japan. Whether you go during summer or winter, these mountain slopes hold many hours of fun for you to enjoy. Niseko’s breathtaking views and ease of access ensure that visitors return year on year. Niseko United’s Big 4 and the independent Niseko Moiwa offer the ideal range of terrain for all skill levels. To help you choose your ideal base, we’ve pulled together this list of the best places for skiing and snowboarding in Niseko, Hokkaido, the North Island of Japan. Unearth its secrets today and book your ideal ski holiday this winter season!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 25, 2025.
Top ski resorts in Niseko
| Ski Resort | Skill Level Suitability | No. Of Lifts | Ski Season Opening Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU | 45% beginner; 28% intermediate; 27% advanced | 10 | November 30, 2024 - March 31, 2025 |
| Niseko Hanazono Resort | 38% beginner; 39% intermediate; 23% advanced | 4 | November 30, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
| Niseko Village Ski Resort | 36% beginner; 32% intermediate; 32% advanced | 8 | November 30, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
| Niseko Annupuri | 44% beginner; 36% intermediate; 20% advanced | 6 | November 30, 2024 - May 6, 2025 |
| Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort | 30% beginner; 40% intermediate; 30% advanced | 3 | November 30, 2024 - April 6, 2025 |
Ski resorts in Niseko
1. Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 - March 31, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: 45% beginner; 28% intermediate; 27% advanced
- Lift details: 10 lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (11 Niseko United and Moiwa backcountry gates specified here)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
2. Niseko Hanazono Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: 38% beginner; 39% intermediate; 23% advanced
- Lift details: 4 lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (backcountry tours here)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Niseko Hanazono Resort
3. Niseko Village Ski Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: 36% beginner; 32% intermediate; 32% advanced
- Lift details: 8 lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (backcountry tours)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Niseko Village
4. Niseko Annupuri
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 - May 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: 44% beginner; 36% intermediate; 20% advanced
- Lift details: 6 lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (11 Niseko United and Moiwa backcountry gates specified here)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Niseko Annupuri
5. Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Resort information:
- Season opening date: November 30, 2024 - April 6, 2025
- Nearest international airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS) (2-hour drive)
- Suitable for: 30% beginner; 40% intermediate; 30% advanced
- Lift details: 3 lifts
- Off-piste/backcountry: Yes (2 Niseko Moiwa backcountry gates specified here)
- Ski lessons: Available
- Ski equipment rental: Available
- Family-friendly: Yes
- Official website: Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Accommodations near Niseko United and Moiwa ski resorts
Ki Niseko
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes
- Nearest lift: Holiday Pair Lift #1 (ski-in ski-out); King Gondola (100 meters/328 feet)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Ki Niseko is an award-winning boutique hotel that’s comfortable and ideally placed - you can’t get any closer to the action than this! Accommodation options include condos, penthouses, and standard hotel rooms. Some rooms include breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei and Mt. Annupuri. Before and after you hit the slopes, you can take advantage of the ski valet services on the second floor, which are complimentary for guests!
Book Your Stay: Ki Niseko
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes
- Nearest lift: Hanazono Hooded Quad #1 (7-minute walk)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Enjoy a luxurious night’s sleep after a day on the slopes at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono. There are 100 rooms available, but we recommend booking one of the 28 suites - particularly the Deluxe Suite with a private onsen for the ultimate winter holiday experience. Other services include ski valet, equipment rentals, snowmobile experiences, and more.
Book Your Stay: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
Hilton Niseko Village
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes
- Nearest lift: Niseko Gondola (ski-in ski-out)
- Onsen: Yes
- Ski storage: Yes
Hilton Niseko, located at the base of Mt. Annapuri, is a great option for those planning to ski at Niseko United. The suite room includes an onsen bathtub, views of the mountain, and 250-thread-count sheets so you can enjoy perfect slumber after a long day of snowboarding.
Book Your Stay: Hilton Niseko Village
Spacious guest suite in the woods
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 5-minute drive to Grand Hirafu Base
- Nearest lift: Hanazono lifts (10 minutes)
- Onsen: No (off-site only)
- Ski storage: No
This guest suite is ideal for a group of six planning a Niseko ski trip. It’s in a quiet location so you can escape the busy resort crowd when you’re done for the day. Convenient amenities for a longer ski trip include a washer/dryer, Wifi, and a kitchen with a view of Mt. Yotei. While there’s no on-site onsen, there are some places within a 10 to 20-minute drive, so you can still enjoy the experience before you head back to your accommodation.
Book Your Stay: A4: In the Woods Yotei View Hirafu/Hanazono 80sqm
Lodge 401
- Ski-in ski-out: Yes (Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Ski Area)
- Nearest lift: Annupuri lift (2-minute walk)
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
Couples or solo ski enthusiasts will enjoy the location and amenities of this accommodation. The nearest lift and ticket counter at Annupuri is less than 2 minutes on foot - so convenient! There’s no kitchen, but breakfast is provided so you can fill up before strapping on your skis. The property is also equipped with thick carpets and heating, ensuring a comfortable stay even in deep winter.
Book Your Stay: Lodge 401 Niseko. Double/Twin Room 205
Sekka Ni 1
- Ski-in ski-out: No
- Distance to ski area: 1.1 kilometers (0.68 miles) to Niseko Grand Hirafu Base
- Nearest lift: Hirafu Gondola (1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles))
- Onsen: No
- Ski storage: No
While this property may not be ski-in ski-out, it still has a couple of great things going for it: proximity to restaurants and bars for après-ski and free ski slope shuttle services to three of Niseko United’s resorts: Annapuri, Hirafu, and Hanazono. The shuttle runs from 8 am to 10 am and 2 pm to 3:30 pm during the winter season, so you don’t need to worry about bringing a rental (and figuring out where to park!) Other convenient services include concierge for ski hire and lift passes.
Book Your Stay: Sekka Ni 1 - Intimate 1BR Studio in Hirafu
Experience Niseko's top resorts this winter season
The variety of terrain, accommodations, and après-ski activities found at Niseko make it a veritable hotspot for international skiers. Plus, the incredible view of Mt. Yotei as you speed down the slopes doesn’t hurt! If you’ve never spent a winter season in Japan, Niseko is the perfect choice to experience Japan’s famous powder snow.
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