This guide to the best ski resorts in Niseko shows you the top spots for winter action in one of Japan’s premier skiing destinations. This part of Hokkaido has wilderness and consistent snowfall and powder quality throughout the snowy season. Niseko has 4 interlinked resorts located around Mount Niseko Annupuri. Together they’re “Niseko United” and you can access all 4 skiing areas with the Niseko All Mountain Pass.

Each resort offers exceptional groomed courses and off-piste terrain to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Niseko’s après-ski scene varies depending on the resort. While some offer a Western-style atmosphere, others have a laidback vibe. To find out which ski resort suits you best, check out our curated list below.

  • 1

    Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort

    A family-friendly resort for skiers and snowboarders of all levels

    Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort
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    Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort lies on the western edge of the Niseko United ski area on the active volcano of Annupuri. The snow slopes here are mellow, with accessible courses and a 4-person quad chair lift that’s ideal for beginners and families. Even so, advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the thrilling mix of terrain and the long, well-groomed runs.

    The ski resort offers 13 courses and 6 chair lifts. The most popular ski run is the Panoramic Course, which begins at the top of Annupuri. If you’re lucky, and when the sky is clear, you can get a glimpse of the Sea of Japan. Annupuri Village is a sleepy and more family-orientated area, so après-ski options here are more laidback. Most people who stay here come for the powder, not the party.

    Localização: 485 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan

    Telefone: +81 (0)136-582-080

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  • 2

    Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort

    For vibrant après-ski options and magical night skiing

    Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort
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    Grand Hirafu Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Niseko and lies on the southeastern side of the mountain. It's famous for its high-quality powder snow, access to off-piste skiing and snowboarding, and its buzzing nighttime vibe. With 30 courses of varying difficulty and a kids’ snow park area, the resort attracts both families and experienced skiers.

    Non-skiers are also welcome and can take the gondola up and enjoy the panoramic views before descending back down the base. The Hirafu Village is a major drawcard. Because, unlike other Japanese ski resorts, it’s an actual town where you can find many restaurants, bars, and accommodation options.

    Localização: 204 Yamada, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0081, Japan

    Telefone: +81 (0)136-220-109

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  • 3

    Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort

    Internationally renowned for its phenomenal snowfalls and long ski season

    Niseko Hanazono Ski Resort
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    Hanazono Ski Resort is a family-friendly resort in Niseko offering 12 ski courses. While it's not a large and lively destination, its wide-open bowls and tree runs, gentle slopes, and long, groomed trails make it a popular spot for families and thrillseekers. You can also access backcountry gates when you're in the mood for some exciting unique off-piste lines.

    At the base, you can enjoy various off-mountain activities, including snowmobiling, snow tubing, and guided snowshoeing tours. There is no proper ski village in Hanazono. And with accommodation limited to the luxury Park Hyatt, many visitors stay in the neighbouring Grand Hirafu and catch a shuttle to ski at Hanazono.

    Localização: 328-36 Iwaobetsu, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0082, Japan

    Telefone: +81 (0)136-230-103

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  • 4

    Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort

    Uncrowded, with 8 courses suitable for beginners to advanced

    Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
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    Moiwa Ski Resort is a 10-minute drive from the hubbub of Niseko’s 4 main resorts and offers a quieter and less-congested skiing and snowboarding experience. The lack of crowds and gentle slopes make Moiwa a stress-free place for beginners to learn and progress. The longest course runs 2,000 metres, and you can take in beautiful views as you traverse the mountainside.

    It is also possible to ski and snowboard from Moiwa to Niseko United via side-country trails. Moiwa’s facilities include a ski school, ski and snowboard equipment rental, and value-for-money hotels. While dining and nighttime fun are limited here, the area around Moiwa is renowned for some incredible onsen (hot springs) – the ultimate après-ski activity to relax tired legs after a long day on the slopes.

    Localização: 448 Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1511, Japan

    Telefone: +81 (0)136-592-511

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  • 5

    Niseko Village Ski Resort

    Superb deep-powder skiing experiences for all skill levels

    Niseko Village Ski Resort
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    Niseko Village Ski Resort sits between Hirafu and Annupuri ski resorts. With 13 gentle slopes and 2 resort-style ski-in/ski-out hotels, this resort is a popular base for novice skiers and families. The Village also provides some of the longest (5,000 metres) and steepest (a vertical drop of 890 metres) runs for experienced skiers and snowboarders.  

    Children and adults can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling for some off-mountain fun. After a day on the slopes, you can relax at an onsen or dine at one of the Village’s restaurants. When it’s time to sleep, Niseko Village offers a range of accommodation options to suit all pockets, including cottages, boutique townhouses, and major hotel brands. 

    Localização: Higashiyama Onsen, Niseko-Cho, Abuta-Gun, Hokkaido 048-1592, Japan

    Telefone: +81 (0)136-442-211

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Jacqui de Klerk | Autor colaborador