Niseko Ski Resort (Niseko United) Travel Guide

To find some of the best ski resorts to experience the exciting winter Japan tour, Hokkaido could be your first option. Home to a number of renowned ski resorts, Niseko United stands out as a favorite of skiers around the world for its rare powder snow and first-class service. Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about Niseko United, and hopefully, you will be better prepared before your skiing vacation in Niseko.

Why Is Niseko United Worth Visiting

Niseko United has been voted Japan's best ski resort in the World Ski Awards several times, and with its globally hard-to-find powder snow and more than 70 trails of all levels, it's a skiing paradise whether you're a beginner or an expert. The tree runs and terrain parks bring an exhilarating experience for the adventurous skier. The night skiing immerses everyone in the charm of riding on the snow under the mesmerizing moonlight and twinkling stars.

One of the highlights of the service at Niseko United is the ski-in ski-out hotel. Skiers can enter the piste directly from the hotel entrance, and ski into the hotel on their return, making the whole process smooth and time-saving. In addition, there is an abundance of delicious food for you to enjoy, and natural hot springs (onsen) to sweep away your fatigue after skiing.

Skiing in Japan

Best Time to Go to Niseko United

The snow season in Niseko is from December to May, when the ski slopes are open, with the peak season from mid-December to mid-March. Powder snow is of the best quality in peak season and offers the best skiing experience. Ski ticket prices and hotel prices are discounted during the off-season (early December and late March through May), you can enjoy more ski space, and there are no lines.

The 4 Ski Resorts of Niseko United & Which One Is Right for You

Niseko is located in the southwestern corner of Hokkaido, just a 2-hour drive from Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city. Niseko United consists of four ski resorts, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri, and Hanazono, which stretch along the slopes of Mount Niseko Annupuri in different directions.

Each resort boasts chairlifts and gondolas that take you to the top of the mountain with ease. The rental stores at each of the four resorts offer skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, poles, goggles, and other ski gear for all skill levels and ages.

Niseko United

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu

Grand Hirafu is the largest and most visited, with the steepest (44 degrees) and longest (5,300 meters) runs of the four resorts to keep seasoned skiers entertained, as well as lower elevation runs for beginners to practice on. It opens every day from December to May from 8:30 am to 7 pm.

Niseko Village Ski Resort

Niseko Village has the most trails of the four resorts (27), ranging from steep, ungroomed forested trails for seasoned skiers to gentle trails for beginners. It is open every day from December through April from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm.

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area

Annupuri is popular for beginner skiers and family ski vacations. With a tree skiing area for seasoned skiers, wide and gentle runs for beginner skiers, and a children's ski area, Annupuri is open every day from December to May from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with mid-December to mid-March open until 7:30 pm.

Niseko Hanazono Resort

Hanazono boasts Niseko's finest powder snow, with corduroy-like trails for all levels, huge snowparks, as well as snowmobile rides and snow-rafting areas for families. It is open every day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from December through April, with mid-December through mid-March open until 7 pm.

How Much Is the Ticket of Niseko United

You can buy the All Mountain Pass, which covers all four ski resorts, or you can buy respective tickets for each ski resort, of which the Grand Hirafu and Hanazono tickets are shared with each other. The price of a one-day adult ticket during the regular season (mid-December to mid-March) fluctuates between 47-54 USD.

A one-day All Mountain Pass during the regular season costs 64 USD for adults, 51 USD for ages 13 to 15 and 65+, and 38 USD for ages 4 to 12. You can choose the Multiple-day All Mountain Pass for up to 14 days, and the more days you have, the better the average daily price will be. At other times when the resorts are open (early December and late March through May), All Mountain Pass and the respective fares at each resort are also cheaper.

Accommodations at Niseko United

Whether you want ski-in ski-out hotels, luxury condos, boutique townhouses, or cozy apartments and chalets, Niseko has them all. Each of the four ski resorts also has its own special accommodation, which you can choose according to your needs.

Grand Hirafu's accommodation area is the best integrated with its ski area. The upper half of the accommodation area has many ski-in ski-out hotels, allowing you to experience the fun of skiing without interruption. The lower half of the accommodation area is best suited for families and groups, with boutique townhouses and luxury condos, which are located next to the family chairlift.

If you are used to staying in large hotels, Niseko Village has Niseko's only Hilton hotels. Annupuri is for travelers looking for tranquility and relaxation, with a wide range of chalets and pensions, as well as a number of hot springs. Hanazono has luxury mountain retreats with forest views, featuring spa facilities, swimming pools, fitness centers and more.

Hotel With Hot Springs

Restaurants at Niseko United

Niseko's restaurants are numerous. Grand Hirafu has the largest number of restaurants and cafes, with best-reviewed Japanese restaurants and a variety of bars and izakaya; Annupuri's signature is the BBQ house and pizza restaurant, where the food is first class; Hanazono's restaurants are most popular at midday, with Michelin restaurants serving a variety of Western and Japanese dishes; Niseko Village is popular for sweet tooths, with its dairy farm making all kinds of cakes, tarts and ice cream.

How to Get Around at Niseko United

Niseko operates buses at all four resorts, which are free for ski ticket holders, and there are also free shuttle buses at Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. At all four resorts, there are cable cars connecting the base of the mountain to the top, you don't need to hike up to the starting point and down the mountain.

How to Get to the Ski Resort of Niseko United

After arriving at the New Chitose Airport in the southwest of Hokkaido there will be a 2-hour car ride to take you to Niseko. As for the train lovers, there are also JR trains from New Chitose Airport, which takes about 2.5 hours to get to Kutchan Station, from where a 15-minute drive will lead you to the Welcome Center of Niseko United.

How Many Days to Spend at Niseko United

As one of the most famous ski resorts, Niseko caters to all the common necessities of life, making many skiers take it as a destination for long-term vacations and ski practice. You can spend 3 days here to feel the charm of this exciting activity, or one week to experience the ski slopes in all four resorts as well as the restaurants and hot springs. If you are a ski lover, it is recommended to extend your journey here as long as possible because of the quality powder snow available in Niseko for up to 3 months.

Skiing in Japan

Tips for Skiing at Niseko United

To prevent injuries, please warm up for 15-30 minutes before skiing, especially the shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, wrist, and finger joints and the leg muscles, until your body gets slightly warm and sweaty.

Wear appropriately sized ski clothing, gloves, and shoes, put on a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, hip pads, and other protective gear, and check the ski and pole for cracks and whether the bindings are securely attached; Skiing will expose you to cold winds and strong UV rays, so be sure to apply moisturizer and sunscreen to protect your skin.

Skiers must choose a line that does not endanger those in front of them; skiers must not make non-emergency stops at narrow parts of the run or at blind spots and must leave as soon as possible if they fall at these locations.

Annupuri, with its gentle slopes, and Hanazono, which is less crowded, are more suitable for beginners; Grand Hirafu, with its steeper and longer runs, and Niseko Village, with its ungroomed forested trails, are more suited to experienced skiers.

Get Ready for Your Ski Holiday at Niseko United

Are you ready to start a ski trip in Niseko? The non-stop powder snow all winter long will provide you with the best skiing experience. Let Odynovo create travel plans and handle possible hassles for you, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.