Niseko in Hokkaido is famous not just for its hot springs and all-season nature activities, but you can’t talk about it without mentioning the Niseko United Ski Resort on Mount Annupuri. 🎿
Niseko United is the largest ski resort in Hokkaido, featuring independent ski areas like Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri, all connected at the summit to form a massive winter activity zone. You can choose to enjoy just one ski area with an individual pass or explore all three with a united pass. If the weather is in your favor and you’re up for it, you might even conquer all the slopes in a day! ⛷️
Shall we dive into the unique features of each slope?
Hanazono is known for its wide slopes, similar to Tsugaike in Nagano. It’s perfect for beginners with its moderate difficulty and easy navigation. It’s less crowded, but not as well-maintained as the other two ski areas, and there are icy patches with minimal slopes near the base. 🏔️
Hirafu is the busiest spot, especially on sunny weekends where you’ll find yourself queuing for the lifts—a rare sight in Japanese ski resorts. Its expansive area and dynamic courses mean you’ll never tire of skiing here. The village below the hotel is quaint for evening strolls, though there’s only a convenience store and some food trucks. 🍜
Niseko Village is a medium-sized resort, with slopes for beginners that feel like intermediate levels elsewhere. The guidance is a bit lacking, so if you stray off the main slope, don’t stop! Sinking into ungroomed areas can be a real struggle to escape. 🚠
Annupuri has thrillingly steep slopes that get your adrenaline pumping right from the gondola exit. Skiing between the trees near the base is exciting, but I remember waiting in the snow for a shuttle after the gondola closed, just to get back to the hotel. In Niseko, a moment’s distraction and suddenly the snow is falling again! ❄️
Now that we know the slopes, it’s time to pick the right pass for our riding plan! 🎟️
If you want to explore all four ski areas, grab the Niseko United All-Mountain Pass from the Lawson convenience store in the village below Hirafu Ski Resort. You’ll get a 30% discount and a 1,000 yen coupon usable at the ski resort cabins. But be sure to check the weather forecast—bad weather can halt lifts and gondolas near the summit, limiting your movement between ski areas. Though shuttle buses are an option, their long intervals make them less desirable. The weather here is unpredictable; snowstorms or strong winds can come out of nowhere. But soak in an outdoor hot spring, and you’ll find the snow and wind calming down. 🌨️
Whether you’re an adventurer aiming to leave your mark on every slope or someone who prefers a leisurely ride with coffee breaks, you can purchase single passes at each ski area’s ticket booth. Discounts are available for kids and seniors, so make sure to ask! ☕
I often stayed at the Hilton Niseko Village, which was once the Higashiyama Prince Hotel. After Hilton took over, it underwent renovations, though you might not notice without being told. The hotel’s restaurants are decent, breakfast buffets satisfying, and there’s a charming free outdoor hot spring. Equipped with towels, shampoo, and lockers, you can dive in anytime with just your room key. 🏨
No matter what people say, Niseko is a rural paradise where snowboarding takes center stage, but eating is a close second. If you find yourself feeling unwell after indulging, you can buy a liquid digestive aid at the convenience store. Interestingly, the Japanese phrase for ‘feeling unwell’ is ‘気持ち悪い’—it translates directly to ‘feeling bad,’ sparking curiosity about the phrase ‘feeling unwell because of feeling bad.’ 🤔
Leave a Reply