Niseko Annupuri

Niseko Annupuri Ski Area　-　(Ski and Snow board Area Guide)

The location of the Annupuri ski field is at the base of one of the area’s largest National parks. Located at high altitude, it offers some of the best snow in winter and some of the best trekking and outdoor activities in summer. Its location also means that the ski field can stay open when other fields close due to adverse weather conditions. If you love nature then this area is the place to visit. The Hokkaido foxes are only a small part of the indigenous wildlife you will encounter when trekking through the woods in and around Annupuri. A visit to Annupuri is not complete without a visit to the Konbu Onsen District which is located next to the Moiwa ski field. This in turn, is located just 5 minutes away from the Annupuri slopes and attracts visitors with its deep powder snow. Home to some of Niseko’s best kept secrets many pensions in the area serve up a few pleasant surprises for the gourmets among you. As the area gains in popularity, more and more restaurants are opening, and a little exploring can lead you to a delightful culinary experience. The area also hosts several après type activities with bars to suit all tastes and beautiful natural onsen to smooth aching muscles after a day on the slopes or a mountain trek.

Access

The Annupuri area can be easily accessed by the Free Passport Shuttle bus that runs between the four mountains that make up the Niseko Ski Resort. It is also a very handy link between ski areas, especially if some of the upper lifts are closed. Many of the hotels have their own shuttle bus service. Please contact you accommodation for details. Annupuri is about 20 minutes away from Hirafu and Niseko towns and is conveniently located close to Konbu Onsen and Moiwa.

Niseko Village

Niseko Village Ski Resort　-　Visit website (Winter) (Summer)

Niseko Village lies in the heart of the Niseko United ski area, nestled between Annupuri and Grand Hirafu. It offers a huge variety of skiing options including some of the steepest courses on the mountain. Niseko Village gets a significant amount of sunlight and, with a spectacular view of Mt. Yotei in the foreground, is a photographers dream. Extensive groomed slopes suitable for all abilities dominate the Niseko Village trail map. While these areas can be comfortably skied by low intermediate level skiers they also offer more advanced riders an exciting descent. The base of Niseko Village offers fantastic beginner skiing due to its gentle terrain and beginner friendly lifts. The Niseko Village area is well served by a range of lifts including the Niseko Gondola which whisks people up to the Annupuri Peak. The Wonderland Chair takes you to the top of immaculately groomed runs or to the start of some of the best powder skiing in the area as found on the Superstition course or the Natural Half-Pipes under the old Niseko Village gondola. The top of Niseko Village grants guests access to either Grand Hirafu or Annupuri giving easy access to even more terrific terrain.

Niseko Village Region

Niseko Village offers a terrific base for skiers in the middle of the hill and has stunning views of Mt. Yotei. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the prominent tower hotel is complemented by a number of smaller pensions, restaurants, cafes and bars. The quaint neighborhood leading to the ski area houses some cute eateries as well as the hugely popular Milk Kobo dairy. This area is dotted with a number of picture-perfect flower fields which blossom in summer and farm shops that offer souvenir shopping and pretty gifts all year round. The winter season beckons pro skiers and photographers as well as skiers of average ability and the area balances local tastes with international influences to create a charming base from which you can experience the Niseko Lifestyle.

Hirafu area / Niseko Grand Hirafu

Hirafu Ski Area　-　Visit website

Hirafu is the biggest village and provides the largest and most diverse selection of accommodation. English has become more common and makes the area popular with international guests. The village is vibrant, has a unique atmosphere and offers an exciting array of restaurants, bars and music. There is quality beginner terrain at the base for learner skiers, excellent powder stashes throughout the area and the notorious “Peak” challenges even expert skiers. Night skiing is very popular here and gives the opportunity to experience fresh powder at night, which shouldn’t be missed.

Hanazono area / Niseko Grand Hirafu

Hanazono Ski area　-　Hanazono Ski resort

The Hanazono area is part of Grand Hirafu and thanks to its North/East aspect delivers amazing powder snow. The area borders on vast acres of the deepest snow you will ever find and there are several gates giving access to this “powder haven”. The Hanazono restaurant at the base of the mountain is extremely popular, particularly for its famous “Crab Ramen” dish - a must try sensory delight for Japanese food afficionados. Whether tearing round the snowfields on a snowmobile, horseback riding through the woods or taking up the challenge of the famous Quiksilver Terrain Park and Halfpipe. Hanazono has something for every winter enthusiast.

Mountain Facts

Niseko United (Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu)

While the above ski areas are the most commonly visited there are a number of other smaller ski areas in the Niseko area offering their own unique conditions.