5 Best Ski Resorts in Niseko

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 elevators. 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.

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 accommodations options.

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 lawn bowling 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 accommodations limited to the luxury Park Hyatt, many visitors stay in the neighboring Grand Hirafu and catch a shuttle to ski at Hanazono.

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 meters, 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.

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 meters) and steepest (a vertical drop of 890 meters) 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 accommodations options to suit all pockets, including cottages, boutique townhouses, and major hotel brands.