The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Niseko United comprises four interconnected resorts on Mount Niseko Annupuri spanning 885 hectares with 84 runs, 940 metres of vertical drop, and elevations from 260 to 1,308 metres. Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri combine under a single All Mountain Pass accepted by Ikon Pass holders. The area averages 10 to 15 metres of annual snowfall driven by Siberian weather systems crossing the Sea of Japan, delivering exceptionally dry powder with 8 per cent moisture content. Mount Yōtei dominates views from below-treeline terrain that wraps the volcanic cone.
Grand Hirafu holds 30 marked runs including the ungroomed Super Course accessible from King Hooded Lift #3, now a high-speed six-seater with heated seats. Hanazono features Strawberry Fields tree runs and terrain parks served by an eight-seat Symphony Gondola. Niseko Village offers the area's longest gondola at 2,660 metres and runs like Superstition, whilst Annupuri delivers family terrain and wide-open groomed slopes. Terrain breaks down to 44 per cent beginner, 36 per cent intermediate, 15 per cent advanced, and 5 per cent expert across 84 runs.
Hirafu village anchors international visitor traffic with lodging, restaurants, and night skiing operating until 9:00pm from mid-December to late March on one of Asia's largest floodlit areas. Backcountry gates provide regulated access from Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village to untracked zones, with CAT operations on adjacent peaks. English signage and staff support a cosmopolitan atmosphere concentrated around Hirafu's base. Free shuttle buses connect all four base areas for All Mountain Pass holders.
The Ikon Pass Full provides seven consecutive days with no blackout dates, whilst Base and Session passes offer five days with restrictions during late December and mid-January. The Mountain Collective grants two free days plus 50 per cent off additional tickets. The 2025-26 season runs from 29 November to 6 May for Hirafu and Annupuri, closing 12 April for Hanazono and Niseko Village. Niseko suits powder seekers, tree skiers, intermediates chasing vertical, and families wanting gentle progression terrain.
940m
Vertical
84
Runs
2,199 acres
Skiable
18m
Annual snow
Ikon Pass / Mountain Collective
Pass
The Terrain
84 runs across 2,199 acres skiable
Niseko United spreads 84 runs across 2,199 acres skiable of terrain. It leans beginner at 44%, with 37 beginner runs to find your feet and 17 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
84
runs
84 runs across 4 grades
Beginner37 runs · 44%
Intermediate30 runs · 36%
Advanced13 runs · 15%
Expert4 runs · 5%
Time it right
When to visit Niseko United
The 2025-26 season opened 29 November across all four areas, with Grand Hirafu and Annupuri operating until 6 May 2026 through Japan's Golden Week, whilst Niseko Village and Hanazono close 12 April. Early-season dates depend on natural snowfall as the resort relies minimally on snowmaking, with full operations typically established by mid-December. Night skiing runs from 13 December 2025 to 22 March 2026 at Hirafu and Annupuri, with lifts operating until 9:00pm. Spring skiing continues into April with reduced lift schedules and warmer temperatures suited to cruising groomed runs.
Annual snowfall averages 10 to 15 metres at village level with significantly more accumulation near the 1,308-metre summit, driven by consistent northwesterly flow from Siberia. The moisture-laden air releases ultra-dry powder with minimal water content across extended storm cycles. January and February deliver peak snowfall with base depths frequently exceeding 300 centimetres and near-daily snowfall replenishing tracked terrain. The low base elevation of 260 metres maintains powder quality through cold ambient temperatures averaging minus 8 degrees Celsius during winter.
Late December through mid-February offers the deepest snowpack and most consistent powder resets, though crowds peak during Christmas, New Year, and mid-January holidays. Late February balances excellent snow with improving visibility and lighter traffic. March transitions to spring conditions with longer daylight, warmer temperatures, and firm morning groomers softening by midday. April and early May suit families and value-seekers with discounted lift tickets, reduced crowds, and reliable coverage on north-facing runs.
Niseko divides pricing into Early Season (late November to early December), Regular Season (mid-December to late December and early March), Peak Season (late December to February), Spring Season (late March to early April), and Final Season (April to May with 30 per cent discounts). Major events include opening ceremonies, Lunar New Year celebrations in late January, and closing festivals during Golden Week. Night skiing from Hirafu Gondola and Ace Quad creates one of Asia's largest illuminated ski areas with tree runs and park features lit until 9:00pm.
Season 2025-2026
30 Nov 2025
Opens
6 May 2026
Closes
157
Days open
18 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Niseko United, and where to stay
Niseko United occupies the eastern slopes of Mount Niseko Annupuri in Shiribeshi Subprefecture on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, within the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Kaigan Quasi-National Park. The resort sits approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Sapporo in the Niseko Volcanic Group, with the 1,898-metre Mount Yōtei volcano dominating southern views. Base villages range from 240 to 300 metres elevation in valleys formed by the Shiribetsu River system. The area straddles the municipalities of Kutchan and Niseko town, with Hirafu village serving as the primary international hub.
Kutchan lies 8 kilometres east of Hirafu with a population near 15,000, whilst Niseko town sits 7 kilometres from Annupuri and Niseko Village bases. Hirafu has evolved into Hokkaido's most cosmopolitan ski village with international restaurants, accommodation, and services concentrated within walking distance of Grand Hirafu lifts. The actual town of Niseko and Kutchan provide supermarkets, train stations, and local dining beyond the resort bubble. The region's Ainu heritage appears in place names, with Niseko derived from Nisekoanbetsu meaning river toward the cliff.
Route 5 runs through Kutchan connecting to Route 230 via Nakayama Pass, the primary road from Sapporo covering approximately 92 kilometres with drive times near two hours in winter conditions. Route 276 links Kimobetsu to Kutchan, whilst Route 343 accesses Hanazono directly from Route 5. Winter driving requires snow tyres or chains, with mountain passes occasionally closing during heavy snowfall. Shuttle buses operate between resort villages, with free inter-resort transport included for All Mountain Pass holders during operational hours.
New Chitose Airport near Sapporo sits approximately 100 kilometres northeast with direct international flights from Australia, Asia, and seasonal connections from North America. Airport buses operate multiple times daily during winter season covering the journey in 2.5 to 3 hours depending on stops and conditions. Train access requires connections from the airport to Sapporo, then via Otaru on the Hakodate Main Line to Kutchan Station, totalling 3.5 hours before a final 15-minute taxi to resort bases. Private transfer services and rental cars offer door-to-door flexibility with winter driving experience recommended for mountain roads.
Where to stay
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