Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFUWinter Season 2026-2027

Main visual

[2026-2027 Season Operating Information]

■ Ski resort operating period
November 28, 2026 - May 5, 2027 (tentative)
■ Nighttime operation period
December 12, 2026 – March 22, 2027 (tentative)
*The opening date may change depending on snow conditions.

■ Early bird discount of 20% off for rentals in 2026-2027 is now available!

■ Lift ticket prices and sales dates will be posted on this website as soon as they are finalized.

NISEKOINWINTER

Snowy scenery
Skiing

With abundant variety spanning 22 trails against the backdrop of Mt. Yotei, one of Japan’s most iconic mountains, the winter sports experience at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU is unlike anywhere else. Discover plentiful high-quality powder that attracts countless skiers and snowboarders from all over the world.

Roam Free
Across 22 Expansive Trails

Two gondolas and seven lifts offer seamless access to 22 trails, each with unique characteristics. No matter how long your visit, endless delights await riders of all levels.

Gondolas 2
Lifts 7
22
Beginner 9
Intermediate 6
Advanced 7
Lifts

Majestic Views of Mt. Yotei
at One of Hokkaido’s Largest Resorts

Vast slopes boasting a vertical drop of 940m and terrain spanning 135ha await. Dynamic landscapes with magnificent scenery invite you to take on extensive summit-to-base runs that are a hallmark of Niseko’s ski season.

Highest Elevation
1,200m
Vertical Drop
940m
Base Elevation
260m
Total Area
135ha
View of Mount Yotei

Runs up to 5.3km
and Slopes with Endless Variety

Our abundant trails range from challenging slopes with gradients up to 40° to gentler descents for more relaxed rides. The longest run offers an epic 5,300m through the natural wonderland of Niseko.

Longest Run
5,300m
Steepest Gradient
40°
Skiing

Maximum Snowfall

(cm) centimeters Graph of maximum snowfall (unit: cm). December: 386, January: 620, February: 263, March: 75.
(ft) feet Graph of maximum snowfall (unit: ft). December: 12.7, January: 20.3, February: 8.6, March: 2.5.
  • December
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • *Data from 2025-26 season
  • *Cumulative monthly total of 24-hour snowfall (measured and reset before ski resort opening)
  • *Measurement location: Shirakaba Course(approximately 850m elevation)

Maximum Snowfall

  • Base Area
  • Summit
(cm) centimeters Graphs showing the monthly maximum snow depth at the foot and summit of the mountain (unit: cm). Foot: December 75, January 175, February 170, March 110, April 55, May 0. Summit: December 210, January 380, February 400, March 380, April 315, May 170.
(ft) feet Graph showing monthly maximum snow depth at the base and summit of the mountain (unit: ft). Base: December 2.5, January 5.8, February 5.6, March 3.6, April 1.8, May 0. Summit: December 6.9, January 12.5, February 13.1, March 12.5, April 10.3, May 5.6.
  • December
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • *Data from 2025-26 season
  • *Measurement location: Summit: Shirakaba Course(around 850m elevation)
  • *Base area measurement location: Holiday Course lower section

Average Temperatures

  • Base Area: High
  • Base Area: Low
  • Summit: High
  • Summit: Low
(°C) Celsius Average temperature graph (unit: °C). Foothills - Highest: December -1, January -2, February -0, March -2, April -10, May -13. Foothills - Lowest: December -3, January -4, February -3, March -0, April -1, May -5. Summit - Highest: December -4, January -6, February -4, March -1, April -1, May -9. Summit - Lowest: December -6, January -8, February -7, March -4, April -2, May -5.
(ft) feet Average temperature graph (unit: °F). Foothills - Highest: December 30, January 24, February 32, March 39, April 52, May 57. Foothills - Lowest: December 26, January 19, February 24, March 34, April 45, May 50. Summit - Highest: December 24, January 18, February 26, March 34, April 43, May 49. Summit - Lowest: December 19, January 12, February 19, March 26, April 36, May 42.
  • December
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • *Data from 2025-26 season
  • *Measurement location: Summit: Shirakaba Course(around 850m elevation)
  • *Base measurement location: King Gondola Base Station

5 Things to Love
About Winter in Niseko

Among Niseko’s seasons, winter shines brightest.
Embrace soft powder snow, breathtaking views,
and thrilling night runs.
Discover delights that enchant skiers
and snowboarders the world over.

World-class
Powder Snow

Niseko is renowned among winter sports enthusiasts around the globe for the quality of its soft, light powder snow that fully earns the moniker “JAPOW.” Its location in a heavy snowfall area combines with the mountains’ low temperatures and low humidity to create the perfect conditions for exceptional snow.

Powder snow image
Powder snow image 01

Trails with Endless Variety
on One of Niseko’s Largest Slopes

Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU is one of Niseko’s leading resorts by number of trails and lifts. Abundant runs to satisfy beginners and experts alike range from groomed slopes prepared every morning to steep powder runs, ensuring endless excitement. Another highlight is the exceptional freedom of the open runs above the treeline at an altitude of about 1,000m.

snowy mountain 02

Spectacular Night Skiing Overlooking Mt. Yotei and Hirafu

Night skiing is available every day during the high season. The Hirafu nightscape below and the majestic Mt. Yotei shining in the moonlight make for a spectacular backdrop to your ride. Days with continuous snowfall bring fresh powder at night, creating optimal conditions for post-sunset runs.

The Ace Gondola cabins are fully equipped with Wi-Fi and heated seats, letting you ride up in comfort and delivering a truly indulgent night skiing experience.

Hirafu night view 03

Abundant Après Ski Options Right by the Slopes

After making the most of exceptional powder snow, head to Hirafu for some unbeatable après ski right next to the slopes. Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU’s prime location at the crossroads of the resort and the town give you easy access to the best Hirafu has to offer. From stylish cafés and bars to a selection of izakaya restaurants serving up delicious fare made with local ingredients, endless delights await.

Hirafu city night view 04

Luxurious On-resort Dining with a View

Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU boasts five restaurants spread throughout the resort. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be treated to impressive views of Mt. Yotei as you enjoy a moment of nourishment for body and soul. From Japanese cuisine to western style dining, for lunch, afternoon tea, or carefully crafted desserts accompanied by delicious warm drinks, you’ll find something for any occasion.

NEST813 offers a uniquely scenic view from the Ace Gondola summit. Expansive glass windows create a vast panorama taking in Mt. Yotei and the shimmering white slopes, offering a truly unique, refined dining experience.

Ski slope dining, food image 05

Embrace the Moment
Throughout the Season

  • Start the season right with plentiful snow at Hirafu

    Season start to mid December

    Anticipation abounds as the ski season approaches. In this time before the winter holiday period, the trails tend to be slightly less crowded, all the better for those who can’t wait to hit the slopes early. In addition, early season tickets offer excellent value as winter gets underway.

    Top tip

    Grab an early season ticket to start the season at a great price!

    • December Weather Info

      Monthly cumulative snowfall 386cm*1
      Maximum snowfall on slope
      (base area)
      75cm*2
      Maximum snowfall on slope (summit) 210cm*2
      Average highest temperature at summit on resort business days -5.7°C*2
      Average lowest temperature at summit on resort business days -8°C*2
      • *1 2025-26 season
      • *2 Average of 2020-21 to 2025-26 seasons
  • Peak excitement in the ultimate powder snow

    Late December to February

    Enjoy the slopes to the fullest with plentiful snowfall and abundant local events creating a vibrant atmosphere across the resort, as skiers and snowboarders from around the world arrive in search of Niseko’s exceptional powder snow.

    Top tip

    Take full advantage of Niseko’s abundant powder, and be sure to make time for a night session. Gazing onto the Hirafu nightscape and a moonlit Mt. Yotei as you ride is a delight unique to Niseko Tokyo Grand HIRAFU.

    • January Weather Info

      Monthly cumulative snowfall 620cm*1
      Maximum snowfall on slope
      (base area)
      175cm*2
      Maximum snowfall on slope (summit) 380cm*2
      Average highest temperature at summit on resort business days -7.4°C*2
      Average lowest temperature at summit on resort business days -11°C*2
      • *1 2025-26 season
      • *2 Average of 2020-21 to 2025-26 seasons
    • February Weather Info

      Monthly cumulative snowfall 263cm*1
      Maximum snowfall on slope
      (base area)
      170cm*2
      Maximum snowfall on slope (summit) 400cm*2
      Average highest temperature at summit on resort business days -3.5°C*2
      Average lowest temperature at summit on resort business days -7.1°C*2
      • *1 2025-26 season
      • *2 Average of 2020-21 to 2025-26 seasons
  • Take on the snow park while basking in sunshine and blue skies

    March

    While frequent snowfall continues, the sunlight gradual warms up as March arrives, bringing more days of skiing and snowboarding under clear blue skies. At this time of year, the snow park featuring kickers and various other elements offers endless enjoyment. The slopes are also slightly less crowded than the peak season, ideal for those who prefer to go at their own pace.

    Top tip

    Head to the spring trails and snow park to bask in the combination of sunshine and snow.

    • March Weather Info

      Monthly cumulative snowfall 75cm*1
      Maximum snowfall on slope
      (base area)
      110cm*2
      Maximum snowfall on slope (summit) 380cm*2
      Average highest temperature at summit on resort business days 1.5°C*2
      Average lowest temperature at summit on resort business days -3.2°C*2
      • *1 2025-26 season
      • *2 Average of 2020-21 to 2025-26 seasons
  • Blissful spring weather

    April to May

    In Niseko, April is still very much part of the skiing and snowboarding season. The warmer temperatures mean lighter clothing is often enough, and the high number of clear days lets you ride with a sense of liberation as you savor the spring weather. Lift passes are also great value during this late part of the season.

    Top tip

    Make the most of the snow season right to the very end, enjoying leisurely runs while taking in the scenery and pausing for a tea break whenever takes your fancy.

    • April Weather Info

      Monthly cumulative snowfall 15cm*1
      Maximum snowfall on slope
      (base area)
      55cm*2
      Maximum snowfall on slope (summit) 315cm*2
      Average highest temperature at summit on resort business days 6.4°C*2
      Average lowest temperature at summit on resort business days 2.4°C*2
      • *1 2025-26 season
      • *2 Average of 2020-21 to 2025-26 seasons
    • May Weather Info

      Monthly cumulative snowfall 0cm*1
      Maximum snowfall on slope
      (base area)
      0cm*2
      Maximum snowfall on slope (summit) 170cm*2
      Average highest temperature at summit on resort business days 9.4°C*2
      Average lowest temperature at summit on resort business days 5.6°C*2
      • *1 2025-26 season
      • *2 Average of 2020-21 to 2025-26 seasons

A Well-stocked Lineup from Beginner-friendly Items to Gear Built for Powder

Our on-site rental shop has all the essentials on hand, including skis, snowboards, gloves, goggles, and helmets. With our selection extending to premium items made for expert riders, you can embrace the powder without needing to bring your own gear. For those wanting to mix things up while using their own boots, skis and snowboards can be rented as individual items.

  • Stress-free winter sports

    Rent a full set of gear from an abundant selection, including ski wear and helmets. With the rental shop directly adjoined to the trails, you can just turn up and hit the slopes.

  • Support for discerning riders

    Remove the hassle of carrying equipment around without comprising on quality. Our team are on hand to make both logistics and riding a breeze.

Ski and snowboard rental equipment

On-site Rental Shop for Stress-free Winter Sports Without Carrying Your Gear

For customers staying in surrounding facilities who are using the Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU rental service, we can store skis and snowboards until the following day. That leaves you free to enjoy Hirafu’s après ski without carrying gear around.

Customer and staff interaction
Snowboarding equipment
Ski rental equipment

Lessons

3 Reasons to Choose Lessons at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU

Priority lanes for gondolas and lifts let you focus on improving your skills.

Lesson様子

Instructors make sure even first-timers always know the way! Enjoy the snow without worrying about navigation.

Lesson様子

Plentiful kids lessons mean parents can leave their children to learn with peace of mind. Choose from instruction in Japanese or English to maximize the fun.

Lesson様子

Learn your way, with group or private lessons,
Japanese or English instruction, and programs that suit how you want to ride

Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU Ski School

  • ◆ Group lessons: In English
  • ◆ Private lessons: In Japanese or English

From beginners to experts and from kids to grown-ups, the lineup of lessons has something for everyone. Highly-experienced ski instructors give you peace of mind as they show you the ropes on the slopes.

Lesson様子

JAPAN SNOWBOARD ACADEMY

  • ◆ Group lessons: In English
  • ◆ Private lessons: In English

At this school specializing in snowboarding, in addition to beginner lessons, courses including carving, ground tricks, park riding and free riding mean even experienced riders can take their skills to another level.

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Lesson様子

NAC NISEKO ADVENTURE

  • ◆ Private lessons: In Japanese or English
  • ◆ Activities: In Japanese or English

Get private skiing and snowboarding lessons or enjoy other winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

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Lesson様子

GoSnow

  • ◆ Group lessons: In English
  • ◆ Private lessons: In English

GoSnow is one of Niseko’s largest snowboarding schools and offers skiing and snowboarding lessons with highly-experienced international staff, complete with the chance to practice in a dedicated magic carpet learning area.

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Lesson様子

Restaurants

NEST813

Relaxed Dining with Spectacular Views at the Ace Gondola Summit

Indulge yourself at this restaurant with stunning views directly onto Mt. Yotei, accompanied by expertly-prepared espresso coffee, abundant freshly-baked breads, and cuisine featuring delectable Hokkaido ingredients.

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Gondolas
NEST813 Interior View

POWDERHOODRESTAURANT & TAPROOM

Whether you’re looking for a spot of lunch or some après ski, the restaurant and taproom inside the new ALPEN NODE features a dining area for relaxed meals and bar space ideal for casual drinks. Designed as an intersection where riders, non-skiers, and locals meet, POWDERHOOD is a vibrant hub at the heart of the resort’s winter vibe.

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drink
People raising a toast
  • sanshoku

    Take in sweeping views of Mt. Yotei and the ski resort from the glass-walled interior filled with natural light at this restaurant, café, and bar directly adjoined to the slopes, with scenery and dishes that change from morning to noon and night. Enjoy food and drinks accompanied by the ever-shifting sunlight and clouds above a beautiful snow-white landscape.

    sanshoku Inner View
  • ACE HILL

    In addition to the must-try snow crab ramen, this ramen shop directly adjoined to the Ace Gondola Summit Station boasts an extensive menu featuring pork cutlet ramen and other hearty dishes.

    Cooking
  • KING BELL

    Conveniently located on the slopes, this spacious restaurant offering a selection of mains and sides is a great place to grab some Hokkaido cuisine in between runs.

    Cooking
Map of the area around the restaurant

Shops

ALPEN NODE SHOP

Browse a selection of sports gear, apparel, stylish yet easy to use accessories, and original creations that make for perfect souvenirs.

Inside the ALPEN NODE SHOP

Mountain Center Shop

Discover high-quality winter sports gear, sports accessories, and creations in collaboration with Naturalbicycle and TNOC. This season, SALOMON, POC, KEEN, and OGASAKA SKI have joined the lineup.

Inside the Mountain Center Shop

KING BELL SHOP

This shop is found halfway up the slope, inside the KING BELL restaurant adjoined to the King Gondola Summit Station, ideal for those who find themselves needing goggles, gloves, and other items during a day on the slopes.

Inside the King Bell Shop

Mountain Center ANNEX MINI Shop

This compact store inside the rental shop is a convenient spot to find additional items when renting gear, such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and balaclavas.

Inside the Mountain Center ANNEX MINI Shop
AYA NISEKO

AYA NISEKO

A Stay Accompanied by an Iconic Mountain

With a prime location offering panoramic views of Mt. Yotei, AYA NISEKO is the ideal place to savor precious moments with someone special.

Getting Here

In winter, circuit buses around Niseko and Hirafu provide easy access to the slopes and surrounding facilities. In addition, direct buses between New Chitose Airport and Niseko make arrivals and departures as easy as can be.

9-1, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo 2-chome, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080 Japan

About 2 hours from Sapporo

via Nakayama Pass

About 2 hours 5 minutes from New Chitose Airport

via National Highway Route 276 (Bifue Pass)

About 2 hours 10 minutes from Otaru

via National Highway Route 5

About 1 hour from Toyako Onsen

via National Highway Route 97

About 3 hours from Hakodate

via National Highway Route 5

About 3 hours 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport

Take a JR train to Kutchan Station (via Sapporo and Otaru).
From Kutchan Station, take a bus or taxi to reach Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU .

Hakodate Airport to New Chitose Airport - About 40 minutes
Narita Airport (Chiba) to New Chitose Airport - About 1 hour 30 minutes
Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to New Chitose Airport - About 1 hour 30 minutes
Kansai International Airport (Osaka) to New Chitose Airport - About 1 hour 55 minutes

New Chitose Airport to Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU - About 2 hours 10 minutes by car or 3 hours 30 minutes by train/bus

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