About Niseko-Hirafu Resort | FAQ

Niseko is the gateway to the three ski regions. Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annapuri. Of these regions, Hirafu is the premier option offering skiers and boarders with 3 ski areas: Alpen, Kogen & Hanazono. Check out the trail map.

Ski & Equipment Hire
The best place to hire equipment in Niseko is with www.skihirejapan.com. They do a pick up & deliver service and can provide you with the best prices in the resort. It's best to pre-book to get the exact skis for the conditions. Remember, it's different snow in Niseko, and you will need the right equipment.

Lift Tickets
A single "All Mountain" lift pass allows access to all five areas providing a vast array of both groomed runs, off piste and free-ride terrain in deep powder. Tickets are available for all types of skiing and boarding combinations. Tickets are approx. Y 4,000/day ($AUS50/day), cheaper for 6 days and more. We will help you with selecting the best tickets depending on your stay. You don't need to purchase them before you arrive. Check out the prices here.

Niseko is famous for it's deep and fluffy powder snow. The resort area starts from an altitude close to sea-level and rises to 1200m, offering over 1000m in elevation.

Ski Runs
Niseko is made up of 57 runs consisting of 38 lifts and gondolas and totaling over 47 km in groomed slopes. The longest run is 5.6km, and as well as the powder, the terrain offers first timer slopes, half-pipes, quarter pipes, table tops, mogul fields, tree runs and lot's of natural hits to ensure everyone's tastes are catered for.

Night Skiing
Niseko Hirafu boasts one of the largest illuminated ski areas in Japan, providing well-lit runs, even amongst the trees.

Lift Queues
Most weekday lift queues are non-existent, ensuring little or no waiting times in between perfect powder runs.

Eating
Eating options on the mountain abound with seven restaurants serving a vast array of Japanese cuisine and western style food.

Niseko-Hirafu resort
Niseko-Hirafu Ski Area


Resort Specs


Night skiing
Night Skiing unti 9pm


Frequently Asked Questions

For our clients and visitors to Niseko-Hirafu Resort

Flights to Japan: We can recommend the best travel deal for your group. We do not organise flights, however we do know who does. We organise everything else.

Travel / Health Insurance: Japan is a high cost country for medical expenses. You MUST have travel insurance prior to coming to Japan. Also, they do not accept credit card payment in hospitals.

Lift Tickets: We can arrange for discounted tickets or assist you in getting the best ticket for your stay.

Ski Lessons: There are English speaking ski lessons for all levels of ski and board ability. Additionally, we can arrange for expert guides to take you backcountry or on special tours. Our Lodge hosts can help organise ski lessons and is a qualified ski instructor.

Bus Transfers: Bus transfers to/from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Niseko are not included in our lodge nightly costs. You will receive information on how to book your bus transfers. We provide a travel pack with all the details you need to get the bus to the resort. We will not leave you stranded. The village shuttle runs all day until 9pm around the village free of charge.

24 Hour Assistance: Our lodge provides a 24hr guest contact service for your group to make your stay completely care-free. The language can be a challenge for foreigners without this service. This is particularly important if a hospital visit or emergency assistance is required or you are having legal or financial problems.

Excursions & Trips: We are able to offer you a variety of activities to undertake in Niseko from snowmobiling & backcountry treks to shopping and Onsen trips. Our host will give you information on these trips when you arrive or we can supply you a list before you depart.

Rental Mobile Phones: We are able to organise a rental mobile phone while you are in Niseko. Your O/S mobile will not work in Japan.

Rental Skis/Boots/Clothing & Equipment: We can organise the rental of all your equipment. Please advise us prior to your visit or our hosts will help you when you arrive.

ATMs & Credit Cards: Cash is king in Japan. ATMs are generally only found at Post offices, convenience shops and the airport. We recommend getting all your cash at the airport ATM before you catch the bus to Niseko to save the hassle of not being able to find one later. Some places take credit cards, but always have cash on hand.

Food & Drink: Niseko has two convenience stores. One is quite large (Seikomart) and is open from 7am to 11pm. This stocks most groceries and alcohol and is the main place to get food and supplies. There are supermarkets in Kutchan accessible by free bus.

Other Activities: There are many other activities to do in and around the resort. Our hosts have a variety of activities you can participate in when you get to Niseko-Hirafu.

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