Niseko Ski Resort, also known as Niseko United, is the largest and most famous ski destination in Japan, thanks to its vast terrain, beautiful winter woods, and legendary powder. Located roughly an hour from Sapporo on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, Niseko is set on the slopes of Mount Yotei and features over 3,000 feet (900 meters) of vertical terrain.
Niseko United is comprised of four separate ski resorts: Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Hanazono, Niseko Grand Hirafu, and Niseko Village. The resorts are linked by over 40 ski lifts and receive over 15 m (50 ft) of light, dry powder snow each year, blowing off the Sea of Japan from Eurasia. Chances are high that it will snow throughout the duration of your trip, but the gondolas and hooded chair lifts make the snowy weather easy to manage.
While the off-piste and backcountry powder skiing is renowned at Niseko, on piste runs should not be dismissed — every type of skier and rider can enjoy the Niseko experience. Off the mountain, you can also enjoy a variety of unique cultural experiences, like a soak in a traditional Japanese onsen, enjoy a delicious Japanese meal at local restaurant, and much more.
Congratulations on selecting Niseko as your Skican vacation destination! Although Niseko is best known for its terrific skiing/riding, the area offers plenty of additional activities for you to enjoy during your stay.
Another great way to explore the gentle countryside of Hokkaido by gliding through quiet surrounds, Niseko offers a extensive network of groomed cross-country skiing trails for both nordic and skate skiers.
Hanazono Powder Guides is a resort-operated guiding service that offers experienced guides to guide you around the resort and throughout the famous Niseko backcountry as required.
With new tours in the Niseko mountain range, a first tracks service starting in Hanazono, and cat skiing options, the Powder Guides program is a great way to experience that legendary Japanese powder firsthand.
Join us on a beautiful adventure through the Hanazono forest. In an intimate group of no more than eight, we will explore the peaceful nature surrounding Hanazono. With majestic trees, glittering snow and elusive wildlife, this is an activity the whole family can enjoy. Our 1 hour guided walk includes the use of snowshoes and fun for everyone!
Take an adventure through Niseko's renowned powder snow on your very own high-performance snowmobile. Our experienced guides will take you via the lush forests, through snow-covered pastures and to some of the most awesome views of the Niseko range and beyond. Our fleet is made up of state-of-the-art, single cylinder, two-stroke, easy to ride, lightweight machines.
Like a scene out of a winter fairy tale, whisk across the sparkling snow on a reindeer sled. Bring along your camera and capture magical memories of this activity!
Experience a different kind of thrill suited for all ages by zipping over the powder on a snow raft towed by a snowmobile. Your snowmobile guide will expertly navigate through the winter scenes giving you a fun-filled and windy ride.
Enjoy a hike through the tranquil winter forest covered in white powder. Our tours use either snowshoes or "snow ramblers" – a special kind of ski for traveling in deep snow. This program is open to everyone, regardless of prior winter sports experience.
