Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Resort Guide
Niseko Grand Hirafu, Japan
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| Recommended For | Expert Skiers, Intermediates, Beginners, Snowfall and Apres-Ski! |
|---|---|
| Highest Lift | 1,308m |
| Resort Height | 300m |
| Nearest Airport | New Chitose |
Niseko Grand Hirafu
Niseko Grand Hirafu is a world-renowned ski resort in Japan, famed for its abundant powder snow. It offers a diverse range of slopes suitable for all skill levels.
Summary
Located on Hokkaido's Mount Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu boasts over 1,200 meters of vertical drop and 48 kilometers of ski runs. The resort features a well-connected lift system, including the Ace Family Quad and the Hirafu Gondola.
The ski area of Niseko Grand Hirafu is at an altitude of 300m.
Niseko Grand Hirafu is part of the Niseko ski area with access to 34 marked pistes, served by a total of 20 ski lifts. In addition to the skiing in Niseko Grand Hirafu itself (23 pisted ski runs), the appropriate ski Lift Pass will allow you to ski or snowboard in the other Niseko ski resorts of Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Hanazono and Niseko Village/Higashiyama.
The skiing is at relatively low altitude, so snow cover can be variable.
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Snow and Weather
Niseko Grand Hirafu enjoys exceptional snow reliability, with an average snowfall of over 15 meters each season. Snow depths typically range from 1 to 3 meters, encouraging skiers to check J2Ski for the latest snow reports.
When will it snow in Niseko Grand Hirafu?
The next notable snow forecast is 4cm, expected on 10 November.
See our long-range Snow Forecast for the latest update.
Snow this week
| Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Snow to resort | Snow to resort |
Ski Area Stats
Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 7 | |
| Green Pistes Beginner Runs | 9 | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 13 | |
Niseko Ski Area
| Black Pistes Expert Trails | 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Red Pistes Intermediate Runs | 10 | |
| Blue Pistes Easy Trails | 21 | |
| Ski Lifts Number of Lifts | 20 | |
Niseko Grand Hirafu Altitudes
| Highest Lift | 1,308m |
|---|---|
| Lowest Piste | 300m |
| Resort Altitude (Niseko Grand Hirafu) | 300m |
| Max Vertical | 1,008m |
Ratings & Suitability
| Expert Skiers | |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Skiers | |
| Beginners | |
| Snowboarding | |
| Snow | |
| Apres-Ski |
Skiing
The resort's ski area encompasses four interlinked mountains, providing a vast terrain for exploration. Key pistes include the popular 'Miharashi' and 'Family' runs, along with extensive backcountry options accessible via the 'Annupuri' and 'Hirafu' lifts.
There are a variety of pistes to suit all levels of skier ability, from Beginner to Expert.
Ski Lessons in Niseko Grand Hirafu

To choose a Ski School, and book Group Ski Lessons or a Private Instructor, see Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Schools and Niseko Grand Hirafu Ski Instructors.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding at Niseko Grand Hirafu is enhanced by several terrain parks, including the 'Niseko Park' and 'Hirafu Park'. These parks offer a variety of features, catering to both beginners and experienced riders.
Location and Map
Where is Niseko Grand Hirafu?
This ski resort is in Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu, Yamada, Japan.
Map
Tap
for Full-Screen, or see J2Ski's Resort map, showing Hotels and Ski Shops.
How to get there
By Air
The nearest airport to Niseko Grand Hirafu is New Chitose, 126 minutes drive away.
To reach Niseko Grand Hirafu, fly into New Chitose Airport (CTS) and take a direct bus or shuttle service. The resort is approximately 2.5 hours from the airport, making it easily accessible for travelers.
Infrastructure
Ski Lift Capacity
There are 13 ski lifts.
Snow Making
Snow-making is available, with 60 snow cannons.
Season Dates
When is Niseko Grand Hirafu open?
We don't currently have confirmed season dates, but hope to soon.
NOTE:- Ski area, lift and piste opening is subject to Current Snow Conditions.
Talking about Niseko Grand Hirafu
Mentions in recent J2Ski News Items and Snow Reports from our users...
Aprés Ski
After a day on the slopes, visitors can unwind at lively venues like 'The Barn' and 'Kumo' for drinks and dining. Nightlife options include 'The Niseko Taproom' and 'The Vale Bar', ensuring a vibrant après-ski scene.