For freeskiers, Hokkaido is synonymous with powder snow. Hokkaido's consistently low temperatures and inland climate create "ultra-dry" powder snow. Niseko is the powder mecca that has made its name known around the world as the birthplace of "JAPOW." It snows for 80 to 100 days in winter, and the snow depth reaches an astonishing peak, creating a deep powder field. Here, we'll introduce the famous powder runs at ski resorts in the Niseko area where you can enjoy JAPOW to the fullest!
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
A powder sanctuary you won't want to tell anyone about
Located at the entrance to the Niseko area, a little distance from NISEKO UNITED, it is like a hidden gem in Niseko. Many people first visit Moiwa because they escaped NISEKO UNITED because it was too crowded, or because the powder quickly disappears due to the fierce competition. However, once they arrive at Moiwa, they are impressed by the size and abundance of the powder fields and are instantly captivated. Moiwa is a powder sanctuary, garnering immense support from locals and JAPOW hunters alike
Although it is compact with only three lifts, the area that can be accessed from the ski resort to the side country and backcountry is extremely wide. Moiwa is prone to heavy snowfall overnight, with snow sometimes reaching chest-deep in one night. The snowfall can reach up to 4m, and the area is also famous for its deep powder. Moiwa's powder snow is characterized by creamy powder with just the right amount of moisture, and firm snow crystals
Niseko Moiwa's famous powder course
・Shirakaba Course
Maximum gradient: - degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: South
This is an ungroomed course directly below the quad lift. After disembarking from the quad, you can enjoy the view of Mt. Annupuri and Mt. Yotei on your left as you dive into the forest, where you can enjoy stream-like terrain and open tree runs. There's plenty of space between the trees, so you can enjoy skiing at a safe speed. If you keep coming back, you're sure to find a line you like. There are plenty of entry points, so even in the afternoon, it's possible to find no tracks
・Giant Course
Maximum gradient: - degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 600m / Slope orientation: South
Just below the quad lift is the Giant Course. The open slopes, averaging over 24 degrees, are perfect for powder and can be seen from the bottom of the slope. Connect directly to the main run and ski in the powder zone next to the packed snow, or connect to the Expert Course or the Forest Course. The alternating powder and packed snow is addictive
+PLUS Moiwa Bowl
The backcountry area, accessible via Gate 6 at the top of the slope and without hiking, is a famous powder spot known as "Moiwa Bowl." The single, wide run has a moderate slope, and the powder spray is light and waist-high
The entry point from Gate 10 is a natural park with abundant natural terrain. There are many natural banks, mashes, and jump points, so you can enjoy wild backcountry runs. It's amazing that you can spin around these two attractive bowls on a single quad. At the very least, you must wear a helmet and an avalanche beacon to pass through the gate, and you must strictly adhere to the "Niseko Rules."
◆Official website: https://niseko-moiwa.jp/ja/
Niseko Hanazono Resort
"JAPOW" is here, the place the world bows down to
Located at the easternmost point of Niseko United, Hanazono has the highest chance of snow accumulation in the Niseko area, boasting one of the highest powder reset rates in Japan, and boasts all the conditions necessary to maintain excellent powder conditions. Located in a beautiful, mystical forest filled with the world's highest quality dry powder, said to be the roots of JAPOW, Hanazono is a destination that attracts the admiration of guests from all over the world, as they can enjoy tree runs unique to Japan
Because it's easily accessible from Hirafu, many people use it as a way to return from the backcountry area to the slopes. The Hanazono Symphony Gondola, which debuted in the 2021-2022 season, takes you from the bottom to the summit station, a total length of 1,589m, in just 5 minutes and 30 seconds. It's also open at night, so it's great to be able to enjoy night powder riding at Hanazono without having to worry about the cold
Niseko Hanazono Resort's famous powder course
・Legend of Shinya
Maximum gradient: 30 degrees, average gradient: 14 degrees / Distance: 896m / Slope orientation: Northwest
A HANAZONO specialty, this ungroomed course has a maximum slope of 30 degrees. Accessible from the Hanazono No. 2 Quad Lift via the gentle Mango Salad Course for beginners and the intermediate connecting course, or from the Hanazono No. 3 Quad Lift via the intermediate Yotei Sunset Course and Crystal Garden Course. This popular course is popular with riders looking for powder the morning after a day of continuous snowfall
・Stairway to Heaven
Maximum gradient: 26 degrees, average gradient: 13 degrees / Distance: 1200m / Slope orientation: Northeast
The maximum slope is 26 degrees. It can be accessed by descending the Hanazono No. 2 Quad Lift and taking the gentle Mango Salad Course for beginners or the intermediate connecting course. This is one of the routes back to the Hanazono base center. The end of the course connects to the Juicy Fruit Course for beginners. The course is wide throughout, making it a pleasant descent
・Yotei Sunset
Maximum gradient: 29 degrees, average gradient: 20 degrees / Distance: 1238m / Slope orientation: West
As the name suggests, this is a course that offers a panoramic view of Mt. Yotei. It can be accessed by descending Hanazono Quad Lift No. 3. Some slopes are quite steep. As it is the closest course to the summit, you can enjoy the powder snow for a longer period of time
+PLUS Niseko Weiss Powder CAT
CAT tours, which had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will also resume for the 2022-2023 season. Operated by Niseko Hanazono Resort, the Niseko Weiss Powder CAT allows just 12 people to rent out the Niseko Weisshorn mountain, a mountain reserved exclusively for CAT tours. It's a dream environment for anyone wanting to ski in fresh powder. Reservations can be made on the official website
◆Official website/https://hanazononiseko.com/ja/
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Niseko's JAPOW has amazing night powder that shines even more at night
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Located in the heart of Niseko, it offers 22 courses, the largest variety in Niseko, from powder to groomed runs. Each course is designed with a variety of slopes and undulations, offering plenty of fun even for advanced skiers. Tree runs can also be easily enjoyed along the course, making it a unique spot where you can challenge yourself to a tree run suited to your skiing level
What makes Grand Hirafu stand out is its night skiing, one of the largest in the country. With continuous snowfall all day, fresh snow accumulates at night, and as the temperature drops, the snow hardens and becomes easier to ski on. The fantastical atmosphere really lifts your spirits
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu's famous powder course
・Miharashi Course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 18 degrees / Distance: 880m / Slope orientation: East
This hidden course can be accessed by hiking about 5 minutes from the Hirafu Gondola. It runs through the forest and is a prime example of tree running. The extremely complex terrain makes it difficult to navigate, but it's a course that's all the more challenging. You can't talk about Niseko without skiing this course!
・Large course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees, average gradient: 19 degrees / Distance: 650m / Slope orientation: East
It is easily accessible from King Lift No. 4, the top lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu. As it is located above the tree line, it is an open slope. On clear days, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Yotei directly in front of you
・Powder snow course
Maximum gradient: 37 degrees, average gradient: 21 degrees / Distance: 403m / Slope orientation: East
This course is located directly below the Hirafu Gondola. It is very easy to access, but the twists and turns can be transformed into any shape depending on the skier's imagination and ingenuity. It is also a recommended course for the first run of the morning. The gazes of the spectators on the gondola are intense
◆Official website: https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort
You can aim for the gate, or you can enjoy Gelepau
Niseko Annupuri International, which spreads out to the southwest of Niseko Annupuri, has a total of 13 courses that offer a variety of fun, from gentle, wide slopes for beginners to steep slopes, well-groomed medium slopes, long runs up to 4,000m, and powder tree runs. Of the four ski resorts in Niseko United, Annupuri is characterized by its widest, flattest, and gentlest slopes. Its location provides great views and a sense of openness, making it a great place to leisurely cruise
Niseko Annupuri International has the most gates to the backcountry out of all the Niseko resorts. On days when the Backcountry Gate and the "Eesawa" G7 Gate, which allow you to hike to the summit of Mt. Annupuri, are open, many powder lovers gather. The powder on the slopes is also fun and not to be missed. And yet, it's not as crowded as Grand Hirafu, making it a surprisingly hidden gem
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Deep Snow Forest Course
Maximum gradient: 34 degrees, average gradient: 24 degrees / Distance: 400m / Slope orientation: -
Located below Annupuri International Airport, this course is surrounded by forest. With a maximum gradient of 34 degrees and a steep face, Niseko's Japow water pools, making for a steep and deep ride
・Dynamic course
Maximum gradient: 32 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 800m / Slope orientation: -
This dynamic course with a maximum slope of 33° is open for night skiing, so if fresh snow falls during the day, you can enjoy steep and powdery slopes at night
+PLUS G7 Ezawa Gate
This line starts at G7, commonly known as "Eesawa Gate," and runs under the lift and gondola. As the name suggests, it's a famous powder spot where you can enjoy tree runs while hitting walls and jumping in the stream-like terrain. It's easy to enter, and you can use the lift as a landmark to get off, so there's no need to worry about getting lost, and it's a safe and enjoyable spot, which is also one of the reasons for its popularity
◆Official website: https://annupuri.info/winter/