Japan's oldest quad lift to be replaced with a modern gondola
The Niseko area is a place where skiers and snowboarders from all over the world gather in search of powder snow. By 2030, the Hokkaido Shinkansen will be extended, expressways will be opened, and luxury hotels will be developed
While the resort is popular with skiers and snowboarders in the winter, it has struggled to attract visitors in other seasons. To address this issue, the "Value up NISEKO road to 2030" project was launched, aiming to make the resort an all-season resort. The first step in this project was the introduction of a state-of-the-art gondola system
This gondola will be replaced with the currently operating Center Four quad lift. Center Four is the oldest quad lift in Japan, having begun operation in 1985. With easy access from Main Street, it has long been a popular lift with long lines forming early in the morning for those seeking fresh powder snow
The lift, which was built over 30 years ago, will be renovated from a 4-person lift to a 10-person gondola to improve guest comfort. The hourly transport capacity will be significantly increased from 1,800 to 2,800 people per hour, and the operating speed will be approximately 1.5 times faster than before. This is expected to not only allow guests to reach their destinations more quickly, but also alleviate congestion during peak hours
The lift replacement will begin with demolition work after the end of the 2023-2024 season, and will be unveiled as a gondola in the winter 2024 season
In the future, with the aim of making it an all-season resort, plans are underway to develop mountain bike trails during the green season and install bike racks inside the gondola. Plans are also underway to make it a new apres-ski spot that can be enjoyed by non-skiers as well during the winter season
■Information
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
, 9-1, 2-chome, Niseko Hirafu 1-jo, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0080, Japan
Official website:https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/