For free skiers, Hokkaido is a symbol of powder. "Super dry" powder snow produced by Hokkaido's stable low temperature and inland climate. As the birthplace of “JAPOW,” Niseko is the mecca for powder that has made its name known all over the world. It snows for 80 to 100 days in winter, and it is an amazing deep powder field where the snow depth reaches its peak. Therefore, we will introduce the famous powder course of the ski resort where you can fully enjoy JAPOW even in the Niseko area!
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
A powder sanctuary you don't want to tell anyone about
Located at the entrance of the Niseko area and a little far from NISEKO UNITED, it is a hidden gem in Niseko. Many people say that the first reason to visit Moiwa is that NISEKO UNITED is crowded, so they escaped because the competition for powder is so fierce that they run out of powder quickly. However, once I came to Moiwa, I was impressed by the size and richness of the powder fields, and was instantly captivated. Moiwa is a powder sanctuary, and has gained tremendous support from JAPOW hunters, including locals.
Although it is compact with only 3 lifts, the range from the ski resort to side country and back country is very wide. Moiwa tends to get a large amount of snow in one night, and it can pile up to your chest in one night. The amount of snow can reach 4m, and it is also famous for its deep powder. Moiwa's powder snow is a creamy powder that contains just the right amount of moisture, and is characterized by solid snow crystals.
Niseko Moiwa's specialty powder course
・Shirakaba Course
Maximum slope: -degrees Average: -degrees / Distance: 500m / Slope orientation: South
An uncompacted snow course directly below the quad lift. When you get off the quad and dive into the forest with a view of Annupuri and Mt. The senses are wide between the trees, so you can enjoy yourself at your own safe speed. I'm sure you'll find your favorite line if you keep going. There are many entry points, so there is a possibility of no track even in the afternoon.
・Giant course
Maximum slope: -degrees Average: -degrees / Distance: 600m / Slope orientation: South
Get off the quad lift and go straight down to the giant course. A stage with an average of 24 degrees or more, which is ideal for powder, can be seen from the bottom of the slope. Just connect to the main barn and ski the powder zone next to the compacted snow, or connect to the expert course or forest course. The repetition of powder and compacted snow is addicting.
＋PLUS Moiwa Bowl
The famous powder spot commonly known as the "Moiwa Bowl" is a backcountry area where you can enter without a hike past the 6th gate installed at the top of the slope. A wide barn with a moderate slope, and the powder spray is light and waist size.
The entry spot from Gate 10 is a natural park with rich natural terrain. There are many natural banks, mashes and jump points, so you can enjoy a wild backcountry run. It's amazing that you can twirl these two attractive bowls with a single quad. A helmet and an avalanche beacon are required to pass through the gate, and the "Niseko Rules" must be strictly observed.
◆ Official HP / https://niseko-moiwa.jp/ja/
Niseko Hanazono Resort
"JAPOW" where the world bows down is here
Hanazono is located on the easternmost side of Niseko United and has the highest snowfall in the Niseko area. It is said to be the root of [JAPOW], and is a fantastically beautiful forest filled with the world's highest quality dry powder.
Because it is easily accessible from Hirafu, many people use it as a place to return to the slopes from the backcountry area. The "HANAZONO Symphony Gondola", which appeared from the 2021-22 season, carries a total length of 1,589m from the bottom to the summit station in just 5 minutes and 30 seconds. Since it is also open at night, it is really nice to be able to enjoy a night powder ride at Hanazono without feeling cold.
Niseko Hanazono Resort's specialty powder course
・Legend of Shinya
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 14 degrees / Distance: 896m / Slope direction: Northwest
Hanazono's specialty, non-compacted snow course with a maximum slope of 30 degrees. You can get off the Hanazono No. 2 Quad Lift and access the gradual Mango Salad Course for Beginners and the Intermediate Connection Course, or get off the Hanazono No. 3 Quad Lift and access the Yotei Sunset Course and Crystal Garden Intermediate Course. A popular course where riders looking for powder gather in the morning after it has been snowing since the day before.
・Stairway to Heaven
Maximum slope: 26 degrees Average: 13 degrees / Distance: 1200m / Slope orientation: Northeast
The maximum slope is 26 degrees. You can get off the Hanazono No. 2 Quad Lift and access from the gentle beginner's mango salad course and the intermediate course. One of the routes back to Hanazono's base center. The end of the course leads to the beginner's juicy fruit course. The width is wide throughout the course, and you can slide down comfortably.
・Yotei Sunset
Maximum slope: 29 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 1238m / Slope direction: West
As the name suggests, this course offers a panoramic view of Mt. Yotei. Accessible by getting off the Hanazono No. 3 Quad Lift. Some parts have steep slopes. This is the closest course to the summit, so you can enjoy the powder snow for a longer period of time.
＋PLUS Niseko Weiss Powder CAT
In the 2022-23 season, the CAT tour, which had been suspended due to the corona crisis, resumed. "Niseko Weiss Powder CAT" operated by Niseko HANAZONO Resort rents out Mt. Niseko Weisshorn exclusively for CAT tours with only 12 people. It's a dream environment for those who want to skate fresh powder. Reservations can be made on the official website.
◆ Official HP／https://hanazononiseko.com/ja/
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Niseko's JAPOW has the
best night powder that shines even more at night!
Located in the center of Niseko, the course variation is 22, which is the best in Niseko, from powder to compacted snow. All of the courses are designed with a variety of slopes and undulations, and even advanced skiers will find plenty to ski on. The feature is that you can easily enjoy the tree run on the side of the course, and you can challenge the tree run according to each ski level anywhere.
One of the biggest night games in Japan is what makes Grand Hirafu stand out. The continuous snowfall throughout the day accumulates more and more fresh snow at night, and when the temperature drops, it becomes even tighter and slippery. The fantastic atmosphere will lift your spirits.
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu Powder Specialty Course
・Miharashi course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 18 degrees / Distance: 880m / Slope direction: East
A reverse course that can be accessed by hiking about 5 minutes from the Hirafu Gondola. A representative course where you can enjoy a tree run on a course that runs through the forest. The terrain is very complicated, so it is difficult to capture, but it is a course that is worth the challenge. You can't talk about Niseko without skiing this course!
・Large course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: 19 degrees / Distance: 650m / Slope direction: East
Easily accessible from the King No. 4 lift, the top lift of Niseko Grand Hirafu. It is an open barn because the altitude exceeds the forest limit. On sunny days, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Yotei in front of you.
・Snow powder course
Maximum slope: 37 degrees Average: 21 degrees / Distance: 403m / Slope direction: East
This course is located directly below the Hirafu Gondola. Although it is very easy to access, the course with twists and turns can be transformed into anything with the imagination and ideas of the skier. This course is also recommended for first-timers in the morning. The gaze of the gallery on the gondola is also hot.
◆ Official HP / https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort
Aiming for the gate is fine, and gerepau is also fun
Niseko Annupuri International, which extends southwest of Niseko Annupuri, has a total of 13 courses that you can enjoy a variety of courses, from gentle and wide slopes for beginners to steep slopes, beautifully groomed medium slopes, long runs of up to 4000m, and powder tree runs. Of the four NISEKO UNITED ski resorts, Annupuri is characterized by its widest, flattest, and moderately gentle slopes. The location has good visibility and a sense of openness, and it is very comfortable to cruise around.
Niseko Annupuri International has the most gates to the backcountry in Niseko Knighted. Many powder freaks gather on days when the Backcountry Gate, where you can climb Mt. The powder on the slopes is also fun and you can't miss it. And yet, it's not as crowded as Grand Hirafu, so it's surprisingly a little-known spot.
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Deep snow forest course
Maximum slope: 34 degrees Average: 24 degrees / Distance: 400m / Slope orientation: -
A course surrounded by forests at the bottom of Annupuri International. Niseko's JAPOW accumulates on the steep face with a maximum slope of 34 degrees, and you can enjoy a steep & deep ride.
・Dynamic course
Maximum slope: 32 degrees Average: - degrees / Distance: 800m / Slope direction: -
The dynamic course, which has a maximum gradient of 33°, is also open for night skiing, so if fresh snow accumulates during the day, you can enjoy steep and powdery rides at night.
＋PLUS G7 Eezawa Gate
It is a line that exits from G7, commonly known as "Eezawa Gate" and slides under lifts and gondolas. Famous spot. It's easy to enter, and you don't have to worry about getting lost because you can get off at the lift as a landmark, which is why it's so popular.
◆ Official HP / https://annupuri.info/winter/