Niseko is formed of four main interlinked resorts; Hirafu with the best known snowfield, Higashiyama (or Niseko Village) with the best valley skiing, Annupuri, and Hanazone.
The resorts are interconnected via the ski lift system, with routes meeting at the summit, and share an all-mountain ski pass so you can move easily between them. The lift system comprises 38 gondolas and covered lifts, covering the 64 ski runs.
The longest ski runs are around 5.6 kilometres, and the area also offers a combination of tree runs, backcountry, off-piste, first tracks and night-skiing, Although there are no really steep slopes, the maximum only being around 35 degrees, all levels of expertise are catered for - everyone from the complete novice to the most expert champion will find areas here to suit them.
For those visitors new to Niseko or to the sport itself, a number of local outdoor activity centres offer ski and snowboard lessons and also provide English-speaking guides. Schools such as Niseko Village Ski School offer training in both skiing and snowboarding, and will soon have the novice confidently on their feet. For the really young visitor, Niseko Kids Adventure and Snow School offers an innovative experience with a combination of outdoor and indoor care, designed to ensure a safe and fun experience for the skiers of the future. Evening childcare exists to enable parents to have a peaceful night out..
Back on the slopes, beside the official ski runs, there are fabulous back-country ski areas which have been mapped out for tourists to use when they are more experienced. Sannozaka, near Annupuri, is in an avalanche-prone area, but has high quality snow for the expert skier. Higashi One is reached from Hirafu, and is again often affected by avalanches, but offers the intrepid skier an off-piste run across challenging terrain. Also near Hirafu lies a forest ski route known as Strawberry Fields - a very popular run, it combines the beauty of the trees with the fun of skiing.. Nearby Mount Yōtei also offers excellent skiing for those who prefer to be off the formal runs.
