If adventure is high on the agenda, Niseko, the powder capital of the world, is the perfect escape this winter. Running from the summit of Mount Niseko Annupuri on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island, the winter wonderland is one of the most renowned ski resort hubs across the globe, offering a long ski season from November to May.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, adventure in Niseko takes many forms—whether you're hiking through snow-covered forests or even heli-skiing for a next-level adrenaline rush. And, after a day packed with action, nothing compares to soaking in a natural hot-spring onsen, surrounded by the serenity of snow-draped mountains, as you unwind in true Japanese style.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, keep reading—we've put together a guide to Niseko for the 2024/2025 winter season.
2024/2025 Resort Opening Dates
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area: November 30, 2024 – May 6, 2025
Niseko Village Ski Resort: November 30, 2024 – April 6, 2025
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU: November 30, 2024 – March 31, 2025
Niseko Hanazono Resort: November 30, 2024 – April 6, 2025
Guide to Niseko’s Slopes
As one of the premier ski destinations globally, Niseko has perfect runs for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a total powder lover. For those new to skiing or snowboarding, the magic carpet at Hanazono is ideal for getting started, while Annupuri and Niseko Village offer wide-groomed runs perfect for building your skills.
Advanced skiers will find thrills in Hirafu's Minuno No Sawa and the local favourite Misoshiru Run, which offers deep powder and tree skiing. The Hanazono area is also renowned for its excellent tree skiing and side-country access. Beyond its huge trail map, Niseko is full of back and side-country gems, accessible through 11 unique gates. Exploring these areas is best done with the guidance of an expert.
Insider's tip: Niseko is renowned as the best place for night skiing in Japan. With four major lifts in operation and high-powered floodlights, you can enjoy a variety of runs, from the green Holiday to the challenging black Miharashi, well into the night!
Getting to Niseko
New Chitose Airport is the nearest major airport to Niseko and features the impressive Hokkaido Business Aviation Centre (HBAC), a dedicated business aviation terminal expertly managed by Universal Aviation. With a stylish private lounge and a wide selection of gourmet catering options, this exclusive facility provides business jet passengers with a swift, discreet, and ultra-luxurious VIP experience.
From New Chitose Airport, it is roughly a 3-hour drive to the resort. Our Charter Managers will gladly organise bespoke helicopter transfers and ground transportation services to ensure your journey is as effortless as possible.
Bombardier Challenger 350: Perfect for mid-range flights with plenty of luggage space for skis and gear.
Gulfstream G650: Ideal for long-range flights with luxury amenities designed to enhance comfort and convenience.
Where to Stay
With its diverse mix of on and off-mountain experiences, choosing where to stay in Niseko is key to making the most of your trip. If you want to be in the heart of the action, Hirafu is the place to be—this bustling hub has the most developed resort-town vibe, brimming with lively après-ski spots, chic restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. If a more serene, relaxing atmosphere is what you’re after, consider Annupuri, where you’ll find numerous luxury chalets nestled among the peaceful, rural landscape. Meanwhile, families will find Niseko Village and Hanazono ideal, with its family-friendly amenities and easy access to the slopes.
With Niseko’s endless array of accommodations—from high-end luxury hotels to cosy, secluded chalets—it can be hard to choose the perfect spot for your winter escape. So, we turned to our friends at The Luxe Nomad, experts in curating the ultimate getaway, to share their top picks for where to stay this 2024 ski season.
Sleeps: Up to 16 | Nearest Ski Lifts: Niseko Hanazono Resort
Located at the Hanaridge Estate in Niseko’s Hanazono forest, the six-bedroom chalet offers a striking fusion of contemporary architecture and serene natural beauty. Designed with sleek modern lines and expansive glass windows, Kazahana invites the outside in, allowing guests to feel utterly immersed in Niseko's landscape of snow-draped forests and mountains.
Inside, the villa's spacious interiors are adorned with sophisticated touches, blending minimalist Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. Think soaring ceilings, open-plan living spaces, high-end furnishings, and a state-of-the-art kitchen that beckons for gourmet feasts. The pièce de résistance is the private indoor and outdoor hot-spring onsens, where guests can soak in soothing thermal waters while taking in the jaw-dropping views of Mount Yotei.
Highlights:
Soaring ceilings with picture windows.
Spacious open plan living and dining areas.
Two master bedrooms with Hinoki tubs.
Dedicated media room and wine cellar.
Stone and timber indoor and outdoor onsen.
Nearest Ski Lifts: Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Niseko Kyo is one of the latest additions to Niseko’s luxury accommodation scene, a chic ski-in/ski-out property that masterfully captures the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetics, seamlessly merging the excitement of world-class skiing with the soothing ambiance of a mountain retreat.
Perfectly perched in the charming and vibrant village of Hirafu, this apartment hotel has been designed with contemporary flair and offers 22 meticulously crafted residences, including the most gorgeous penthouse. Each residence features elegant interiors, western-style kitchens, and perhaps the highlight for many, a private in-room onsen for unwinding after a busy day on the slopes.
Highlights:
Brand new ski-in/ski-out luxury residence.
Diverse bedroom configurations, from studio and 1- to 6-Bedroom options.
Private en-suite patio and onsen in most rooms.
Designer furnishings curated from acclaimed international brands in each suite.
On-site concierge, restaurant and modern gym.
Plan Your Ski Adventure Today
Discover all the charm and beauty of this special corner in Japan, all while knowing that every detail of your trip has been expertly taken care of. Plan your next escape with 365 Aviation and The Luxe Nomad and make your winter getaway unforgettable! For more details, please contact us at charter@365aviation.com
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