As the first flurries of 2024 begin to dust the mountains in Japan, the ski resorts have begun to open their doors. With world-class facilities and a variety of accommodations, matched with pristine powder snow conditions, Japan offers an unforgettable winter escape.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) expects that NINO.3 SST will be below normal during boreal winter and come closer to normal as the atmosphere-ocean coupling weakens, which could be an indicator of epic conditions for the first few winter months! Heavy snow was forecasted, especially from Wednesday (December 4th), which will result in more ski lifts and terrain opening!
Niseko, a ski resort town in Hokkaido, is renowned for its exceptional powder snow, stunning scenery, and vibrant après-ski scene. With four interconnected ski areas – Niseko Village, Annupuri, Hanazono, and Hirafu – Niseko United offers a diverse range of runs to suit all levels of skiers and snowboarders. And as some lifts started up on December 2nd and gave a glimpse into the future, this season will be no different, with plenty of opportunities to carve fresh tracks and experience riding through soft fluffy snow.
"There are plenty of excited people here at Hirafu today!" exclaimed Ben Thorpe, Director and Hokkaido Area Manager of Japan Ski Experience. "There are a lot of smiling faces and just a lot of excitement for the new Ace Gondola that opened. Everyone is having a great time!" he added.
This year, a new 10-seat gondola at Niseko has replaced the old 4-seat lift, which held the title of oldest running ski lift in Japan. The new system has a running speed of 6m per second, which is 1.5 times faster than its predecessor, and has a capacity to carry 2,800 people per hour, a significant increase from 1,800 from before. With the new gondola now online, lift times have been dramatically reduced, enabling quicker access for visitors and locals up the mountain. Ben also mentioned, "The ride up was incredibly quiet and smooth! It was so much smoother and faster than the old lift before."
As the season continues to cool, there is a lot more snow forecasted in the coming days and weeks ahead! And although it was fairly busy on opening day at Niseko, the crowds were a lot less noticeable given the efficiencies of the new gondola! Restaurants were almost fully booked, especially during peak hours, so it is highly recommended to plan ahead and make reservations as early as possible, before you arrive in resort.
Just on the horizon, the Nikko Style Hanazono is perhaps the most exciting new Niseko accommodation opening this coming season, being the first hotel of its kind right at the foot of Hanazono's slopes. Hanazono is one of the four Niseko United resorts on Mt. Annupuri and offers prime skiing conditions. Skiers and riders could consider purchasing an All Mountain Pass, allowing access to all of the Niseko resorts.
While Niseko often steals the show, Japan boasts many other ski resorts that are more than worth a visit! Rusutsu is a short drive away from Niseko and offers open runs backdropped by stunning views of Mount Yotei. Also in Hokkaido, Furano is a charming ski resort with several new properties available that are perfect for those seeking a peaceful winter escape. Lastly, there is Hakuba, located in the Japanese Alps on the main island of Honshu. It was home to several Nordic events during the 1998 Winter Olympics and is set to welcome its own brand new, 10-seat gondola at Iwatake Resort later this month on December 20th!
This ski season in Japan promises to be a truly unforgettable experience. With 2 new gondolas and top-level accommodations, backdropped by beautiful scenery amidst the powder snow, this writer is looking forward to amazing times up on the hills. Got your bags packed and gear ready?
Photos by Ben Thorpe, Niseko, December 1, 2024
