Farewell to Quad Lift Center 4: Embracing a New Experience with the New Gondola

The venerable Ace Quad Lift #2 Center 4, Japan’s longest-serving quad lift, bid farewell after 38 years of operation on March 31, 2024, marking the end of an era. In preparation for the 2024-25 winter season, it will be succeeded by a new lift system.

Many enthusiasts flocked to Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu to pay their respects during the final week of operations for Center 4. Among the festivities were fireworks, live music, taiko drum performances, a raffle, and even an auction of the old lift chairs.

The joy of night skiing

(Photo: Experience Niseko)

Center 4 plays a crucial role in facilitating night skiing activities at Grand Hirafu. Under the night sky, the slopes take on a captivating atmosphere, illuminated in a distinctive way from daytime skiing.

(Photo: Experience Niseko)

On clear evenings, you’ll marvel at the twinkling ambiance of the stars and moonlight, while the vibrant cityscape of Hirafu adds to the allure.

Goodbye Center 4

Since the Ace Quad Lift #2 Center 4 cable car began operating in 1985, it has been affectionately dubbed “Center 4” by locals and visitors alike, becoming a beloved fixture of the ski area. If you’ve ever explored Grand Hirafu, chances are you’ve experienced the thrill of riding this cable car.

(Photo: Skiresort.info)

Adjacent to Dot Base, the Quad Lift transports guests to the Super Course, offering picturesque views of Skye Niseko on the right and stunning pine forests on the left. Throughout its lifespan, it proudly transported over 25 million passengers, a record achievement in Niseko United.

(Photo: Experience Niseko)

With its open-air seats and vintage charm, the reliable Quad Lift was a favorite even on windy days. Fans fondly recall the excitement of watching skiers and snowboarders glide below, sometimes even cheering them on.

(Photo: Experience Niseko)

Read more: Peak Adventures: Mastering Skiing and Snowboarding Excitement

Chair Auction

In response to inquiries about the lift chairs after its closure, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu held a charity auction from March 15 to 30 for the 33 chairs from Center 4. All chairs were sold out, with the most popular chair – numbered “1” – fetching ¥150,000 JPY (approximately $1,000 USD).

(Photo: Skiresort.info)

Buyers included businesses and individuals, many intending to place the chairs in their shops or homes. Proceeds from this auction were donated to the Protect Our Winters Japan organization.

The Final Week of Quad Lift Center 4

(Photo: Niseko United)

Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu organized special events from the 25th to the 31st to commemorate the final week of operation of Center 4. Complimentary drinks were served at Ace Hill, special stickers were handed out to those riding the cable car at Center 4, and a DJ booth was set up to energize the crowd!

(Photo: Niseko United)

On the last day of operation, Tokyu held a raffle beside Center 4, with about 500 people participating. One of the standout prizes was a season pass for Grand Hirafu – Hanazono for the following year.

Following that, there was a traditional Japanese drum performance and a stunning fireworks display in the evening. Fans attending the commemorative event expressed, “We will remember Center 4, but we are also eagerly looking forward to the new Gondola lift.”

Welcome the New Gondola

(Photo: Niseko United)

For the winter season 2024-25, Center 4 will be replaced by the latest model Gondola capable of carrying 10 people, a significant upgrade from the old 4-person chairlift. It operates at a speed of 6 meters per second, 1.5 times faster than Center 4. The new Gondola can transport 2,800 people per hour, a significant increase from the previous 1,800 people per hour, and is expected to alleviate congestion at the ski area, especially during peak hours. The Gondola is slated to feature important upgrades, including amenities such as heated seats and Wi-Fi for the spacious 10-person cabin.

Moreover, the Gondola lift will have bike racks to serve mountain biking enthusiasts, supporting activities like downhill biking and scenic trail rides in the summer. The introduction of the new Gondola marks a significant step forward in making Niseko a year-round destination for travelers.

Main Course Details

Lifts

With these impressive changes, the new Gondola cable car promises to revolutionize the Niseko experience in all seasons. We’d be delighted to have the chance to meet you here!

Source: Niseko United, Experience Niseko