Some people believe that the ski resorts at Niseko United have the best night skiing terrain in the world! In fact, these resorts boast the largest night skiing terrain in Japan. For professional skiers, night skiing in Niseko is an opportunity to make the most of their time on the slopes. For beginners, it is a chance to practice in a peaceful setting and admire the mountain from a completely new perspective.
Night skiing can offer a wonderful experience for everyone, but it does require a bit of adjustment compared to daytime skiing. Be sure to pocket these important tips before heading up the mountain in the evening by reading the article below!
What are the advantages of night skiing in Niseko?
Night skiing definitely has its own highlights, and that’s exactly why so many people love this experience. When you ski at night, you not only get extra time on the slopes but also enjoy a significantly less crowded environment compared to daytime. This gives you more space to ski without long waits at the lift stations. The tranquility of the mountain at night is a great advantage for both beginners and advanced skiers.
Night skiing also offers a completely new perspective on the mountain. The areas of the slopes that are open at night are illuminated by floodlights, making it easy for you to see. If it happens to be snowing, you can marvel at the magical sight of sparkling snowflakes as you glide down the slopes. Additionally, you can enjoy the view of the town below, glittering with lights in the night.
What should you prepare for night skiing in Niseko?
When skiing at night, one crucial factor to consider is your goggles. Nighttime reduces visibility, making it harder to see even familiar terrain features or other skiers on the slopes. Additionally, if it’s snowing, the beautiful scene under the lights can make it even harder to see. Therefore, goggles with dark or tinted lenses may impair your vision in low-light conditions. It’s advisable to switch to lighter-colored lenses to enhance visibility in the dark.
Night skiing is much colder than skiing during the day. As the sun sets, you’ll need extra layers to stay warm. Be sure to pack warmer clothing for night skiing in Niseko! Add an extra layer and pay special attention to cover sensitive areas like your neck, ears, and face. A helpful tip is to bring warming products for your boots and gloves. There are various warming products available, such as battery-powered heaters, chemical warmers, or fleece liners for your socks and gloves. Regardless of the type you choose, having a plan to keep warm after sunset is crucial.
Finally, skiing is always more enjoyable with friends. Invite a companion to share the sparkling, tranquil slopes of the night. Having a friend with you not only increases the fun but also makes you feel safer, especially if you are new to night skiing in Niseko.
Locations and Times for Night Skiing
The night skiing season typically runs from mid-December to mid-March. The lift systems operate from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM, with Annupuri extending its hours until 7:30 PM.
The four-night skiing areas in Niseko are Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. Since 2022, Niseko Hanazono has opened its lifts, meaning all four resorts are now available for night skiing.
Whether you purchase a season pass or a daily lift ticket, you can use the lifts for night skiing. Daily tickets are valid until the end of the night skiing session. However, not all lifts are open for night skiing; only specific lifts are operational and well-lit.
Based on experience, Grand Hirafu is considered the best resort for night skiing. This is because it offers warmer lift systems compared to other resorts at night and has more runs available. Grand Hirafu is the only resort with green, red, and black runs open for night skiing. This makes it suitable for skiers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Grand Hirafu is favored by many due to its spacious terrain, which is particularly ideal at night when it’s less crowded.
Read more: Discover 4 less crowded ski resorts in Niseko and nearby
Things to Keep in Mind
Because it’s colder at night, the mountain conditions can become icy. Icy snow can be more challenging to ski on as it’s slicker and harder, which could lead to more falls. This doesn’t mean you can’t ski on icy snow—just be sure to adapt to the conditions and ski safely.
Be sure to yield to skiers below you, avoid skiing too close to others, and try not to stop in inappropriate places. If everyone follows these guidelines, night skiing will be enjoyable and safe for everyone.
One important difference between night skiing in Niseko and daytime skiing is that you cannot ski between the four resorts. This is because the lifts do not allow cross-resort skiing. You can only ski within the resort where you started. It’s crucial to remember this to ensure you stay within the appropriate boundaries and don’t get left behind after the lifts close.
Here are the lift operating hours for the four resorts:
• Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort – Until 7:30 PM
• Niseko Village Ski Resort – Until 7:00 PM
• Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu – Until 7:00 PM
• Hanazono Niseko – Until 7:00 PM
Night skiing at Niseko Hanazono Resort revolves around the brand-new Symphony Gondola. The two new runs, Colly’s Folly and Juicy Fruit, open after sunset. You’ll disembark at the middle station of the gondola to reach Juicy Fruit, which is perfect for beginners. Higher up, Colly’s Folly offers a bit more pitch and excitement. Hanazono provides exciting terrain for skiers and snowboarders of any level at night.
Night skiing in Niseko is a thrilling winter sport and a unique experience, offering magical moments under the starlit sky. With extra time on the slopes, fewer skiers, and the chance to view the mountain illuminated by lights, it creates a beautiful and unforgettable scene. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, night skiing offers a fresh and captivating perspective. Be well-prepared, bring all your gear, and consider bringing a friend to explore and enjoy the illuminated slopes together. Night skiing in Niseko will surely be a memorable highlight of your journey.
Source: Niseko United, Setsu Niseko
