This ski area is very well run offering a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers, great left systems and plenty of off-piste terrain for the powder. We arranged our time a little late and should have been a couple of weeks earlier as things were getting warm in early March before we left.
If your into throwing-off some tricks while cruising, this might be the best place in Niseko if the terrain parks of Grand Hirafu are closed. Slope is moderate and doesn't get too chopped up; it's also not too flat, so you can keep it moving. An all-around fun area. Pro tip: don't miss the "mega beers" at the base before the shuttle ride back to your hotel!
We are in late 30s, learning how to snowboard for the first time. Lucky we booked the private lesson or else we will not love the experience (getting up after falling from Snowboard is most challenging for us). Taka-San, our instructor, is super helpful and kind. We love learning from him.We have a little problem with booking though. I try to book the class by myself from Bangkok, its almost impossible. I have to ask my japanese friend to call the school to book for us. And we email them for confirmation.
Niseko Annupuri is one of the four main Niseko resorts. As a result, it is more international than Japanese. The runs are wide, well-groomed, and generally unchallenging. However, the backcountry gates can be an awesome adventure after a new snow fall. Be warned that after the gates there is a steep traverse through trees. Then your choice of three wide bowls. All the bowls funnel into a narrow valley with very tight lines through the trees.
Enjoyed knee deep powder here and thoroughly enjoyed it BUT...was surprised by the condition of the infrastructure. Needs updating
I gave 4 star because the place is one of the best snow skiing area I have never been. You can have powder snow for sure. Although the weather is always snowing or snow storming ( not many sunny day I must say), you won't regret for snow.There is all mountain pass available, but when I stayed we had a bad weather so all the lift on top of mountain was closed. Please be careful to buy the tickets as often we can not use fully due to the weather.The negative sides are:1. The skiing school is still run very old fashion way. You can not book online, if you book for private lesson, you are secure for spot which is VERY expensive, but if you prefer a group lesson, if there is no spot, forget it. There is no way you can get a lesson. There is no English group lesson, and although they said you have to come as early as possible to queue to make a booking, they open the desk before the opening time so there is unfair way of booking a group lesson.2. There are 3 restaurants but they are all very simple basic Japanese food, not creative at all. One of them is even same menu and charge bit more than the other. Looks like food court rather than restaurants.3. You need to queue for buying a tickets to the restaurant. But the machine is only one and long queue.Do I go again? Yes, absolutely. You can not get a such a beautiful snow like Niseko anywhere.
Wide groomed slopes make for a great ski day for intermediates. Some challenges for advanced skiers. Not crowded, unlike Niseko. Similar to Hanazono ski area. Above treeline is more challenging and can be very windy. Grooming of runs is very good. Base lodge is plain and simple. Not as crowded as the other Grand Niseko ski areas.
This place has the best powder snow ever. Smallish area 4 chairs 1 gondola, linked to the rest of Niseko United (if the 4th chair is running) and close by bus to Moiwa. Something for everyone, easy beginner groomed pistes, some steepish bits. But mostly deep deep powder tree runs perfect for expert riders. Gate 7 is worth the trip on its own. Nice little hut on the mountain for coffee, beer clam chowder etc. good burgers and coffee near the gondola and pretty standard cafe near the bus stop. 80/20 snowboarders, so that's a nice, but great for everyone. Don't tell anyone though or they'll all be there...
After 8 fabulous yearly visits here we finally had one which only produced one good snow fall then nothing for 5 days,however still great groomed runs and sunshine.Good eateries on the mountain and not much waiting on lift queues.You can normally count on regular snow falls producing fresh tracks and good tree runs.
This is my favourite area to ski. Wide slopes of varying degrees to challenge the most die hard skier/snowboarder. Plenty of powder as well as groomed runs. The crowds were minimal as it is more for the moderate to experienced skier. The view from the top is amazing. Restrooms and eateries at the bottom to take a break and refuel