Winter 2017/18 Ski Season Now Open

06 December, 2017 Sofie Lahtinen

Over three metres of snowfall already and the lifts now turning, Niseko is officially open for ski season.

Niseko's winter season is now in full swing with the opening of the resort's main ski lifts and an record November snowfall to start the season.

Niseko has received a whopping 310cm of snow already and it's only December, making for a bumper season kick-off.

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Snow falling on the opening day of the Hirafu Gondola on Saturday 2nd December.

Niseko Grand Hirafu officially opened on November 23rd, with the Hirafu Gondola opening last Saturday.

Skiers and snowboarders have waited with bated breath to get their first runs for the season and have been blown away with an incredible amount of snow already on the mountain.

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Enjoying the ride to the top on the Hirafu Gondola on opening day last Saturday.

Lifts Now Open

  • Ace Family Quad (Niseko's new lift recently opened)
  • Ace Quad Lift #2 (Center 4)
  • Ace Pair Lift #3
  • Hirafu Gondola
  • King Hooded Quad Lift #3
  • Swinging Monkey
  • Holiday Pair Lift #1
  • Hanazono Hooded Quad Lift #1
  • Hanazono Quad Lift #2
  • Hanazono Hooded Quad Lift #3
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Amazing powder conditions and it's only early December.

Night skiing will also open on December 9th with the following lifts running after dark:

  • Ace Family Quad (last lift at 20:30)
  • Ace Quad Lift #2 (Center 4) (last lift at 20:20)
  • Hirafu Gondola (last lift at 20:10)
  • Holiday Pair Lift #1 (last lift at 20:30)

Want to know more about Niseko's lifts? Check out the newest lift to open in Niseko: The Ace Family Quad.

Sofie Lahtinen
Sofie Lahtinen

Australian-born and Euro-blooded, Sofie has been living in Niseko since 2016. When she's not behind a desk, she gets her kicks from yoga, cycling, Mother Nature, and as a self-confessed 'speed-demon', riding anything with wheels or a motor is top of the list. Sofie's perfect day ends by getting red-faced in an onsen, then polishing off a bowl of Hokkaido's famous soup curry (yes, it's a thing!).