Hirafu is the "Hub" of ski activities in the Niseko region, which acts as the staging point for the other three Hagishiyama, An'Nupuri and Hanazono. All four areas can be accessed on one "Niseko United" lift ticket.

 

Lift services operate from 8.30am to 9.00pm every day, allowing you to get the most Ski time possible in Niseko. With large areas illuminated at night there is a variety of terrain for everyone to enjoy up until the last lift of the day.

 

The all-mountain pass gives skiers access to 38 lifts and gondolas, over 47km's of regularly groomed runs, several terrain parks and a half pipe. Terrain is divided into 30% beginner 43% intermediate and 27% advanced. More importantly there is roughly 37 square km's of variable off piste terrain ensuring full days of bottomless turns for all.

 

 

The bottom lift starts at 280 meters , the top lift goes to 1200 meters giving 920 vertical meters of lift accessed terrain. The summit is 1308 meters, takes 15 minutes to hike from the top lift and has an amazing panoramic view of the Japan Sea, and the Niseko area including the ever present volcanic cone of Mt Youtei.

 

There is a huge range of other activities when you want a break from skiing or snowboarding including, indoor rock climbing, snow mobiling, dog sledding or the pleasures of a traditional Japanese Onsen.

 

The island of Hokkaido is considered to be the gourmet island and home of the best Japanese produce including seafood. The restaurants throughout the Niseko region are a must for every visitor, there are many within close proximity to Shinsetsu, it is also worth the short trip to Kutchan to sample many of the small family run restaurants which are very reasonably priced and should be part of the local experience.