The Ski Resort
Part of Niseko United
Niseko Annupuri is the most western part of the combined ski resort Niseko United, the other parts being Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. Lift tickets are available for the entire area as well as for the individual parts.
The area around Mt Niseko-Annupuri (1,309 meters / 4,300 feet) is known for some of the best powder snow you can find in the entire world due to its location near the Sea of Japan. The air coming from the Eurasian continent takes up ocean water and is then stopped by the mountain, bringing it around 15 meters (feet) of snow to the area each year.
Since the resort is especially popular among Australian tourists, most of the hotels, restaurants and other facilities are very Western. Therefore, European tourists shouldn't have too many problems getting through the day even with little English skills. Of course, it is up to each guest individually to decide whether the absence of traditional Japanese culture is a good or bad thing for them.
Lifts and runs
The Annupuri resort is especially popular among families. The gondola lift and the detachable four-person Jumbo Quad Chair lift take winter sports fans up the mountain and keep them dry in bad weather. In the upper part of the ski resort, three open two-person chair lifts operate under and next to the Niseko Annupuri gondola lift.
The runs are distributed evenly among different difficulty levels, making the resort a good choice for families. The Family Course begins at the mountain station of the Jumbo Number I Quad Chair lift. Beginners can take the Junior Course to glide down into the valley. Groups whose members vary in skill level can use some of the black and red branch-offs. This way, everyone can reach the valley together without being challenged too much or not enough.
Interesting facts
- The vertical drop from summit to base is 1,009 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in Japan is 882 m. The ski resort takes you to an elevation of 1,309 m.
- Average snow depth during the season is 249 cm at summit elevation and 134 cm at base elevation. Snow coverage is usually best during February, offering an average snow depth of 297 cm at summit elevation and 206 cm at the base.
- Niseko Annupuri features 6 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in Japan is 7 sunny days. April is the sunniest month with an average of 4 sunny days. This makes the ski resort one of the 5 sunniest in Japan.
On Mountain Dining
Beside numerous opportunities to stop for food in the village, the small ski area also has a centrally located hut, the Paradise Hut. Found at the mountain station of the Jumbo Number I Quad Chair, the place serves snacks, coffee and other beverages.
Must-Ski Runs
The red-marked Panoramic Course begins at the top of Annupuri and is accessible via the gondola and the Jumbo Number 4 chair lift. The run is around 500 meters (1640 feet) long and offers a wonderful view towards the South under good weather conditions (which don't come around too often, unfortunately). Under very good conditions, you can even see the Se of Japan from here.
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Après-Ski and Nightlife
Since Annupuri is more family-oriented, it is not really the location for exciting après-ski nights. If that's what you're looking for, head to Grand Hirafu, which is easily accessible by taxi.
