Hanazono hiking/mtb trail

The Niseko Hanazono trail has to be my favorite  trail in the Niseko resort area. Fairly long, about 6-7 km’s. Challenging climbs for the first 2km’s. Bit of a slug but laced with a few fun downhill sections, some nice views and a creek crossing. We rode it last weekend, a bit of snow leftover but should be all gone within a week.

Creek crossing in late May

After about 2km’s is a small lake called Kagaminuma or Mirror lake. Nice place to take a breather and get ready for the real fun, the long variable downhill run.

Mirror lake Hanazono trail

Once past the lake there is one small 50 meter uphill climb, then an 800 meter steepish downhill section with some slightly sketchy traverses. Then comes the best part.  A long 3-4km’s of trail on a small decline, no tight corners. Get some speed up and pump and carve the corners, no need for breaking. Sweet.

Last half of Hanazono trail

The trail finishes at the entrance of the Hanazono Tokyu Resort golf course. The trail is actually intended for hikers so look out for them. Generally you may come across  a small group of hikers on the first half of the trail, especially on weekends. From the lake onwards hikers are rarely seen.

You can find directions to Hanazono trail on this link directions to Hanazono trail

Hanazono trail. Long mellow downhill section

Niseko mountain biking

For visitors to the Niseko resort area hoping to get in some mountain biking while on holiday. The good news is Niseko has some great trails and plenty more to come. This is thanks to a small group of local mountain bikers. Driven by their passion for the sport and area, this core group of locals are building new cross country and downhill courses. In turn helping make Niseko a true year round resort.

If you’re here on a Wednesday come join the locals for the weekly downhill jam. Meeting place is 200 meters from the Seicomart, at the Sunsports carpark. Come around 17:30 and do a few runs with the crew.

The Niseko crew loading up the bikes

Getting a lift up to the dsen downhill mtb course

* For information on mountain bike trails in Niseko and more, check out this handy site Nisekomtb.com

* If you want to rent a decent mountain bike try local Niseko Hirafu bike shop Groove Cycles