It has been a long hot summer here in Niseko but amazingly opening day is just around the corner, from the time of writing we are just 71 days away from the first lift spinning on the Niseko United area! What will the season bring, first off we hope it will bring you back to enjoy what we know is guaranteed, epic skiing, steaming onsens, delicious food and smiling faces. Word on the street is that the Sea of Japan is likely to stay a little warmer than usual this year which means in a simple sense we'll see more evaporation, more precipitation and combined with some frigid Siberian air  a strong possibility of another massive winter like last year. Time will tell.  In the mean time we have some all important opening dates for you, plus the unveiling of one awesome looking lift.

OPENING DATES 2021 /22

Annupuri 

• Opening Date: 4 December 2021
• Closing Date: 5 May 2022
• Night Ski: 18 December 2021 – 20 March 2022 (till 8pm)

Niseko Village

• Opening Date: 3 December 2021
• Closing Date: 3 April 2022
• Night Ski: 18 December 2021 – 20 March 2022 (till 7pm)

Grand Hirafu

• Opening Date: 4 December 2021
• Closing Date: 5 May 2022
• Night Ski: 18 December 2021 – 20 March 2022 (till 7pm)

Hanazono

• Opening Date: 4 December 2021
• Closing Date: 3 April 2022
• Night Ski: 18 December 2021 – 20 March 2022 (till 7pm)

A couple of months ago we announced the new lifts going into Hanazono and construction has gone successfully through the summer and is on schedule for open day.

The new lifts are looking lush and will be whisking you up the hill in record time and absolute comfort. The new 6 seater that will take the place of Hana 1 is Japan's only 6 seater chairlift and comes complete with luxurious leather seats and leg saving foot rests. Running up the other side of the hill is the new Symphony Gondola wich will service new beginner and intermediate terrain with two new slopes Colly's Folly and Juicy Fruit opened for your skiing pleasure. Perhaps the most exciting part of these new runs is that they will be lit at night. Below a glimpse at the the very stylish looking new ride.

For those who missed our last story on Hanazono's new lifts the photo below shows where they will go and the terrain they will access. The new six setaer won't open up anything new but it will get you to the top of Strawberry Fields a lot faster. The new Gondola with it's two stations will open up some new beginner and intermediate terrain and take some pressure off the Hana 1 chair. All in all both lifts are great news for Hanazono and for the greater Niseko United resort and we can't wait to ride them!