Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, a ski resort in Kutchan Town, Hokkaido, opens for the 2026-2027 winter season on November 28, 2026 (Saturday). The opening date may change depending on weather conditions.
This season, the Ace No. 3 Lift is being renewed as a four-seater, the "Ace No. 3 Quad Lift". It follows the Ace Gondola, which opened two years ago, and the King No. 3 Six-Seater, which opened last year, as part of the resort's ongoing effort to increase transport capacity. The resort is also making changes to improve convenience, including a wider range of rental brands at the rental shop directly connected to the slopes, a single reception desk for its ski and snowboard school, and the launch of the "HIRAFU FAST PASS".
The resort aims to be an all-season natural resort where all guests can enjoy a comfortable, high-quality stay with peace of mind.
Ace No. 3 Pair Lift Becomes a Four-Seater Quad Lift With 2.3 Times the Capacity
Located in the middle of the mountain, the Ace No. 3 Lift (エース第3リフト) is being replaced with a new four-seater, the Ace No. 3 Quad Lift (エース第3クワッドリフト). The renewal raises transport capacity to approximately 2.3 times the previous level, which is expected to greatly reduce waiting times in the mid-mountain area and make it easier to reach the summit and upper area, where the area's renowned powder snow lies. The lift is also newly equipped with hood covers that shield riders from wind and snow, so they can ride in warmth and comfort even in Niseko's harsh winter weather.
The renewal also supports environmental protection and the circular economy. Carriers, support towers, and electrical equipment recovered during last season's full renewal of the King No. 3 Six-Seater are being reused under advanced safety standards.
The resort says it will continue to pursue both a skiing experience at global standards and sustainable all-season resort operations.
Image of the "Ace No. 3 Quad Lift"
Image of the "Ace No. 3 Quad Lift"
Rental Gear Expands From 7 to 11 Brands
The rental shop has expanded its skis and snowboards from the previous 7 brands to 11 brands. The larger lineup lets skiers and snowboarders choose gear that suits their style, the snow quality of the day, and the slope conditions.
This season, "ARMADA Snowboards" joins "MOSS SNOWSTICK", "NEVER SUMMER", and "FACTION", which are popular among powder enthusiasts, as a newly added brand.
Free "Ski Valet Service" for Rental Customers
The resort is introducing the "Ski Valet Service" (スキーバレーサービス), which stores skiing and snowboarding equipment free of charge for guests who use the directly operated rental shop.
Because gear can be left at a base facility directly connected to the slopes, guests no longer need to carry heavy equipment from their accommodation. After skiing, they can head into the Hirafu town hands-free for après-ski activities such as meals and shopping.
Official School Becomes "HIRAFU SNOW" With a Single Reception Desk and a Priority Lane
This season, the official school of Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu is reborn as "HIRAFU SNOW". The SAJ-certified and JSBA-certified schools and the "NAC SNOW SPORTS SCHOOL" are merged under a single reception desk, which makes it easier to choose a program that suits each guest's skill level and needs.
Lesson participants also get a "lesson-only priority lane" that lets them board the lift smoothly even at peak times, and a beginner practice area with a permanent magic carpet where first-timers can step up safely. The school supports learners from beginners to those aiming to become powder experts.
Private lessons at "HIRAFU SNOW" are offered in both Japanese and English to accommodate guests from Japan and abroad.
"HIRAFU SNOW" Overview
- Group lessons: January 5, 2027 (Tuesday) to March 31, 2027 (Wednesday)
- Private lessons: December 1, 2026 (Tuesday) to April 18, 2027 (Sunday)
- Reception: .Base (ドットベース) 1st floor
- Reservations: Online via the Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu official website
- Official URL: https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/snow/schools/hirafu-snow/
New Limited-Quantity Premium Pass "HIRAFU FAST PASS"
From this season, the resort sells the "HIRAFU FAST PASS", a limited-quantity premium pass. It is an all-in-one package that combines priority boarding on all lifts and gondolas in the resort, a reserved space in the on-site parking lot for smooth access to the slopes, and high-grade rental gear with newer, higher-end models. The pass is designed to cut waiting times at peak hours and to cover the whole day from arrival to departure.
"HIRAFU FAST PASS" Product Overview
- Sales period: December 18, 2026 (Friday) to March 22, 2027 (Monday)
- Price: ¥300,000 (the same price for up to 4 people)
- Reservations: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu official website (reservations are scheduled to open in late November) https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/
- Contents: Right to use the lift priority lane inside Grand Hirafu, plus 4 perks
- Perks:
- Niseko United all-mountain 1-day lift ticket
- High-grade rental (skis and boots, or snowboard and boots; jacket and pants; helmet)
- One parking space in front of the King Gondola
- Original pass holder
- Pick-up location: Rental reception, 2nd floor of the Mountain Center Annex (base of the King Gondola)
Notes:
- For groups of 5 or more, an additional ¥75,000 is charged per additional person (up to 2 additional people).
- Sales are limited to a maximum of 10 groups per day.
- Cancellations are not accepted.
About Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu has 22 varied courses and facilities and services that meet a wide range of needs. Skiers and snowboarders can ride with a view of Mt. Yotei, which is counted among the 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. The resort's abundant snowfall and powder snow are known as "JAPOW" and attract many skiers and snowboarders from Japan and overseas.
- Address: 1-jo 2-chome 9-1, Niseko Hirafu, Kutchan Town, Hokkaido (postal code 044-0080)
- Official website: https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nisekograndhirafu/
Access
- By car:
- From Sapporo: 94 km, about 120 minutes via National Route 230 over Nakayama Pass, or 105 km, about 105 minutes via the Shiribeshi Expressway and Niki IC
- From New Chitose Airport: 112 km, about 125 minutes via National Route 276 over Bifue Pass
- By train: From Sapporo Station to Kutchan Station (via Otaru), then about 20 minutes by taxi or bus
Slope and Lift Data
- Elevation: 260 m to 1,200 m (vertical drop 940 m)
- Number of courses: 22
- Area: 135.3 ha
- Longest run: approximately 5,300 m
- Maximum gradient: 40°
- Average gradient: 15°
- Course composition: Beginner 45%, intermediate 28%, advanced 27%
- Lifts and gondolas: 2 gondolas, 1 six-seater, 2 quads, 3 pairs, 1 single
2026-2027 Winter Season Operating Information
- Operating period: November 28, 2026 (Saturday) to May 5, 2027 (Wednesday, national holiday) (planned)
- Operating hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (until 7:00 PM during the night skiing period)
- Night skiing period: December 12, 2026 (Saturday) to March 22, 2027 (Monday)
