WELCOME TO NISEKO POWDER SECRETS!
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On this website, we show you where to find the best powder runs in Niseko, as most of them are unmarked or not shown on the trail maps. While exploring is fun and exciting, we do realize that time is precious, especially when you are in Niseko. The information here will enable you to zero in on the best runs from the get-go and hopefully help you make your Niseko powder experience epic. And if you are fortunate enough to have a guide or instructor with you, you can let them know where to take you.
The Peak
Niseko runs a gates system allowing resort visitors to access the backcountry. Gate 3, or G3, is the most coveted one, as it is the gateway to the Peak. For more information about the Peak, click here. The best peak runs are listed below. Click on the Peak run that interests you and you'll be redirected to an animated 3D map on the FATMAP app that shows you the run and how you can return to the resort.
Within the resorts - Hirafu, Hanazono, and Niseko Village
There are many amazing powder spots within the resorts and they are listed below as well. On days when most people head up to the peak, these runs can remain deep well into the afternoon. Also, some of the terrain is accessible during Niseko's famous night-riding hours!
The Niseko Powder Secrets are secrets no more. Have an epic stay!
THE BEST POWDER RUNS FROM THE PEAK
Where You End Up: Cat track followed by a 10-15min hike back to Hanazono resort.
The most popular peak run. From the peak, follow the fall line. Before reaching the tree line, bear a little skier's left. Choose one of the two big spines in the 'ideal landing area' (marked in the Fatmap app) to maximize your run.
Where You End Up: Bottom of Hanazono.
Go down East Face from the peak and keep drifting towards skier's left. Stay high enough to reach Higashione above the cornice. Find a drop-in point and aim to get out at the top of Jackson. Ride down Jackson and follow the track back to Hanazono. If there is no track, you have the honors.
Recommended: Poles for snowboarders.
Where You End Up: On the Panorama Road that is closed during the winter. From here, the easiest way back to a resort is going to Hanazono, but you could also go to Annupuri.
Required: Snowboarders - splitboard or snowshoes and poles. Skiers - touring skis if going to Annupuri.
This is arguably the best peak run.
Where You End Up: Annupuri
The easiest run, as it involves no hiking. Epic if you choose the right line. Once in Annupuri, take the lifts up to G2 and hit Osawa/The Bowl, or traverse it and do Stairway To Heaven, and return to Annupuri again. Kozan/Back Bowl is also a good starting point if you want to go to Moiwa or Goshiki Onsen.
Note - returning to Annupuri from Goshiki Onsen requires either touring equipment or taxi money.
Starting from the top of Kozan/Back Bowl, drop in, stay high and traverse to the skier's right to get up on the West Face Ridge. If visibility is good, stay on the skier's right side of Kozan until it flattens out and then get on the ridge before the cornice begins. From there, the onsen should be visible.
After done soaking in the onsen, you can return to Annupuri, the nearest resort, via Mikaeri Bowl. Doing this requires touring equipment. You could also call a taxi.
Where You End Up: Bottom of Annupuri.
This is an amazing run and often stays untouched. Not recommended as the first run if starting from the peak.
You would waste too much riding altitude by going down the West Face Ridge, which often is wind affected.
If going to Annupuri after having done North Face or visited Goshiki Onsen, this would be a good option if you have the stamina hiking to the drop-in point.
Where You End Up: Moiwa Resort.
Moiwa is not part of Niseko United, but you can go there from Annupuri and come back. There is a marked sign to the skier's right, just as you enter Annupuri having come from the peak.
On your way back from Moiwa to Annupuri, go through G6 and go all the way to Mikaeri Bowl before dropping in. If you have touring equipment, the desire and stamina, hike to the Third Bowl and return to Annupuri from there.
Where You End Up: Annupuri
There is a "Stairway To Heaven" course in Hanazono, but this is not it. It's much better. This Stairway To Heaven is hidden in plain sight, which is why it doesn't get tracked out quickly.
Starting from G2 in Annupuri, traverse across Osawa/The Bowl. Don't sweat it if you can't stay high. Just make sure to get up on the ridge before it starts flattening out. Within 30m, look for an opening in the bushes to the skier's right. Enter and enjoy
THE BEST POWDER RUNS IN
Lift Access: Ace Gondola
People who know how epic this run is on a powder morning will start forming a line long before the lift opens, Covid or no Covid. On some snowy days, if the peak gates are open, this run stays deep into the afternoon, as most people head for the gates. Super Course is also open during Hirafu's famous night skiing hours.
Lift Access: Ace Gondola
Often neglected when most people go for Super Course or head up to the peak, Furiko is a long ungroomed run that usually stays deep throughout most of the day (and evening) on snowy days. Finish by entering Onsenzawa before returning to Ace Gondola
Lift Access: King & Ace Gondola
One of the best tree riding in Niseko. You can go down in any direction. The trick is finding the glades. It can be difficult even for the experienced.
THE BEST POWDER RUNS IN
Lift Access: Hanazono #1
The most popular off-piste area in all of Niseko. It is shaped like a bowl and funnels down to a single exit at the bottom. The trees in the steeper slopes are well spaced out offering many launching options for air-seeking free riders.
Lift Access: Hanazono #1
Smaller area than Strawberry Fields with tighter trees, but still very enjoyable. Good option if you want to finish off with a playful ride on your way back to the bottom of Hanazono after a peak run.
Lift Access: Hanazono #3
Great tree riding area next to the Hana #3 lift. If you don't feel like standing in line waiting for King #4/Pizza Box lift to open (it might not), go here for a warm-up run. Another great option is doing this first and then head to Strawberry Fields.
THE BEST POWDER RUNS IN
Lift Access: Niseko Gondola
G11 is the gateway to Mizuno-no Sawa, the best powder area in Niseko village. Enjoy floating on deep powder under the gondola. Never cross under the “Strictly Off-Limits” ropes into Haru-no Taki. It’s a death zone.
Lift Access: Niseko Gondola
Often overlooked, as most people head out G11, Superstition is one of the best inbound powder runs in Niseko, especially during the early season.
ABOUT NISEKO POWDER SECRETS
Masa Ishido is a powder-loving snowboarder, who has been riding in Niseko for more than twenty years. Since Niseko's best powder runs are not on any trail map, he created Niseko Powder Secrets to let everyone know where they are, how to get there, and save time looking for them. "Skiers and snowboarders come to Niseko for its world famous powder. Most stay for one week, if that long. I want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the best of what Niseko has to offer."