Imagine more snow than you've ever seen, cozy Japanese lodges, and Muscle-warming onsens after a long day on the slopes.
That's what you get at Annupuri.
It's a secret, serene village hiding in the westernmost part of the Niseko United ski area. While it tends to be less crowded than some of the bigger villages, it's not to be underestimated, with easy access to the mountain and stunning views across to Mount Yotei.
From here, you can ski all of Niseko United, including Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Hanazono, thanks to the interconnected lift pass system.
This is the place to go for a quiet, more traditional Japanese ski adventure while still enjoying the 15+ meters of annual snowfall that Niseko is famous for.
Skiing in Annupuri
While hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to Niseko United each season, Annupuri remains more undiscovered. So you can enjoy epic ski conditions without the hustle and bustle of Hirafu.
This means beginners can learn their first turns in peace, while more advanced skiers can hunt some of the world's best powder stashes.
Lifts start running in late November until early May, making it an extensive ski season. Generally, they're open from 8:30am till around 4:30pm. Although during mid-season, between December and March, you'll also get night skiing open till 7:30pm. Skiing under the twinkling snowy lights is magical.
Six lifts serve the Annupuri ski area. From the base station, you can jump on the Niseko Annupuri gondola, which holds six people and flies over 1,000 meters to the top of the mountain.
This gives you access to the whole Annupuri ski area, which includes a number of quad and pair chairlifts to whisk you around the mountain.
For beginners on the lower slopes, the Dream Quad chairlift is a good place to start, giving you access to the green runs. Once you've found your ski legs, the Jumbo Quad lift takes you up to explore the Paradise, Family, and Junior runs, which snake down through the trees all the way to the base station.
For more adventurous skiers, there's a whole world of intermediate and advanced runs. The Shirakaba course is a highlight with its 800-meter twists and turns, and the Dynamic course is open for night skiing.
For the powder hunters, the lower slopes actually hold some extraordinary stashes. The Deep Snow Forest course is the most fun after some fresh snow.
Adding to this, you'll find backcountry access gates from the top of the Jumbo #4 lift, which gives you the opportunity to ride the famous back bowl if you want steep terrain and multiple drop-in points. This does require proper avalanche equipment, experience, and potentially a professional guide.
From high on the hill, you can access the other Niseko ski areas, including hopping over into Niseko Village and Grand Hirafu. As an added bonus, you can sneak over to Moiwa, a neighbouring ski resort, to really escape the crowds!
Ski Hire in Annupuri
There are limited options for ski rental in Annupuri. Sports shops do operate inside the main base building and in certain hotels.
For the easiest option, Snopro Ski Hire delivers and custom fits equipment directly in your accommodation. So you don't have to trek out the evening you arrive, worry about returning gear, or deal with busy rental shop queues.
Plus, you can use their Premier Select feature to book an exact ski make and model before you arrive, so you'll know exactly what you'll be hitting the powder with.
Ski Schools
The main ski school in Annupuri is Niseko Annupuri Ski School (NASS), which has several decades of experience and full accreditation with Japanese instructors who know the area well.
There's also a number of other private ski schools, including Hokkaido Vibe, who can provide lessons for any ability, guiding, and other road trips and adventures to get off the beaten track. They teach across Niseko, so they can come and meet you wherever you're staying.
Accommodation in Annupuri
Annupuri's smaller accommodation scene is part of its charm. You'll trade a busy town for intimate lodges, traditional ryokans, and boutique chalets where you can actually hear the snow falling.
Two slopeside hotels deliver the ultimate convenience: wake up, hit the slopes, then soak in their private onsens after your last run. For true ski-in/ski-out luxury, the Niseko Northern Resort Annupuri puts you meters from the gondola.
Or embrace tradition at one of the nearby Japanese ryokans with kaiseki dinners, and that authentic mountain retreat vibe
For more accommodation options in the area, check out H2 Life, MNK Niseko, and Taiga, which all provide luxury stays across Niseko United.
Food, Drink and Après Ski in Annupuri
After a long day on the slopes, everyone wants a good meal. Annupuri offers a selection of local eateries scattered through the village.
The main hub at the Annupuri ski ground entrance is the centre of the village.
Rakuichi Soba is a top attraction for diners, with people often coming over from other villages just to eat there.
Grill Corner is the place to go if you're looking for wagyu beef, lamb, and other delicious delights. It's an authentic grill restaurant that opens daily from 5pm.
In addition, the Fusion restaurant Eclat in Niseko Northern Resort Hotel opens up a huge buffet with stunning 180-degree panoramic views.
For refreshment on the slopes, the restaurant Nook Annupuri is in the main centre house, giving you a mix of normal ski resort food and dishes of hot ramen and curry to warm up cold bodies.
Fancy a hot chocolate? Then a log cabin style cafe called Paradise Hut is below the summit station of the Jumbo Quad Lift #1.
Nightlife and Bars
When it comes to nightlife and après ski, things are a little limited in Annupuri. For more vibrant options, you might want to head into Grand Hirafu on the local shuttle.
But that doesn't mean you can't find a nice drink in the village.
Lucky Fingers Bar at Annupuri Lodge has a casual and welcoming izakaya-style atmosphere.
The Niseko Distillery isn't too far away, with a choice of gin and a soon-to-come selection of whiskey.
Whisky drinkers shouldn’t miss Ichseko Bar and Lounge with its 100 bottles of rare scotch whisky and homemade cocktails made with local seasonal produce.
On the whole, Annupuri offers a quieter pace of life. You might want to take the 10-minute drive to Hirafu for more options.
Shopping in Annupuri
For ski kit, there are ski rental shops, including The Powder Company Pro Shop, which is filled with high-quality snow gear and a demo section for testing equipment.
For any other ski accessories you might have forgotten, then Snopro can deliver gloves, goggles, helmets and more with your rental delivery.
Some of the hotels have gift shops if you're looking for souvenirs and little knick-knacks.
If you're self-catering, you might want to stop in Hirafu on your way to the resort to fill up with food and drink for the week. This is where you’ll find convenience stores, Lawson and Seicomart.
Annupuri for Non-Skiers
If you're not skiing, then you can access the mountain with a walkers' lift ticket that allows you to ride halfway up the mountain to enjoy the views, watch the skiers and snowboarders, and breathe in the mountain air.
The biggest attraction in Annupuri are the hot springs (onsens). There are multiple in the area, including in the Niseko Northern Hotel, Ikoino Yuyado Iroha, and more.
Just grab yourself a day pass and bubble away in the onsens overlooking the slopes.
Elsewhere, you'll be able to access excursions like snowshoe tours, snowmobiling, and nearby attractions like Lake Toya boat rides. Although these might not all be available in Annupuri itself, they'll be available with a short drive or shuttle bus.
Snowshoeing is a particular favourite, with people being able to get the full winter nature experience without having to lug ski gear around. Plus, no ski boots required!
How to Get to Annupuri
Most people choose to fly into New Chitose Airport, Sapporo. This has access from most major Asian cities and even flights from further afield, although you might need to transfer in Tokyo or other major Asian airports during your flights from the West.
From the airport there are a number of options. You can get a transfer or a bus, which takes about three hours from Sapporo. The cheapest options are the Chuo bus and the Niseko Go options, or you can find yourself a private transfer and have a driver take you straight to your accommodation.
Car rental is available from the airport if you want to make the twists and turns through the Japanese mountains yourself. Although be aware that there can be some tricky winter conditions.
Train journeys will click-clack you along the tracks into Kutchan train station, where you can grab a 15 minute taxi or a shuttle to Annupuri.
Getting around Annupuri once you arrive is super easy. It’s only small so you can walk around quickly. In addition, there’s a shuttle bus between different Niseko United villages.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, for those wanting a quiet ski trip with a bit more Japanese culture, then Annupuri is a nice mix of all the Niseko United villages.
The ski area has got something for everybody… beginners, intermediates, and powder seekers. Plus after a long day, it's home to several geothermally heated onsens, including some fantastic outdoor rock pools surrounded by trees.
So if you're not so worried about extracurricular après ski activities on your doorstep, then Annupuri is a winning location.
Skip the rental shop hassles and book your Snopro delivery for Annupuri today. Custom-fitted equipment delivered straight to your door, so you can spend more time on the slopes and less time queuing.
