So what’s new in Niseko for the 2025-2026 winter ski season?
The powder countdown has begun. This winter is shaping up to be an epic one. There’s new lifts, fewer queues, and epic mountain top restaurants.
Niseko United is investing hard to level up the resort into world-class facilities to match the legendary snow levels.
So whether you’re planning your first trip to Niseko or you're a regular powder hound, here’s what’s new for your Japan adventures this winter:
New High Speed Hirafu Chairlift
Well, the biggest upgrade to Niseko United for 2025-2026 is the new King Hooded Chairlift. The resort has been working on the lift since closing early on 31st March in 2025, and it will be ready for this winter.
The new King Hooden Lift #3 gives a slicker skiing experience in the Grand Hirafu ski area. The line will move quickly, increasing capacity by 600 skiers per hour!
It’s not just unlocking more time actually spent skiing, the lift is the first heated chairlift at Hirafu, and has a protective hood to keep out the cold winds.
For beginners and children, moving a loading carpet makes for smooth boarding.
The change sees it move from a 4-seater to a 6-seater chairlift. It marks a significant landmark in the ‘Value Up Niseko 2030’ project. This is a long-term roadmap organized by the Tokoyo Land Corporation along the Kutchan Town to modernize the Niseko infrastructure.
The lift was previously improved to a high-speed 4-seater in 2016, but the popularity of Niseko as a world-class resort means the expansion is needed to cope with growing visitor numbers.
It accompanies the 10-seater Ace Gondola, which opened in 2024 to help ease the congestion across the mountain.
But these new lifts aren’t the only new thing in Niseko, cutting out long queues during your ski trip…
Snopro Ski Rental Delivery Opens in Niseko
Nothing kills the first day of your ski trip like standing in line at the ski rental store… Then, lugging your gear across Niseko to your accommodation.
Let’s be honest, it’s the worst part of a winter vacation.
Well, not anymore. Snopro ski hire now delivers and custom-fits ski rental gear across Niseko United.
Whether you’re staying in Hirafu, Hanazono, Annupuir, Niseko Village, Kitchan, or Moiwa, all you can book your kit online. Then your personal Snopro technician brings everything to your accommodation, fitting your skis and boots in the process.
You never have to set foot outside until you’re ready to hit the slopes.
Plus, if you have a problem during your trip, there’s a free follow-up service to refit ski boots or switch gear. (No extra cost.)
Then, at the end of your stay, everything is collected from your ski locker. So you can spend more time in your chalet, out to dinner, or on the slopes.
No queues. No hassle.
“🌟 Outstanding, stress-free experience. Highly recommended. SnoPro exceeded expectations with their exceptional service and flexibility. They generously arranged a late-day fitting at our hotel, arriving fully equipped and ready to go. The gear was professionally fitted on the spot. No need to deal with store queues or delays. At the end of our rental period, they conveniently picked everything up from the hotel. Absolutely seamless from start to finish.” - TripAdvisor Review
New Ace Gondola Summit Restaurant
Sitting at 813 meters in the Ace Gondola summit station, awaits a breathtaking new dining destination is set to transform Niseko's mountain dining scene for the 2025-2026 winter season.
The highly anticipated two-story, all-glass summit restaurant will crown the Ace Gondola's mountaintop station, offering what promises to be one of Japan's most spectacular alpine dining experiences.
Let me paint a picture of an unobstructed view of the iconic Mt. Yotei coupled with premium cuisine from an open concept kitchen.
“At the new restaurant, plans for content that will enable guests to fully enjoy the mountain resort are currently underway, including the placement of a terrace with pristine scenery that makes guests feel like they could dive right into Mount Yotei, an open kitchen to convey the feel of a live performance, an island bar counter for guests to enjoy après-cafe time and seating that reuses chairs from “Center Four,” whose operation ended last season” explains the Tokoyo Land Corporation.
Interestingly, the interior design and exterior decking area are built using recycled and other environmentally friendly materials. So this ‘natural nest’ is the perfect place for a relaxing meal or apres ski drink with epic views.
Niseko Ski Season Opening Dates 2025-2026
| Resort | Season Dates | Daily Hours | Night Skiing | Night Hours |
| Niseko Annupuri | Nov 29, 2025 - May 6, 2026 | 8:30 - 16:30 | Dec 13 - Mar 22 | 16:30 - 19:30 |
| Niseko Village | Nov 29, 2025 - Apr 5, 2026 | 8:30 - 16:30 | Dec 13 - Mar 22 | 16:30 - 19:00 |
| Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU | Nov 29, 2025 - May 6, 2026 | 8:30 - 16:30 | Dec 13 - Mar 22 | 16:00 - 19:00 |
| Niseko Hanazono | Nov 29, 2025 - Apr 12, 2026 | 8:30 - 16:30 | Dec 13 - Mar 22 | 16:00 - 19:00 |
Niseko United 2025-2026 Lift Pass Rates
| Duration | Adult (¥) | Elementary (¥) | Middle (¥) | Senior (¥) |
| 1 day | 12,000 | 7,200 | 10,200 | 10,200 |
| 2 days | 23,500 | 14,100 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| 3 days | 35,000 | 21,000 | 29,800 | 29,800 |
| 4 days | 46,500 | 27,900 | 39,500 | 39,500 |
| 5 days | 58,000 | 34,800 | 49,300 | 49,300 |
| 6 days | 69,500 | 41,700 | 59,100 | 59,100 |
| 7 days | 81,000 | 48,600 | 68,900 | 68,900 |
| 8/10 days | 92,500 | 55,500 | 78,600 | 78,600 |
| 9/11 days | 104,000 | 62,400 | 88,400 | 88,400 |
| 10/12 days | 115,500 | 69,300 | 98,200 | 98,200 |
| 11/13 days | 127,000 | 76,200 | 108,000 | 108,000 |
| 12/14 days | 138,500 | 83,100 | 117,700 | 117,700 |
Important Notes:
- Regular Season: December 13, 2025 - March 22, 2026
- Age Categories:
- Adult: 16-64 years
- Elementary: 4-12 years
- Middle: 13-15 years
- Senior: 65+ years
- Early Season & Spring Season: 30% discount on rates shown above
- Early Season: November 29 - December 12, 2025
- Spring Season: March 23 onwards
Money-Saving Tip: The longer you stay, the better value you get - a 7-day pass works out to ¥11,571 per day for adults versus ¥12,000 for a single day!
