Road trip to Niseko yesterday. Arrived at Hanazono at about 9am. A warm weather spell meant the snow was pretty wet and choppy. But the crowds!!! Too many people and not enough lifts! Looks like lifts have been decommissioned on Hirafu as well as a couple weren’t going and the pizza box to the top was out of action I suspect due to high winds. There is a new gondola and a super fancy hooded 6 seater at Hanazono though. But just too crowded to be enjoyable. I get that it’s Chinese New Year and this was probably the busiest time of year, but lift lines were just too long! First skied here in 2002 and had been back a couple of times since then but the secret is now definitely out. It is now getting too overdeveloped for the size of skiable area. Too many people and crowds waiting for lifts. I don’t think I’d need to ski at Niseko again unless there are new lifts put up or replaced.
Just visited Niseko Village and had a great time! Fantastic skiing, lovely accommodations, and friendly staff. A bit crowded at times, but overall, a wonderful winter getaway. Highly recommended! 🎿⛷️❄️
