You need to go through black diamond routes if you are skiing from Grand hirafu to Annupuri. Or you can take a bus which takes a long time to reach. And the bus is very crowded.
A very beautiful place though. It has a vast ski area and not a lot of people on the mountain as most people cannot come over from hirafu.
For a few days, there were strong winds, so the lifts were always closed and we could not visit Annupuri on those days.
Sometimes the lift that brings us higher, after disembarking the gondola, would close early due to weather and we had to take the bus back instead of skiing back, as they warn that the area between hirafu and Annupuri is dangerous to ski back.
There is a big food area at the base, where you can rest and grab some food and beverage.
The staffs at the Gondola lift are friendly and helpful.
An Unforgettable Ski Experience at An’nupuri, Niseko – March 2025
An’nupuri Niseko is an absolute gem, and my recent ski trip there in March was nothing short of spectacular. Despite the season edging toward spring, the snow cover was still excellent, offering pristine conditions across the mountain. I was lucky enough to score a perfect bluebird day—clear skies, not a breath of wind, and best of all, relatively uncrowded slopes that made for an incredibly enjoyable experience.
What sets An’nupuri apart is its well-balanced variety of runs. From gentle slopes for beginners to more challenging terrain, there’s something for every skill level. The real highlight, though, is Gate 2, where you can hike up to access the untouched backcountry behind the summit. Skiing through Virginia powder and weaving through the trees was an absolute dream—an exhilarating and deeply rewarding experience that any powder enthusiast would appreciate.
Compared to Hirafu, An’nupuri feels underrated, which works in its favor. The lift system is efficient, keeping queues minimal, and everything runs smoothly.
This is a family and beginner friendly slope. I love the open wide slopes that annapuri offers. If you are a beginner like me, this would be the 2nd best option. The 1st being Hanazono, however, Annapuri offers a wider larger variety of green slopes for the beginners.
The ski season in Niseko Annupuri typically runs from late November to early May, depending on snow conditions. The peak season, when the snow is most abundant, is usually from December to February.
Niseko Annupuri offers a variety of slopes to cater to all skill levels, including beginners, intermediates, advanced skiers, and snowboarders. There are wide groomed trails, challenging off-piste areas, and several terrain parks.
Yes, there are numerous rental shops in and around Niseko Annupuri where you can rent skis, snowboards, boots, and other necessary equipment. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Niseko Annupuri is accessible by car, bus, and train. The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, from which you can take a bus or train to Niseko. There are also direct bus services from the airport to the ski resort during the winter season.
