Experience the New Ace Gondola at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU

02 December, 2024

The 2024/25 winter season has commenced at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, introducing the state-of-the-art Ace Gondola. This modern lift replaces the venerable Ace No. 2 Center Four Lift, which concluded its 38-year service in March 2024.

The new Ace Gondola significantly enhances the mountain experience with its advanced features:

  • Increased Capacity and Speed: Upgraded from a 4-seater chairlift to a 10-seater gondola, boosting transportation capacity by 2.5 times, and increasing speed of the gondola by 1.5 times compared to the previous lift, effectively reducing wait times.
  • Modern Amenities: Each of the 54 cabins is equipped with free Wi-Fi and heated synthetic leather seats, ensuring a comfortable ascent. Each cabin also has built in ski storage and offers covers for snowboards riding in the gondola.
  • Unique Viewing Experience: Two specially designed cabins feature glass floors, offering a thrilling 360° view of the snowy landscape—a unique experience for visitors this season.

Strategically located at the base of the Center Course, the Ace Gondola provides seamless access to a variety of courses, catering to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Its enhanced capacity and speed are expected to alleviate congestion, allowing guests to maximize their time on the slopes.

The introduction of the Ace Gondola reflects Tokyu's commitment to elevating the guest experience, aligning with the "Value up NISEKO road to 2030" initiative aimed at enhancing Niseko's appeal as a premier all-season resort. Tokyu Land Corporation is accelerating its investment in Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, with over 10 billion yen allocated for developments between now and 2026. Key projects include transforming the gondola summit station into a two-story, all-glass restaurant by 2025 and upgrading multiple lifts to improve capacity and reduce congestion across the resort.

For the latest updates on lift operations and trail conditions, please visit the official Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU website.

As the season progresses, visitors can look forward to exploring the diverse trails accessible via the Ace Gondola, all while enjoying the breathtaking vistas that Niseko is renowned for.