Winter Begins in Niseko-Hirafu

31 October, 2018 Victoria Yap

Snow has fallen for the first time in Niseko-Hirafu for the Winter 2018/19 season.

To everyone's delight, Niseko has received its very first snowfall in town and all over the resort for the Winter 2018/19 season! Winter is almost here with the entirety of the resort to be covered in thick layers of snow over the coming months. Here's what Niseko looks like as of October 31, 2018.

Hirafuzaka

Hirafu-zaka street in the early morning on 31st October, 2018.

First Snow Annupuri 2018 8

On the mountain, ski lifts are covered in snow.

First Snow Annupuri 2018 4

View from the mountain with the roofs of buildings in Hirafu village covered in white. 

With the much-anticipated snowfall, Niseko United resorts are scheduled to open (weather depending) on the following dates:

  • Niseko Grand Hirafu: Friday, 23rd Nov
  • Niseko Annupuri: Friday, 23rd Nov
  • Niseko Village: Saturday, 1st Dec
  • Niseko Hanazono: Saturday, 1st Dec


Stoked for winter? Check out this year's Niseko United Trail Map and essentials everyone forgets to book before coming to Niseko.

Victoria Yap
Victoria Yap

Originally from London, she was captivated by the beauty of Niseko and moved to Hokkaido in 2018. She is almost always munching on some sort of delicious (sometimes odd) Japanese snacks or planning her next foodie trip around Hokkaido.