Niseko, the New Mecca Of Mountain Biking

May, 29th 2024

Now known around the world for its powder snow and ski slopes, Niseko is transforming itself into a green season mecca of mountain biking. Developing more than 20 km of cross-country, downhill, and flow trails in just a few years, Niseko is rapidly becoming Asia’s top MTB destination.

Twin Peaks Bike Park – Free MTB Trail

The Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association (NAMBA), a local volunteer-run, non-profit organisation, opened 13 km of mountain bike trails last year on Futagoyama (Twin Peaks), a mountainous forest area between Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU and Niseko Hanazono Resort.

The trails are free to use and were built in collaboration with Swiss trail-building company Allegra. The trail network consists of green (easy), blue (intermediate), and black (advanced) runs, offering enjoyable routes for riders of all levels.

NAMBA collected donations from local businesses and organisations to keep the trail open to the public. The NPO is working towards creating trails that connect all of Niseko’s ski resorts and towns, and even a looped trail around Mt. Yotei. The Twin Peaks Bike Park is the first step in NAMBA’s master plan to make Niseko a world-renowned, sustainable mountain-bike destination.

The bike park will be open from June to the end of October, from 7am to 7pm.

Click here to learn more about NAMBA and its Twin Peaks.

Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU’s Trail

Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU will be opening its mountain bike course on the slopes starting July 13th. The gondola will also be operational from that day, allowing bikers to ride with their bikes to access the courses. Two areas, the Mountain Bike Flow Trail and the Mountain Bike Skill Up Area, will be open for bikers.

Prices for the gondolas for adults / kids are:

¥1,200 / ¥600 for one trip

¥3,500 / ¥1,750 for 4-hour pass

¥5,000 / ¥2,500 for a 1-day pass

¥20,000/¥10,000 for a season pass
Details at the Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU website.

Mountain Bike Course Opening at Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area!

Starting this season, Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area will open a MTB course within its ski slopes.

Using the gondola, mountain bikers will start from an elevation of 935m, and enjoy the 2,750m downhill course designed for intermediate and advanced riders.

With the cooperation of professional MTB rider Kazuki Shimizu, the resort prepared the downhill courses without altering the slopes as much as possible.

The trails will be open from 13 July to 14 October, from 9:00 to 16:00 (only open on days when the Gondola is operating).

Prices for the gondolas for adults / kids (below highschool) are:

¥1,000 / ¥500 for one trip

¥3,500 / ¥1,750 for 4-hour pass

¥5,000 / ¥2,500 for 1-day pass

¥20,000 / ¥10,000 for season pass

Bike Rentals and Lessons

Many places in Niseko offer mountain bike rentals, and Niseko Hanazono Resort’s Niseko Sports is one where your kids can grab a mountain bike.

There are local mountain biking organisations in the area that offer mountain biking lessons for your kids. Coming to Niseko might be a great chance to explore mountain biking with your children and create a new family activity!