April, 17th 2019
Grand Hirafu, April 19, 2019
Grand Hirafu is optimistic there may be enough snow base to keep the resort open until official closing date on May 6 thanks to favourable weather in April.
After lower-than-usual snowfall in late February and March, there was concern the resorts might need to close early due to lack of snow.
However Old Man Winter got a second wind in late March and we had several fantastic powder days into early April, which topped up the runs.
Another bonus is that we’ve had fewer than usual rain events so far in April – it’s been fine almost every day throughout the month. While you could imagine sun would be the number one contributor to snow melt, combined with rain it can deplete the snow pack more rapidly.
So this wonderful combination of events means that locals and a few lucky visitors could be able to ski right up until closing day.
Currently the snow base is still 280cm at the top of the mountain, and 50cm at the bottom, and the snow is beautiful and soft during the mornings and into early afternoon.
If the snow doesn’t reach to the very bottom of the mountain and the top of the mountain remains open, the Ace Quad lift will be able to be used to bridge the gap.
Annupuri Resort says the weather is warm today even at the top of the mountain, with potentially more to come and the snow is starting to melt rapidly now. So while they hope to stay open until May 6, they are not sure if the snow will last.
Annupuri, April 19, 2019
If you’re planning a last-minute holiday and the resort does close early, the cherry blossoms should be blooming, the golf courses are ripe and ready, and rafting gets underway at the end of the month.
As always, the food on offer here is nothing short of spectacular year round, and there’s activities and sightseeing galore to fill a holiday of any length.
For more about summer and next winter, stay tuned to our blog and sign up to our newsletter in the box at the bottom of this web page.
Niseko Fan Interview: Why Do You Come Back Year After Year?
Niseko is one of those places where one visit is never enough. Many people who come once end up coming back again and again. We asked a couple fro...
29 March 2024
Niseko’s Late Spring: Ski Until May 6th, Enjoy Cherry Blossoms, and Go Rafting!
Days are getting warmer and the weather clearer in Niseko now that we are in the spring season. We have over a month left in Niseko’s ski season,...
29 March 2024
Epic Savings, Epic Skiing: Discover Niseko’s Beautiful Spring
The peak powder season has come to an end, which means that our epic spring season has begun. Niseko’s spring is not to be missed with temperatur...
27 February 2024
Can You Find These Iconic Landmarks Across Niseko United?
Spring is the perfect time to explore the four Niseko United ski resorts, and while you're at it, take plenty of Instagram-worthy scenic shots. G...
27 February 2024
Get Ready for the Ultimate Spring Ski Experience in Niseko
While Niseko is in the middle of peak winter now, its milder yet equally captivating spring season is just around the corner. Spring in Niseko...
25 January 2024
Introducing You To My Niseko Village with Ski Instructor Satoshi-Sensei
Satoshi Nakagawa, originally from Sapporo City, is a ski instructor at Niseko Village Snow School (NVSS). This is his 21st year as an instructor,...
25 January 2024
Introducing You To My Grand HIRAFU with Ski Instructor Hideaki-Sensei
Hideaki Imaizumi, originally from Iwanai Town close to Niseko, is the head of school at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU Ski School. He explains when he...
25 January 2024
Introducing You To My Hanazono with Ski Instructor Shintaro-Sensei
Shintaro Kawauchi, originally from Osaka, is a ski instructor at Niseko International Snowsports School (NISS ). This is his 18th season as an in...
29 December 2023
Introducing You To My Annupuri with Ski/Board Instructor Wataru-Sensei
Wataru Kasai, originally from Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a ski and snowboard instructor at Niseko Annupuri Ski & Snowboard School (N...
29 December 2023
Take A Ski Break! Adventure & Luxury Off The Ski Slopes
While skiing and snowboarding is at the top of the list on Niseko's go-to winter activities, there's a whole world of unique experiences waiting ...
29 December 2023
Niseko United Dining Guide For Winter 2023-24
One of Niseko’s biggest draw cards is its dining scene – from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy, family-owned eateries, this winter wonderland...
28 November 2023
Unmissable December Events in Niseko: Christmas Celebrations to Epic Countdowns
December is one of the most festive and exciting months to be in Niseko. It marks the beginning of winter, offers a true white Christmas, and fea...
28 November 2023
Almost One Month Until Niseko United Opens – This Is What To Expect
The countdown has begun! There’s only about one month remaining until Niseko’s ski resorts open their doors for another epic snowy season. For...
30 October 2023
We’ve Seen The First Snow in Niseko For Winter 2023/24
Mt Annupuri, Photo: Glen Claydon Photography Anticipation for the coming winter is building with the first snow falling at village level in l...
30 October 2023
4 Tips for First-timers Visiting Niseko This Winter
Thinking of visiting Niseko for the first time this winter? Here are four tips to keep in mind as you prepare for your exciting trip. 1. R...
5 October 2023
8 Places and Times to View Autumn Foliage around Niseko
Right before the snowy season, Niseko goes through a short but marvelous autumn foliage season. From mountains to ponds, there are countless pict...
5 October 2023
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
Copyright © 2019 Niseko United.日本語