Hokkaido's Best Night Skiing - Opening dates, times and pass prices

The NISADE team loves a night skiing "ナイター" and are experts at making the most of it each season.

It helps a lot that the NISADE head office is just a short walk through Niseko to the largest (and arguably the best) place for night boarding in Japan (and the world for that matter!).

However Niseko isn't your only option when you visit Hokkaido. With accommodation options across Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu, it would be downright unfair of us NOT to share all of the details with our guests.

So to help you make the most of your next holiday stay in Hokkaido, read below and get night shredding!

Arguably Hokkaido's best year round holiday destination - Rusutsu offers a fantastic night skiing option for those staying nearby at ski-in ski-out hotels like The Vale Rusutsu or as a side trip for anyone in Niseko - the ski areas are around 1 hour by car apart in winter.

Rusutsu's night skiing happens close to the main village on either the West No. 2 Quad Lift or West No. 1 Quad Lift. It kicks off in early December and continues until the end of March.

We recommend timing your trip to coincide with one of Rusutsu's fantastic events. Their New Years Eve light run for example is an excellent reason to book a stay for a few nights to really make the most of it.

When does night skiing at Rusutsu start?
Times: Mid December TBC ~ 31/03/2023 (Sat), 16:00 to 20:00 (last ride: 19:45)

How much is night Skiing at Rusutsu?
Price: ¥3300 per adult, ¥2200 student, ¥1100 child
Rusutsu lift status
*prices and times may change, please check resort website

Furano - located in central Hokkaido - is one of Japan's hidden gems and receives fantastic snow conditions. However being more secluded means it doesn't attract the big international crowds you often see at other ski areas. One of the best things about Furano is that kids ski free!

Furano's ski area is organised into two zones, the "Furano Zone" and "Kitanomine Zone". Both areas have their own night skiing, the price of which is included in your day pass! Simply jump on the Kitanomine Gondola located just across the street from Fenix Furano and Fenix West and shred the night away!

Furano's night skiing may not be quite as big as other areas, however it does have its benefits. We recommend it for families, large groups and kids due to the terrain, free children's tickets and the proximity of the slopes to the city!

When does night skiing at Furano run?
Furano Zone: Mid-Dec – 23 Mar
Kitanomine Zone: Late Dec TBC – 23 Mar
Times: daily 4:30pm. - 7:30pm

How much is night skiing in Furano?
Price: From ¥2500 Children are free!
Furano lift status
*prices and times may change, please check resort website

Saving the best for last - how could we not talk about Japan's largest night skiing area - conveniently located at NISADE's doorsteps. If you're staying at The Vale Niseko (ski in ski out), Maples Niseko, Always Niseko or one of our many boutique properties you're in luck!

With lights extending up the runs at all three Niseko United ski areas, you'll find it hard to see it all in a single trip. Access to night skiing at Niseko United is included with your day lift pass.

Night skiing terrain utilises the following lifts:

> Ace Quad Lift #2 (Center 4) at Niseko Grand Hirafu
> Hanazono Symphony Gondola at Hanazono Niseko
> Jumbo Hooded Quad Lift #1 (At Niseko Annupuri)

For those not content with staying on-piste, Niseko United's lit up ski areas provide enough light to explore some of the fantastic forest and side runs as well.

When does night skiing in Niseko start?
Dates: December 16, 2022 (Sat) – March 20, 2023 (Sun) - until 8:30pm at Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri
Times: 4.30pm-7.00pm

How much is night skiing in Niseko?
Price: From ¥8,500 (included in your All Mountain day pass)
Niseko lift status
*prices and times may change, please check resort website

Not to be forgotten, Sapporo city itself is surrounded by several smaller, lesser known ski areas that open for night skiing with fantastic city views. Sapporo Moiwayama for example is a family friendly resort just 9.6km from Sapporo station.

Popular with local Japanese residents - you're unlikely to see another foreigner on the average night - this is our special tip if you're really looking for a "local experience" on your way to the bigger ski areas like Niseko.

Key details:
Times: 16:00 until 21:00 running to 21st March 2023
Price: From ¥1600 adults and children
Get to Sapporo Moiwayama
*prices and times may change, please check resort website