Niseko Annupuri Gondola (ニセコアンヌプリゴンドラ) is a mountain cable car that is operated by Chuo Bus Niseko Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd. It is part of the Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort and is located in the town of Niseko in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Niseko Annupuri Gondola |
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort Details
The Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort, one of the most popular winter destinations in Hokkaido, Japan, has a rich history that spans several decades. It officially opened its doors in 1972, quickly establishing itself as a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. In February 1985, the resort took a major step forward when its downhill course was certified as an official International Ski Federation (FIS) designated course, further solidifying its reputation in the global skiing community.
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| Niseko Annupuri Gondola - Niseko town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A significant development occurred in December 1985 with the opening of Hotel Nikko Annupuri, now known as Niseko Northern Resort An'nupuri. This hotel provided guests with a comfortable stay right at the heart of the action.
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| Niseko Annupuri Gondola Station |
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| This station is located at the foot of the mountain |
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| Beginners usually stay at the lower parts of the mountain |
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| While experts head up to the more challenging part of the mountain |
That same year, the resort completed the construction of a six-seater high-speed gondola lift, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. In November 1987, the Ski Association of Japan (SAJ) approved the Super-Giant Slalom (SGL) course, adding to the resort's appeal for competitive skiers.Niseko Annupuri Gondola History
As the years passed, Niseko Annupuri continued to improve its facilities, with the establishment of the 1,000-meter Plateau Observation Square in August 1988 at an altitude of 1,000 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. December 1992 marked the completion of a four-seater high-speed quad lift, which made access to the slopes even more efficient. The following year, in November 1993, the introduction of the Niseko Free Passport System brought a major convenience to visitors, as it became the first ski resort in Hokkaido to adopt an automatic common lift ticket gate system, uniting several resorts in the region under one ticketing system.
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| Niseko Annupuri Ski Slope Map |
The resort continued to modernize in the late '90s and early 2000s, with the renewal of the ski center Nook Annupuri in November 1999, and the installation of a vibration-damping device in the gondola lift in November 2006. By December 2010, a snow escalator was introduced, offering an easier way for beginners to navigate the slopes. The ski center and Rest House underwent another round of renewal construction in November 2015, enhancing guest experience and comfort.
Niseko Annupuri Gondola
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| Niseko Annupuri Gondola Summit Station |
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| Mt. Yotei as seen from Niseko Annupuri Gondola |
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| This mountain is very busy in winter |
In November 2017, a four-seater lift for beginners was added at the foot of the mountain, making it even more accessible for newcomers to the sport. Niseko Annupuri's continued growth and investment in facilities have ensured its place as one of Hokkaido’s premier ski resorts, attracting skiers and snowboarders from all over the world to experience its world-class slopes and facilities.
Team Nicerio tries the Niseko Annupuri Gondola
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| The Niseko Annupuri Gondola Summit Station is at 971m |
On April 2, 2023, my family and I took our first ride on the Niseko Annupuri Gondola, marking the second day of our Birthday Road Trip. It also happened to be my 517th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. While we initially planned to hike to the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupuri, the deep snow and our lack of proper gear made it unfeasible. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time enjoying the view from the 1000m Plateau Observation Square. We were fortunate that the skies were clear, allowing us to take in the stunning sight of Mt. Yotei and the expansive Niseko landscape. I hope we can return one day to finally hike the mountain.
Niseko Annupuri Gondola Lift Operating Hours
Regular Season (mid-December –late March): 8:30-19:30 (night games: 16:30-19:30)
Early Season: (late November – early December): 8:30-16:00
Spring Season: (Late March – early April): 8:30-16:30
Final Season: (early April – early May): 9:00-16:00
Niseko Annupuri Gondola Lift Fees
The Niseko Annupuri Gondola Lift Fee varies per season. Here’s the updated lift fee. 👉LINK
Why try the Niseko Annupuri Gondola?
The Niseko Annupuri Gondola offers an incredible experience for both skiers and non-skiers alike. For skiers and snowboarders, the gondola provides easy access to the slopes of Mt. Niseko Annupuri, known for its powder snow and diverse terrain suitable for all levels of experience. The convenience of the gondola, along with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, allows skiers to get to the top quickly and enjoy the world-class skiing conditions that Niseko is famous for.
For non-skiers, the gondola is just as appealing. The scenic ride-up offers stunning views of the winter landscape, including the majestic Mt. Yotei on clear days. Even if you're not hitting the slopes, the gondola gives you the opportunity to enjoy Niseko's beautiful alpine scenery from a unique vantage point. Whether you're taking photos, relaxing in the observation area, or simply soaking in the views, the gondola ride is an enjoyable experience for all visitors, making it an essential part of any trip to Niseko Annupuri.
Getting to Niseko Annupuri Gondola Station:
By Train:
From JR Niseko Station, it takes approximately 10 minutes by local bus or taxi to reach Niseko Annupuri Gondola Station.
By Bus:
From Sapporo: A direct bus ride operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus (Expressway Niseko-go) takes about 3 hours.
From Otaru: The bus ride, also operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus (Expressway Niseko-go), takes about 2 hours.
From New Chitose Airport: It takes around 3 hours by bus to reach the gondola station.
These convenient transport options make it easy to access Niseko Annupuri from various locations, whether you’re coming from Sapporo, Otaru, or New Chitose Airport.
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