What’s new in Niseko this year 2022

The first POMA 10-seat gondola installed in Japan, the Hanazono Symphony Gondola will whisk intermediate and advanced skiers to the top for the Colly’s Folly run in a five-minute ride, with a mid-station in between for beginners to hop off and enjoy the Juicy Fruit run. This luxurious, brand-new gondola takes its name from the latest model of the Symphony cabin, a collaboration between the world-leading French cable operator POMA and the Italian design firm Pininfarina. Each cabin is outfitted with leather-trimmed, top-of-the-range individual seats and its own suspension system, striking a perfect balance between aesthetic and functional needs.

Replacing the existing four-seat Hanazono 1 Quad and serving the same route, this new six-seater is comfortably padded with heated leather seats along with footrests and a bubble hood for protection against flying powder of snow. One of the latest designs from POMA, this lift is embellished with custom Hanazono embroidery, offering a seamless ride in fine style for the ultimate ski trip.

Also new for the upcoming ski season will be ski terrain and courses on the eastern side of the mountain, which can be accessed by the Hanazono Symphony Gondola. The top station is the stop for those who want to make fun turns along the 550-meter Colly’s Folly, a wide, groomed intermediate course with an average slope angle of some 20 degrees. For first-time skiers and snowboarders, they can disembark at the mid-station and make their debut on the mellow Juicy Fruit with a length of 800 meters and a slope at around seven degrees.

Here is Hanazono new development map

Your skiing day does not have to end before sunset at Hanazono with the launch of the Symphony gondola. From 18 December, 2021 to 20 March, 2022, both of the new courses will be opened for night skiing between 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Enjoy the awe-inspiring views while gliding down the illuminated slopes, coupled with coloured LED lights of the gondola cabins and the stars and moon lighting up the sky.

To put health and safety first for guests and employees alike, Niseko United continues to implement precautionary measures and enhanced hygiene practices following the latest guidance from health and government authorities.

When visiting the Niseko United Ski Resorts, guests are required to wear face coverings. It is highly recommended to install “COCOA”, a contact-tracing application launched by the Japanese Ministry of Health, maintain good personal hygiene at all times and buy lift tickets online in advance. The number of guests per chairlift and Gondola cabin is limited except for a group or a family travelling together as social distancing measures. All Niseko United employees are required to check their body temperature prior to starting their workday and to put on protective face coverings when performing their duties.