Reasons why night riding is sick: 1) You’re riding 2) It’s nighttime – what’s not to love?
There’s just something so different about chasing untracked powder and tackling treelines under the night sky, and here in Japan, we’re lucky enough to have some of the best night riding worldwide. AND, it’s officially that time of the season, with Niseko’s night skiing opening for operation last week and Hakuba primed to follow suit any day now!
So if you’ve got your JaPow trip locked and loaded and want some extra info on where you’ll be able to go out for a post-après shred, read on!
Why Everyone Should Try Night Riding
Quieter Slopes
After a day out riding, not everyone has it in them to head back out for a few extra hours. Hit up night riding to enjoy lesser crowds, shorter lift lines and runs all to yourself!
Improved Visibility
Much to contrary belief, visibility is actually much better at night time. During the day when it’s overcast everything looks really flat, but the spotlights during night riding help bring out all the texture of the slopes so you can see every mound and divet super easily! The perfect way to build up confidence on the slopes!
A Chance To Bust Out Your Clear Lenses
When else do you get a chance to bust out the ultra transparent clear-boys?
Try New Slopes
Let’s be honest, most of the time, you’re only seeing the green and blue runs from out the gondola window as you’re on your way to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the chiller runs for a nighttime shred, they provide the perfect chance to practice butters and riding switch!
The Perfect Post-Work Option
Doing a JaPow season but on alternate working hours to your best buds? Rendezvous for a few post-work laps before you kick into some much needed après.
Night Skiing in Niseko
A day out on the slopes not enough shred time for you? Don’t stress, night riding is offered at all four Niseko United Resorts, because there’s nothing better than shredding pow under the stars.
Niseko United
Lift | Operating Hours |
Upper Village Gondola | 8:30 – 19:00 |
Village Express | 8:30 – 19:00 |
Banzai Chair | 8:30 – 19:00 |
Grand Hirafu
Lift | Operating Hours |
Ace Family Quad Lift | 8:30 – 19:00 |
Ace Gondola | 8:30 – 19:00 |
King Gondola | 8:25 – 19:00 |
King Holiday Pair | 8:30 – 19:00 |
Hanazono
Lift | Operating Hours |
Hanazono Symphony Gondola | 8:30 – 19:00 |
Annupuri
Lift | Operating Hours |
Jumbo Quad Lift | 8:30 – 19:30 |
Night Skiing in Hakuba
Now, we know that there’s normally at least four resorts on offer for night riding in Hakuba, but at this stage, there’s been no official announcements from some of the usual offenders like Happo-One or Tsugaike.
So, at the time of publishing this article, there are only three resorts currently offering night riding this season.
Resort | Lift | Operating Hours |
Hakuba Goryu | Toomi Slope | 18:00 – 21:30 (From late December) |
Hakuba Cortina | Unannounced | Official Statement: “Night skiing available on certain days” – make sure you keep a close eye on their site! |
Jigatake | 8:00 – 19:30 (Fridays and Saturdays) |
Please note: Most resorts in Hakuba require a separate pass for night riding, you will only be covered if you have a Hakuba Valley All-Mountain Pass.
Night Skiing in Furano
Hokkaido’s best powder both day and night? Count us in.
Here’s where you’ll be able to go night shredding in both sections of Furano’s ski resorts.
Ski Area | Lift | Operating Times |
Furano Zone | Prince Romance Lift | 9:00 – 19:30 |
Kitanomine Zone | Kitanomine Swift Lift No. 1 | 8:30 – 19:30 |
All your friends heading out for some nighttime laps but you don’t feel your skills are quite up to scratch? Why not book a Private Lesson? Yep, you can book lessons for the early evening as well!
