Niseko ski resorts prepare major gondola and lift upgrades for 2026 winter season
Niseko's ski resorts are preparing major infrastructure upgrades ahead of the 2026–27 winter season, including a new eight-person gondola at Niseko Village and a chairlift at Grand Hirafu that will more than double hourly passenger capacity.
The projects form part of a multi-year modernisation programme across Niseko United's four interconnected ski resorts, with additional improvements scheduled through the 2028–29 season.
The upcoming ski season is scheduled to begin on November 28, 2026, although individual lift opening dates will vary.
Niseko Village prepares new eight-person gondola
Niseko Village is replacing its existing two-person Mori-no Chairlift with the Shin Mori-no Gondola, an eight-person system designed to improve access to upper mountain terrain.
The approximately two-kilometre gondola project will be completed in two stages.
The first section, reaching approximately 670 metres above sea level, is scheduled to open in December 2026. A second section extending to approximately 930 metres is expected to follow in December 2027.
The new system will provide greater passenger capacity and more comfortable journeys, particularly during periods of heavy snowfall and cold weather.
Niseko Village is also upgrading its Wonderland Chairlift from a single-person to a two-person system to improve access within the resort.
Grand Hirafu more than doubles chairlift capacity
At Grand Hirafu, the existing Ace #3 two-person chairlift is being replaced with a four-person hooded chairlift for the 2026–27 winter season.
Hourly passenger capacity will increase from 1,029 to 2,400, representing an improvement of approximately 133 percent.
The upgraded chairlift will complement Grand Hirafu's ten-person Ace Gondola, which opened in November 2024, improving the next stage of access towards higher mountain terrain.
The project also incorporates components from the former King #3 Lift, including chairs, towers and electrical equipment, helping reduce construction waste.
The King #3 Lift was itself replaced by a modern six-person chairlift for the 2025–26 season.
Together, these projects represent three consecutive winter seasons of lift improvements at Grand Hirafu.
Annupuri plans major gondola replacement
Further investment is planned at Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area, where the existing gondola is scheduled for replacement ahead of the 2028–29 winter season.
The current system has operated since 1985.
Its replacement is expected to increase hourly capacity from approximately 1,440 to 2,800 passengers, an improvement of around 94 percent.
The new ten-person gondola will continue connecting the resort base with upper mountain terrain, with the additional capacity intended to improve reliability and reduce congestion during busy periods.
Niseko's infrastructure investment extends beyond 2026
The latest projects build on improvements already completed at Grand Hirafu and demonstrate continued investment across Niseko's mountain infrastructure.
From the opening of Grand Hirafu's Ace Gondola in November 2024 through Annupuri's planned replacement in 2028–29, the region is undergoing several consecutive years of lift modernisation.
For visitors, larger lifts and more comfortable gondolas should improve movement around the mountain. However, their effect on waiting times will depend on visitor numbers, weather and operating conditions.
For Niseko's accommodation and property markets, the significance extends beyond additional passenger capacity.
The upgrades demonstrate continued investment in the infrastructure supporting the region's international tourism industry. Improved mountain access could strengthen the visitor experience, although accommodation demand and property performance will also depend on transport connections, pricing and the availability of suitable accommodation.
Further Reading
Niseko Village announces new gondola for winter 2026 (Japanese only)
Grand Hirafu announces Ace #3 Lift renewal (Japanese only)
