Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Hokkaido, Niseko is globally renowned as a premier destination for snow sports enthusiasts. Known for its legendary powder snow, diverse ski terrain, and vibrant après-ski culture, Niseko offers an unparalleled experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether one is carving down pristine trails, navigating off-piste powder, or simply soaking in the stunning natural beauty, Niseko promises an unforgettable adventure that keeps winter sports lovers returning year after year.
However, with recent climate change and shifting weather patterns affecting ski areas worldwide, Niseko is adapting to these challenges by expanding its offerings beyond winter. Summer activities now include hiking up Mt. Yotei, cycling expeditions along Route 66, and river rafting on the Shiribetsu River. In recent years the ski resorts started toying with the idea of transforming these iconic slopes into a network of mountain biking trails, turning winter assets into summer thrills.
“one drop to get the snowball rolling, one knuckle to get a rock rolling”
Our first foray into the area happened in the summer of 2016. We were tasked to get involved in the design and construction of the Asahigaoka Flow trail at Kutchan.
Working under the umbrella of Allegra Tourismus, the project was meant to pilot the concept of ski slope as a mountain biking trail asset in the summer for the region.
A blue square grade intermediate flow trail is conceptualized, where we figured the trail will cover the wider range of riders around the region, especially when we only have a single trail to present around the greater region of Niseko.
At that point, July 2016, there’s some lift assisted options at Hirafu where trails generally ran pretty much straight down the slope, relatively rough and downhillish, never a place for the wider population to even sample a ride, and probably tailored more for competition.
The snake-like alignment, limited between the left and right margin of the ski area, brings bikers from the common ski lift drop off points to the park through a series of 30+ turns, it’s something new for bikers in the region and helps open the doors for the development to come after.
Cultural differences between the summer sports and winter sports collided over the late autumn where part of the trails were re-graded to prepare for ski slope winter operation. The trail was revived in different forms, where the turns and its berm were made drastically smaller with various other adaptations and restrictions in the subsequent summers and still served the town of Kutchan as of now, albeit more for trail running and less for mountain biking.
The impact is strong. Kick started various projects and interest in that region for mountain biking as part of the summer offering of Niseko.
Summer of 2023
The summer of 2023 saw some massive development around the area.
Grand Hirafu Resort and The Twin Peaks project, finally took off after years of planning where the main build phase kicked in. Both these projects complement each other in a way, where the trails provide different kinds of flow and technicality, enhancing the mountain biking offering in the region greatly.
Constructed by a rather international team under the umbrella of 2 contractors (NINE Inc and Allegra Tourismus), and at one point housing 10+ professional trail builders from at least 6 countries, working concurrently in the 2 areas. With each bringing diversity in style, the experience, to the various trail sections.
Grand Hirafu Resort Flow Trail
The Grand Hirafu flow trail is essentially a 6+ km long flow trail starting at the King Bell Hut towards the base of the resort, where one can use the Hirafu gondola for further lift assisted runs.
The trails were constructed in sections by various builders, engaged by NINC Inc, over the summer of 2023, requiring one to construct an intermediate level trail over some of the steepest sections in the Grand Hirafu Ski resort. These slopes were black diamond runs in the winter and this essentially pushed the limit of construction where one had to mellow down the trail grades with extensive rock walls and slabs.
Despite the challenges encountered, constructing certain sections of the project was an enjoyable experience. The process was dotted with instances where we had to strategically position heavy 1-tonne slabs using a 2-tonne excavator due to tricky conditions. These sections are rock solid, creating some of the best looking turns in the process, and as always anchored by the majestic Mt Yotei in the background.
Boyo-so Section
One of the most memorable builds being the section across Boyo-so. Unlike the rest of the section where one rides within the exposed ski slopes, the area is wooded with the typical ‘J’-like gum trees. As the trail winds through the forest, it creates a sense of tunnel vision as one quickly weaves through the dense area. This iconic section shows some flavour from our team of builders, where we are way at ease within these wooded sections.
Training
The construction process relies on local summer recruits as well, where we’re required to train non bikers on the delicate process of trail construction. This is challenging however essential, something that we are used to especially in Asia.
The flattish green ski slope areas at the lower section provides a better environment for trail construction training, where the ground crew can hone the basic skills of trail building more efficiently. On the flip side, building an awesome trail in a flattish section challenges even the most experienced builders, as it requires patience and dedication when it comes to placing the right skill features, while keeping it sustainable.
Late Autumn
“Late autumn’s chill blows,
Cold wind stirs a rush of work.
Trails shape in the hills.“
The ride
The new flow trail offers a thrilling lift-assisted descent, dropping approximately 450 meters over 6 kilometers. The ride begins with an easy-grade top section, perfect for warming up. As you progress, the trail steepens in the middle section, providing advanced riders with plenty of exciting line choices to explore. A ride through the serene Boyo-so forest introduces a refreshing change of scenery before transitioning to the lower section, where the trail mellows out with flowing, longer stretches leading to the gondola base. Along the way, there are numerous playful line options to discover, rewarding those with a keen eye for the joy of mountain biking and its alternative culture.
Twin Peaks Bike Park
The Twin Peaks trail system, spearheaded by NAMBA (partnering with Allegra Tourismus), is designed to cater to a wide range of users, offering a variety of trails to suit different skill levels. The network includes four easy green loops, six intermediate blue square loops, and two advanced black diamond lines.
Trail conditions and ride recommendations are updated frequently on Trailforks, providing nearly daily insights to help riders plan their adventure.
To kick off the ride, start with Ezo Shika, a green climbing trail perfect for warming up. This trail takes you from the trailhead at the base of the hill along Route 343 to the summit of the bike park, covering an elevation gain of 210 meters over 3.5 kilometers.
Alternatively, riders can reach the summit via the Hanazono gravel road, although access may be restricted. (It’s best to check for current access permissions.)
Once at the summit, there are several rewarding descents to choose from:
Shogun Syndicate is a thrilling 2.3-kilometer-long black diamond descent that combines flowy sections with technical challenges. The upper part of the trail offers some of the most breathtaking views in the park, making it a must-ride for advanced riders.
For those looking for a slightly less intense descent, Easy Ryder provides a 2.4-kilometer intermediate blue run. While it may be less technical, the top section requires careful navigation through tight tree gaps that keep riders focused and controlled. After this technical start, the trail opens up to a fast and fun middle section filled with well-placed berms and jumps that offer an exhilarating ride experience.
Whether one is a beginner or a seasoned rider, the Twin Peaks trail system has something to offer for everyone, complementing the rest of the destination with some well crafted yet free to use mountain biking access.
The Road Ahead for Niseko as a Biking Destination
“One drop starts the flow,
One knuckle nudges the stone.
Momentum takes hold.“
As we look back on the summer of 2024, it’s clear that Niseko has laid a strong foundation to become a top mountain biking and cycling destination. With diverse options for riders of all levels—from the lift-assisted flow trails at Hirafu and the challenging DH race course at Annapuni to the diversity within the Twin Peaks trails and the beginner-friendly Koropokkur Bike Park—Niseko offers a well-rounded experience that caters to everyone. Strategically positioned along Route 343 (mostly *), these trail systems create a compelling network that shows immense potential for long-term growth.
Beyond mountain biking, Niseko’s cycling scene is equally vibrant. Road cyclists find their thrill with events like the well-established Niseko Classic Gran Fondo, while gravel enthusiasts have ample opportunities to explore the region’s scenic logging roads, nature trails, and agricultural paths. This diverse mix of cycling activities encourages riders to immerse themselves fully in the cycling lifestyle, making Niseko an inclusive destination for both solo adventurers and families.
Supporting industries have also evolved, with more bike shops, rentals, guiding, and coaching services becoming readily available, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. However, to truly solidify its position as a premier biking destination, Niseko must continue to invest in trail development and diversify its offerings. Building a comprehensive network of trails that appeal to a wider audience takes time and commitment.
With continued development, collaboration, and a focus on creating a diverse range of experiences, Niseko is well on its way to becoming a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts; The dirt in the summer and powder in the winter.
Related Content
Podcast (in chinese) with Mickey and Flower on their Niseko’s summer of 2023.
