Niseko is known as one of Japan’s most famous—and internationally renowned—snow resorts. Every year, skiers and snowboarders from around the world gather here in search of consistent snowfall and exceptional JAPOW (Japanese powder).
On the other hand, with its growing popularity, crowding has become a major challenge in recent years. Especially during the peak season from late December through February, and on weekend mornings, long lines often form at gondolas and major lifts. Many visitors may have experienced the frustration of thinking, “The snow is amazing, but the waiting time is so long…”
After spending a significant amount on flights and accommodation to reach Niseko, losing valuable time standing in lift lines can be a major source of stress. That is why attention has turned to a system introduced at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu called the “Premium Lift Pass.”
In this article, we explain in detail how to enjoy skiing and snowboarding stress-free even at crowded ski resorts. We will cover what the Premium Lift Pass is, its benefits, important points to note, and who it is best suited for, along with an overview of Niseko’s crowding situation.
Why Does Niseko Get So Crowded?
First, let’s consider why Niseko becomes so crowded. One major reason is its worldwide reputation. Niseko is often said to be the place that helped popularize the term “JAPOW” around the globe.
Travelers come from Australia, North America, Europe, and across Asia. For visitors from Australia in particular, Niseko is a valuable destination where they can enjoy snow during their summer off-season.
In addition, Niseko is a vast interconnected area made up of several ski resorts—Grand Hirafu, HANAZONO, Niseko Village, and Annupuri. However, the number of gondolas and major lifts where people tend to concentrate is limited. As a result, congestion is especially likely to occur in the morning and around midday.
What Is the Premium Lift Pass?
The Premium Lift Pass was introduced with this crowding in mind. Unlike a standard lift ticket, it is designed around the idea of “skiing without waiting”—in other words, it is a lift pass that lets you buy time.
The Premium Lift Pass generally includes the following benefits:
- A “First Track” experience that allows you to ride the gondola first thing in the morning
- Priority boarding using dedicated lanes (Fast Pass)
- Significantly reduced lift waiting times even during peak hours
- A meal voucher usable at resort restaurants (details may vary by season)
The biggest appeal is being able to board the gondola smoothly while passing by the regular lift lines.
Premium Lift Pass Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | 150,000 yen (tax included) |
| Eligible Dates | December 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026, and weekends & holidays from January 10 – February 15, 2026 |
| Reservation Deadline | By 12:00 noon, two days before the ski date |
| Pass Exchange Location | .Base Information |
| Pass Exchange Time | 13:00 – 17:00 on the day before skiing |
| First Track Time | 8:00 – 8:30 (Ace Gondola only) |
| Fast Pass Time | From 8:30 until the end of operations |
How Much More Comfortable Does It Actually Feel?
During Niseko’s peak season, it is not unusual for popular gondolas to have waiting times of 30 minutes to an hour. If you ride the gondola three times in one day, one to two hours can easily be spent just waiting in line.
With the Premium Lift Pass, this waiting time is reduced to almost zero or just a few minutes. In particular, skiing fresh snow during the early-morning “First Track,” before anyone else has touched it, is the moment when you can truly feel the essence of Niseko.
For those who value not “how many runs you skied today,” but rather “how high the quality of your runs was,” this difference is extremely significant.
The Price Is High—So Why Is It Still Worth It?
To be honest, the Premium Lift Pass is not cheap. Compared to a standard one-day lift ticket, many people may feel it is quite expensive.
However, the perspective changes when you consider the following:
- International flights to Niseko
- Rising accommodation costs
- Limited number of days you can stay
- The weak Japanese yen
When viewed as an investment to maximize the value of a single day, it becomes easier to understand why more people are choosing the Premium Lift Pass. For travelers with short stays or those visiting during the busiest periods, the cost-performance ratio can be very high.
Who Is the Premium Lift Pass Best Suited For?
This pass is not necessary for everyone. However, it is particularly recommended for the following types of visitors:
- Those planning to ski during the New Year holidays or on weekends in January
- Intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who prioritize powder
- Travelers with limited time who want to maximize the value of each day
- People who find waiting in lines extremely stressful
On the other hand, if you mainly ski on weekdays or only ride during less crowded times, a regular lift ticket may be more than sufficient.
Conclusion: The Luxury of “Not Waiting”
Niseko is one of the world’s top ski resorts, offering exceptional snow quality, large-scale terrain, and a truly international atmosphere. For that very reason, crowding is an unavoidable reality.
Within that reality, the Premium Lift Pass presents a new way of thinking—how to enjoy skiing by assuming crowds will exist. If you want to avoid congestion and fully enjoy JAPOW in comfort, this is definitely an option worth checking out.
