Japan – One of the snowiest places on the planet is opening an impressive new lift this winter.
This offseason, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu (one of the four ski resorts that make up Niseko United) is replacing the Ace No. 2 Center Four Lift. Opened in 1985, the fixed-grip quad chairlift made for a slow but reliable ride up to the mid-mountain. It’s being replaced by a new gondola with 54 ten-person cabins.
The new gondola will have an uphill capacity of 2800 people per hour (pph), a drastic increase from its predecessor’s capacity of 1800 pph. It’s quicker, going 1.5 times faster than the fixed-grip quad.
In addition, this new lift will have various impressive features. The cabins will have Wi-Fi, heated synthetic leather seats, a winter ski rack, and a summer bike rack.
This past summer, Niseko Grand Hirafu gave a few updates regarding the gondola’s construction. So far, they’ve demolished the old lift, assembled the lift towers and base/top terminals, and spliced the haul rope.
Another major lift replacement is planned for the 2025 offseason. The King Quad #3 will be replaced by a Doppelmayr detachable high-speed six-pack bubble chairlift. The new gondola will bring more guests to the mid-mountain area, thus the need for replacing King Quad Lift #3. The bubble chairlift will feature heated seats, allowing for a comfortable ride on Niseko’s frequent powder days.
The new gondola is expected to open with the ski resort on November 30th. Niseko Grand Hirafu’s ski season will run from November 30th to March 31st this winter. The new bubble chairlift will debut for the 2025-26 season.
Image Credits: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Niseko United, Doppelmayr
