Hirafu

Niseko's largest, loudest base: Australian crowds, deep powder.

Hirafu (officially Grand Hirafu) is the largest and busiest of Niseko United's four base areas, on the eastern flank of Mount Niseko Annupuri. The village at 230 m has the area's broadest restaurant scene, busiest nightlife, and most ski-school lodging; the Australian winter exodus to Niseko anchors here. Lift access climbs to the 1,308 m summit. Snow records are extreme (annual averages over 14 metres of dry powder). Hirafu's powder reputation drew the original ski-tourism boom.