Niseko Village is getting new gondolas this winter – here’s what skiers need to know

Niseko is already one of Asia’s most famous ski destinations, thanks to its deep powder, long winter season, and very real ability to make people suddenly care about snow reports. Now, getting around one of its key resorts is set to become much smoother.

Starting in December 2026, Niseko Village in Hokkaido will roll out a new gondola system as part of a major lift upgrade. The new mori-no gondolas will replace the old mori-no chairlift, which has been carrying skiers since the early 1980s.

What is changing at Niseko Village?

Niseko Village is introducing new eight-seater gondolas designed to move more people up the mountain in greater comfort. The upgrade will double the current transport capacity, helping to reduce queues and make the uphill journey warmer, faster, and less exposed to the elements.

That last bit matters. Anyone who has sat on an open chairlift in Hokkaido weather will know that “scenic” can very quickly become too cold for comfort. 

How will the new gondola system work?

The new mori-no gondola system will be split into two sections, with an intermediate station between the base and the upper mountain. This gives skiers and snowboarders more flexibility, as they can choose to get off midway or continue higher depending on the snow, weather and their own ability level.

The first section, running from the base to the intermediate station, is expected to open in December 2026. The second section, which will connect passengers onwards towards the summit, is scheduled for completion the following year.

What will the gondolas be like?

The system will include 86 cabins in total. Most will be standard eight-person gondolas, but there will also be a few special cabins in the mix, including four VIP cabins with tables for light dining and two glass-floor cabins.

The resort says the new system is being designed to operate in a wider range of weather conditions, which should make a meaningful difference on stormier days.

Are there other upgrades coming?

Yes. The existing Wonderland chairlift is also being upgraded from a single-seater to a two-person lift, another move aimed at easing bottlenecks around the resort.

The improvements will support Niseko Village’s growing resort area, which includes six accommodation options, with Moxy Niseko Village also slated to open this September.

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