Niseko Announce New Gondola

Niseko Village has confirmed a major lift expansion that will reshape access on the southern side of the Niseko United ski area, Japan's best-known ski area internationally, with a new gondola scheduled to open next winter and a second stage planned for 2027–28. The resort will also retire one of the world's last remaining single chairlifts, replacing it with a modern two‑seat chair as part of a wider upgrade.

The new installations will sit above Niseko Village, one of the linked bases that form Japan’s best‑known ski destination. Central to the project is the Mori‑no Gondola, which will take over the long‑running route served for more than 40 years by the Mori‑no Chair. The gondola will operate in two sections with an intermediate station and a fleet of 86 cabins, including four VIP cabins equipped with tables for light dining and two glass‑floor cabins offering views over the snow‑covered terrain below.

The Wonderland Chair will also be rebuilt as a double chairlift, improving circulation and reducing pressure on older infrastructure. In total, five ageing lifts will be replaced by the two new systems.

A resort spokesperson said the upgrades will shorten queues, enhance safety and give skiers and riders more flexibility as they move around the mountain.