Niseko Village Introduces New Gondolas for the Winter 2026 Season

A new era of alpine adventure will begin at Niseko Village in Winter 2026 as they unveil its long-anticipated gondola upgrade. Designed with both comfort and discovery in mind, the sleek new lifts offer guests smoother rides, breathtaking views, and more time on the slopes.

Replacing the long-serving Mori-no Chair, which has carried skiers since the early 1980s, the new Mori-no Gondola will feature cabins that double transportation capacity while wrapping passengers in warmth and comfort. Divided into two sections with a mid-mountain station, the gondola is designed for all-weather performance, allowing them to operate even during severe weather conditions. Among its 86 cabins, four VIP options offer tables for light dining, while two glass-floor cabins deliver a thrilling new perspective on Niseko's snow-covered terrain.

When the first section is completed in December 2026, guests will be able to ride from the base to the mid-mountain station, offering new flexibility. With the completion of the second section in December 2027, the gondola will connect from base to summit without requiring a cabin change. Guests can choose to disembark at the mid-mountain station or continue upward, tailoring their trip to snow quality, weather, and personal skill level.

Niseko Village’s Wonderland Chair will also see a major upgrade, moving from single to two-person lifts, further enhancing mountain access. Together, these innovations cut wait times, improve safety, and give guests the flexibility to tailor their ascent to conditions and ability levels.

Beyond performance, the project reflects a deep respect for Niseko's natural environment. By replacing five aging lift systems with two modern gondola lines and a new chairlift, the resort reduces its construction footprint and preserves the integrity of the mountain landscape, while delivering a world-class lift experience.

For more information on Niseko Village, please see here.

About Niseko Village

Located at the south base of the 1,308m Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village stands as a premier all-season destination nestled within the Niseko United ski area. This vast expanse offers access to inter-linked ski resorts boasting a combined 2,191 acres of skiable terrain.

Central to Niseko Village's appeal is Niseko-yo, an unparalleled lifestyle experience where gastronomy, shopping, and nightlife converge amidst the captivating Hokkaido backdrop. Niseko Village encompasses Higashiyama Niseko Village, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve; Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse; Hinode Hills Niseko Village, Curio Collection by Hilton; Hilton Niseko Village; and The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

Also contributing to Niseko Village's esteemed reputation are the spa and onsen facilities, and the Niseko Village ski field, renowned for its signature dry champagne powder at low altitudes, diverse ski terrain, and the world-class Niseko Village Snow School and Niseko Kids™ programs.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels is a global luxury hospitality group with a portfolio of more than 35 award-winning resorts, hotels, and boutique villas, spanning over 8,000 rooms across Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Guided by its philosophy of “Treasured Places, Treasured Moments,” YTL Hotels creates authentic experiences rooted in the culture, heritage, and character of each destination, complemented by its renowned Spa Village wellness retreats.

YTL Hotels’ global presence is strengthened through strategic partnerships with leading hospitality brands, including Marriott International, Hilton, and IHG. Its portfolio includes iconic city hotels such as The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur; JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur; The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection; and Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection, as well as luxury resorts including The Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko Village and The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. In Niseko Village, YTL Hotels’ partnership with Hilton includes Hilton Niseko Village, The Green Leaf Niseko Village (Tapestry Collection by Hilton), and Hinode Hills Niseko Village (Curio Collection by Hilton).

YTL Hotels is the hospitality branch of YTL  Corporation Berhad. For more information, visit ytlhotels.com or follow #YTLTravels

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