The owners of Niseko Grand Hirafu have announced plans for the construction of a new 10-person gondola to replace the existing Ace 2 Quad Center Four. The upgrade is slated for completion by winter 2024, with the removal of the quad scheduled for the end of the 23/24 season. It will improve transport capacity from 1,800 people per hour to 2,800 per hour and is expected to immediately relieve congestion issues during peak periods of the season.
The gondola will also be open to non-skiers, who will be able to enjoy views of Mount Yotei and the resort thanks to a 360 degree screen. The announcement also noted the addition of new mid-station facilities and an après ski spot.
The development is part of the resort’s “Value up NISEKO road to 2030” initiative, which aims to transform Niseko with new resort facilities, better roads, and year-round seasonal activities by 2030, coinciding with the completion of a Shinkansen stop in nearby Kutchan town.
In the press release, Tokyu Land Corporation acknowledged problems associated with an overemphasis on Niseko’s ski season, pledging to make the resort more attractive to visitors year round. The new gondola will be fitted with bike racks, and the resort says that it is working to make the lift available “all seasons”.
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