Niseko’s new mountain bike park will be free to use with more than 20km of trails

Plans for a mountain bike park in Niseko have been approved by Kutchan Town, giving a green light to the construction of more than 20km of pedal-accessed trails, with the first nine kilometres set to be built this autumn.

Another 10km trail, as well as a skills area and a kids balance bike zone will open in 2023. The area will be between the Niseko Grand Hirafu and Hanazono ski areas.

Twin Peaks Mountain Bike Park, Niseko. Image: hokkaido-np.co.jp

The Twin Peaks Mountain Bike Park will be “the first step towards transforming Niseko into Asia’s premier mountain bike destination”, reads a post on the Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association (NAMTBA) Facebook page, a non-profit organisation formed by community stakeholders and funded by donors.

“The park’s beginner and family friendly features promise to make mountain biking a more accessible sport. A wide variety of trail difficulties and styles ensure options are available to challenge and engage riders of all skill levels.”

The news comes four months after a petition by NAMTBA asking the public to show their support for the development of mountain bike trails in Niseko, which has now been signed 888 times.

Comments below the petition expressed support for the initiative.

“It would be a great upgrade and make it a truly all year resort!” wrote one supporter.

“I have lived as a year round resident of Niseko for 10 years before COVID. My favorite summer activity is mountain biking! We need trails to ride around the mountains, and then summer in Niseko will become much more fun!” said another.

It appears as though this is just the start for NAMTBA, which is continuing to ask for donations and is in the process of hiring a trail crew for the 2022 and 2023 green seasons.

“NAMTBA has many, many more exciting developments in the pipeline. Stay tuned.”