Grand Hirafu closed early this season on March 31st to allow work to begin on major King Hooded Lift upgrades, which will see its capacity increased from a four-seater to six-seater, as a key part of Niseko Tokyu’s “Value Up NISEKO 2030” project. This long-term plan, led by Tokyu Land Corporation in partnership with Kutchan Town, aims to modernise Niseko’s infrastructure, increase year-round tourism, and solidify its status as a world-class resort.
King Hooded Quad Lift #3 looking out towards Niseko Village
Why Upgrade King Hooded Lift #3?
King Hooded Quad Lift #3 on its final day of operation – 31st March 2025
In 2016, Tokyu upgraded King Triple Lift #3 from a three-seater to a high-speed four-seater to accommodate growing international visitor numbers and ease congestion at the mid-mountain area. However, with visitor numbers increasing each year, and record-breaking numbers in the 2023-24 season, they made the decision to further expand the capacity from a four-seater to six-seater.
The opening of the 10-seater Ace Gondola in December 2024 was also expected to increase mid-mountain traffic, making this upgrade essential for reducing congestion and getting ahead of the expected increase of tourists.
Artists rendition of the new six-seater King Lift #3
The upgrade to King Hooded Quad Lift #3 brings several key improvements to enhance the experience at Grand Hirafu. The lift will be expanded from a 4-seater to a 6-seater, increasing transport capacity by 600 passengers per hour to help ease congestion.
It will also become the first heated chairlift at Grand Hirafu, and along with a protective hood it will provide a warmer and more comfortable ride in cold and windy conditions. To improve accessibility, a moving loading carpet will be installed, making it easier for children and beginners to board smoothly. Additionally, in line with the resort’s sustainability efforts, components will be repurposed for other lift improvements in Grand Hirafu such as the planned upgrade of Ace Pair Lift #2.
King Hooded Quad Lift #3 on its final day of operation – 31st March 2025. Otsukaresamadeshita!
Construction will begin immediately, with the lift scheduled to be fully operational for the 2025/26 winter season. While this early closure may shorten the current season slightly, the much-needed King Hooded lift upgrades promise shorter queue times around the mid-mountain and a faster, more efficient, and more comfortable skiing experience for years to come.
Further reading:
https://www.grand-hirafu.jp/en/news/1792/
https://www.skijapan.com/news/niseko/2017/niseko-lift-upgrades/
https://www.tokyu-land.co.jp/news/2022/000782.html
https://www.tokyu-land.co.jp/english/news/uploads/January_27_2023.pdf
https://www.tokyu-land.co.jp/news/2024/001255.html
