A Niseko icon is no more.
After 38 years of distinguished service, the beloved Centre Four lift in Hirafu has finally been retired.
Having carried more than 25 million skiers and snowboarders up the hill over its long career at the centre of Upper Hirafu, it served as the jumping in point for so many tourists coming in for their first taste of the famous Niseko powder.
Running some of the longest hours in the resort, the chairlift also serviced Niseko’s legendary night skiing.
In a fitting send-off, Grand Hirafu ran a week of events to celebrate the lift’s last week of operation, including a DJ booth, Taiko drumming and the customary fireworks display.
