Niseko which is famous for it's skiing will some day be famous for it's mountain biking as well.  The terrain and size of the hills in and around the area are ideal for mountain bike trails. Currently there are a few gem trail rides that are only really known to local riders. The resort area of Annapuri which includes the 4 ski hills of Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village (Higashiyama), and Annapuri ski hill all have some mountain bike trails that are open for public use through out the summer months.   Annapuri ski hill runs their gondola in the summer and allows DH bikes up to the top of the lift. The DH trails are defined as open trails on the ski grounds. Known more for speed then technical riding. The Hirafu gondola currently opens its DH course for races run by the Niseko MTB Club. In the near future we expect that Tokyu will open the DH course once per month along with trail guides so that mtbikers may enjoy the thrill of screaming down hill on DH bikes. You can count on Groove Cycles to be ready and willing to rent out DH Mountain bikes once the trails are open more frequently.

---

Niseko MTB which is a small group of local riders headed up by Martin Tse is developing a network of x-country and DH trails in the Hirafu and Hanazono resort area along with the cooperation of the city council.  Every Wednedsay night from 5:30 - 7:00 they host the "Wednesday Night Jam Session" starting from the Sun-Sports Parking lot just in front of the family pair lift in Hirafu. With a shuttle van they jet riders up to the top of the D-Sen trail and watch them enjoy the roller coaster ride back down to the parking lot. All levels of riders welcome, boys, girls, beginners and experts.  Come join the fun on Wednesday evenings.