Niseko’s Center Four’s Swan Song

On 31 March 2024 Japan’s first and longest-running high-speed quad chairlift was officially retired after an illustrious 38 years of operation. The Center Four whisked millions of skiers to some of the steepest and deepest powder-filled runs at Tokyu Grand Hirafu Resort, part of Niseko United which, of course, is renowned for some of the most consistent snowfall in the world.

The Center Four, also known as the Ace Quad Lift #2, was the heartbeat of Niseko and it carried an astonishing 25 million passengers in its lifetime. Spanning 1.72 kilometres over 497 metres of elevation at four metre per second, its 111 chairs carried 780,000 passengers in the 2022-23 season alone.

For many, like myself, the Center Four provided life-altering experiences. I’ll never forget my maiden voyage aboard the iconic lift. I could barely contain my excitement as I ascended, staring down at the blank canvas below where 30 centimeters of fresh snow awaited. I had read about Niseko in magazines, seen it in videos, and I had finally made the pilgrimage across the Pacific to sample my first taste of Hokkaido’s famous powder. It was deep, dry, effortless… It was magic. 

Little did I know at the time, that descent would ignite a passion that would reshape the course of my life and career entirely, as I was inspired to combine my love of skiing and photography and make the move to Niseko.

The Center Four was unique in that it was the first high-speed quad in Japan. Having no hood nor footrest, riders were exposed to the elements and constant, unobstructed views of the 38º slope of the Super Course and the adjacent Super Ridge, for the entirety of their journey to the top of Ace Hill. The lift was also the epicentre of night skiing in Japan, perhaps the most iconic night skiing on the planet. If you’ve ever had a powder-fueled “nighter” in Hirafu, it was likely one of the most memorable experiences on snow that you’ve ever known.

We are grateful to the Center Four for the memories forged and the adventures shared with friends and visitors alike. The spirit of the Center Four will live on, aboard the all new 10-seater gondola that will take its place. The new gondola will begin operations in the 2024-25 season and will increase the carriage capacity from 1,800 riders per hour to 2,8000. 

As the sun sets on this chapter of Niseko’s storied history, we bid farewell to an old friend. But amidst the bittersweet farewells, we eagerly anticipate the adventures that lie ahead in the powder kingdom. 

Thank you Center Four