About Niseko

The Hanazono area is renowned for its incredible tree skiing and access to the Peak, which will give you almost 1,000 metres of perfect powder if you ski it to the golf course.

Niseko receives the brunt of the Siberian desert storm systems that march across the Sea of Japan from Russia with amazing regularity from November through until March. Traditionally the resort experiences snowfalls in excess of 16m per season and with only a mere 8% water quantity, the snow is always dry powder. These conditions provide for some of the most amazing powder skiing experiences a snow skier or boarder will experience anywhere in the world. It is not unusual for guests to find themselves enveloped in snow as they bounce their way down the slopes or as we say “experiencing the White Room”.　

The terrain at Niseko includes wide open pistes for cruising, gladed runs, which provide a challenge for even the most accomplished skier and wide open bowls that descend from the peak of Mt Annapuri. For the skier and boarder who are not so keen on venturing off-piste, the piste will provide for many a thrill with a wide variety of perfectly groomed trails and exciting terrain parks.　　

There are no surface tows in Niseko, only chairlifts and most have protective weather hoods. A 4-person express gondola leaves from the resort centre at Hirafu and lifts you 500 vertical metres in just 10 minutes. During the week, lift queues are virtually non existent.　　

Lifts are open daily from 8.30am to 8.30 pm offering incredible value including night skiing, Niseko boasts the largest night skiing area in the world. It is quite an experience to go powder skiing at night.

On a clear day, the views from Niseko are absolutely breathtaking, from the imposing slopes of nearby Mt Yotei (the North Island’s answer to Mt Fuji), all the way to the ocean’s edge. These are the best days to climb the peak and experience the real delights of this amazing area.

The greater Hokkaido region is not only famous for its ski areas but also for its fresh seafood, beer, chocolate, ramen noodles and the Sapporo ice festival which is held annually in February.　

The greater Niseko Ski Area is surrounded by small towns including the township of Niseko itself and the bustling resort village of Hirafu. Until the exciting development of Hanazono is underway, Hirafu provides the greatest range of accommodation and services for international travellers.　

Accommodation in the town of Hirafu includes fully catered pensions, self-contained apartments and slope side Hotels. A free shuttle bus service runs throughout the entire resort to transport guests to and from the lifts. Many of the pensions also operate shuttles for their guests to ensure first tracks are guaranteed (although there is plenty of powder to go around!)

The township of Hirafu is only a short bus trip (10mins) to the nearby town of Kutchan which provides for more shopping, traditional Japanese eating and some great Karaoke bars.

Onsen are natural thermal springs that seep from deep within the volcanic earth and this steaming hot water is channeled into large outdoor and indoor bathing pools. Niseko has long been a popular destination for holiday makers who would travel to bathe in the superb Onsen.　Onsens are dotted throughout the villages at the base of the slopes of the Niseko ski area.　

Niseko has a large selection of restaurants of all types: Izakayas, Yakitori & Sushi restaurants, rahmen shops and curry places. Prices are about average by Japanese standards. The bars vary from the quaint to the quainter with one bar boasting a small ‘bar-fridge’ door as its entrance, another looks like the set from a Hawaiian movie surrounded by snow! The Japanese enjoy a party so there is always plenty happening around town for those who are not too weary from a day in the powder.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Don't forget that Karaoke is real passion for the Japanese and Niseko and Kutchan boast several great Karaoke Bars.