welcome to niseko
Niseko is located on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, and is one of Asia's largest ski fields.
Its weather patterns are dominated by low-pressure fronts which regularly arrive from Siberia to dump the lightest, driest and most consistent powder snow found anywhere in the world.
With temperatures rarely above 10 degrees, Niseko receives an incredible 16 metres of power snow on average every year! It is widely regarded as the best ski resort in Japan not only due to its deep powder snow, but also a long ski season, wide variety of terrain, and excellent infrastructure.
Integrated lift system
Niseko actually comprises four resorts all joining at the top of Mount An’nupuri: Hirafu (Niseko Grand Hirafu), Hanazono, An’napuri and Higashiyama. Collectively these resorts are known as Niseko United, and a single smartcard lift ticket covers all 4 resorts and the free shuttle bus linking them.
So for a single price you can access all areas and search out fresh powder wherever you want. An all-mountain day pass costs around 5200 Yen (approx. AUD$52) during peak season, and lifts are open from 8:30am til 9pm every night (see Night Skiing below) - that's over 12hours skiing per day! This represents excellent value for money especially when compared to other international resorts.
The efficient lift system comprises mainly gondolas and covered chairlifts to ensure your comfort on during even the most extreme blizzards. Bad weather does not necessarily hinder visibility in Niseko, with numerous low-altitude tree runs which avoid true whiteout conditions commonly found in North America or Europe.
Varied terrain and deep powder
Niseko's vast expanse of ski terrain varies greatly so you'll never get bored. Whether you prefer parks, pipes, long sweeping tree-lined runs, gentle family slopes, open bowls or the incredibly consistent deep powder, it’s obvious why Niseko is booming.
With an average 16m (yes sixteen metres) of dry powder snow every year, a feast of world-class skiing is on offer and a long season almost guaranteed - in 2006 the resorts opened Nov 23rd and closed in May 2007!
A total of 2,191 acres of terrain are available with a top elevation of 1308m and nearly 50km of groomed slopes - not counting a massive 30 square km of back country which is not in the maps, but you are free to explore.
The terrain split is roughly 30% Beginner, 42% Intermediate and 28% Advanced, so all levels are amply catered for, and trail guides are in English and highly detailed. Legendary tree runs include Strawberry Fields and Miharashi, as well as huge powder fields off The Peak, just a 20 minute hike up from the top lift.
For more advanced skiers, a host of challenging steep runs begin at the Alpen Super Course or under the Kogen gondola with long runs and over 900m vertical drop, ranking Niseko up there with the world's best resorts. Beginners are equally well catered for with beautifully groomed gentle slopes at the base of the mountain as well as a number of ski schools and kid's clubs to choose from.
Night Skiing
Probably one of Japan's best kept secrets is its night skiing, and Niseko has the largest lit area in Japan. Locals don't really venture out much at night but this is an amazing time to go skiing, as the mountain takes on a whole different look in the peaceful moonlight. Almost the entire mountain is lit up after dark, in fact so brilliantly that the light penetrates the trees, creating some challenging and surreal skiing or boarding.
Apres ski culture
Niseko has a huge variety of restaurants, bars, shops and tours to cater for everyone's tastes. Experiencing a traditional Japanese bath or "Onsen" is an absolute must, allowing you to relax with the locals and soak in the peaceful nature. And don't forget to take a day tour to Sapporo, including the Annual Ice Festival, Otaru by the sea, or one of the many cultural activities which will broaden your holiday experience.
Mount Yotei
Mount Yotei dominates the Niseko region and is special to the locals as centrepiece of the beautiful Shikotsu-toya National Park. Just like its more famous older brother Mount Fuji, Mount Yotei is an extinct volcano and is one of Japan's top 10 most famous mountains.
Mount Yotei provides spectacular photo opportunities year-round, and is covered with snow in all seasons except summer, when it can be hiked in a vigorous return trip of around 5-6 hours. There are numerous fresh springs at the base of Mount Yotei where locals and tourists from Sapporo queue patiently to fill their water bottles and drink from the fresh mountain spring.
Activities
Numerous activities are available throughout winter including the obvious skiing and snowboarding, plus cross-country (nordic) trails, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling, cat skiing, dog-sledding, indoor rock climbing and natural hot spring Onsens (traditional public baths)
Handy tips
- Skiers should bring (or hire) carving skis with extra-wide tips & tails to float above the powder, as it will be deeper than anything you have experienced before.
- Similarly snowboards should be longer than your usual length.
- Enjoy a day trip to nearby Sapporo or Otaru - the former being host to the 1972 Winter Olympics and the famous annual Yuki Matsuri (Ice Festival).
