Niseko

The Resort

Niseko is Japan’s largest and most famous ski resort made up of four interconnected ski areas: An’nupuri; Niseko Village; Hirafu; and Hanazono. This combined ski area has become the most famous resort in Japan because of the seemly constant snowfall brining in 15-18 metres of snow every winter. This is the reason thousands of international skiers and snowboarders travel to Japan every year, the search for driest and lightest powder in the world.

Forgetting about the incredible free ride & backcountry potential that sit’s waiting to be explored and Niseko is still a fantastic ski area for all abilities.

Slopes

The Niseko Hokkaido ski resort (aka Niseko United) has four major zones that are interconnected (for intermediates and above) via lifts and the slopes towards the top of the mountains. The An’nupuri area has great long groomed runs for beginners and intermediates and access to sidecountry skiing. The Niseko Village ski resort (formerly Higashiyama) is largely a beginner and intermediate ski area, with a couple of black piste runs. Hirafu has varied terrain available for all abilities and Hanazono is great for on-piste novices,  tree skiing and sidecountry access for more advanced abilities, plus Hanazono generally has the best snow quality out of the four.

ACTIVITIES

When all the fresh tracks have disappeared, you have explored all the terrain available or just wish to rest your tired legs and do something different for a morning/afternoon or even full day, there are lots of other activities available to you. If you are feeling fit you can climb Mt Yotei or for those feeling less fit or in need to rest those ski legs you can take the easier route and enjoy a spectacular helicopter tour of the area.

But if you are still craving on snow activities then you can get out into the backcountry with an organised tour either on ski’s, by snow-cat or join one of the incredible heliski trips Niseko is known for.

In you wish to enjoy something less exhilarating then there is abundance of local cultural experiences and tourist attractions to take part in across the resorts of Niseko.

NIGHTLIFE

Out of all the resorts in Japan, Niseko has the best nightlife and choice of restaurants to choose from. There are bars and restaurants across all the Niseko resorts but most of the nightlife opportunities are in Hirafu. Hirafu is the centre of the vibrant nightlife that Niseko is so famous for.

However if you would rather a more sedate evening to relax in more more peaceful environment then An’nupuri, Hanazono or Moiwa will be more to your evenings entertainment.

***Photos Credit to Niseko Village