Niseko
Niseko is the most popular resort in Japan for Australians, and has seen a large surge of visitors over the past couple of years. They come to Niseko because it seems to constantly snow, and the deep, deep powder is way too enticing. Coupled with the benefits of Japan such as the short travel times and no jet lag, Niseko is very appealing.
Niseko is a large ski area which incorporates five interconnected resorts –
An’nupuri,
Higashiyama,
Hirafu,
Hanazono and
Moiwa, although the latter is not included within the lift tickets. There is accommodation at An’nupuri, Higashiyama, and Hanazono, but Hirafu is generally considered to be the “Niseko” where most Australians stay.
If you’re a little nervous about travelling in a foreign land where English is not the first language, then Niseko is a great introduction to the
Japanese culture. You’ll certainly get to immerse yourself in the fabulous culture, but English is commonly spoken, and with the support of ground services providers such as
Ski Japan and
Deep Powder Tours, it is easy to get oriented to the mountain, the village and the Japanese way of life. Follow this link for further tips about
skiing in Japan.
Ski and Snowboard TerrainThe
terrain at Niseko is suited to nearly all types of skiers and boarders. There are a large variety of groomed runs that are ideal for families, beginners and intermediates. For powderhounds, there is an incredibly relaxed approach to off-piste skiing, so there are plenty of opportunities for tree skiing and bowl skiing. The only exception to enjoying Niseko will be for the fair-weather skiers who love hot chocolates and getting a tan, as Niseko rarely sees the sunshine. If you can cope without the sun, don’t worry about the weather, as Niseko is equipped with many efficient lifts, gondolas, and hooded chairs, so even on nasty weather days, you can ride in comfort. It’s the bad weather that brings all that fabulous powder.
Niseko NightlifeUnlike most other Japanese resorts, Niseko offers some good après and a vibrant
night life. There’s an abundance of bars and restaurants to choose from in Hirafu, and all within short walking distance of your
accommodation.
Why Holiday at Niseko Ski Resort?Other than the fabulous powder, one of the major benefits of Niseko is that many travel agents and tour operators can package up an easy no-fuss holiday. This makes it easy to budget for your holiday, it takes away much of the work involved in planning a trip, transfers are stress-free, and once you’re there you’ve got support to provide advice regarding other activities or answer any queries. Travel agents we’ve used are
Snowave, who use
Ski Japan as the ground services provider, and
Deep Powder Tours who are now a provider of all services. If you’re going to Niseko, don’t bother trying to package up your own holiday (particularly if it is your first time in Japan) – just deal with the experts!