Niseko is widely regarded as the best ski resort in Japan for three main reasons, it's weather, size and more recently nightlife.
Hokkaido being the northernmost island in Japan (Longitude 141 ) is exposed to weather streams that come from the Siberia plains, pick up precipitation from the Japan sea then offloads it onto the island but it is localized more consistently on the greater area of Niseko than anywhere else. Niseko is blessed with consistent falls of light and dry powder, on average 16 meters per-season. Putting Niseko in the top three powder destinations in the world. Mid-winter temperatures in Niseko range from -25C to 0C, averaging around -5C at the bottom of the mountain and -15C up top.
Niseko is essentially one mountain, although it is divided up into four linked areas, Annepuri, Higashiyama, Hanazono and Grand Hirafu making it the biggest ski resort in Hokkaido. Skiers are able to buy all-mountain passes giving them access to 38 lifts and gondolas, over 47km's of regularly groomed runs, several terrain parks and a halfpipe. Terrain is divided into 30% beginner 43% intermediate and 27% advanced. More importantly there is roughly 37 square km's of variable off piste terrain ensuring full days of bottomless turns for all. . The bottom lift starts at 280 meters , the top lift goes to 1200 meters giving 920 vertical meters of lift accessed terrain. The summit is 1308 meters, takes 15 minutes to hike from the top lift and has an amazing panoramic view of the Japan Sea, and the Niseko area including the ever present volcanic cone of Mt Yotei Hokkaido’s MT. Fuji.
A major bonus is Hirafu's nightskiing, which runs 7 nights a week until 9pm and is included in all multi-day passes. Grand Hirafu has the best and largest total area of night skiing in the world. Light is reflected from groomed runs onto pristine virgin powder bowls and tree runs creating the surreal feeling of skiing/riding champagne powder in moonlight. Truly an unforgettable unique sensation. The best nights are when the resort is closed during the day due to blizzard conditions then opens at night once the storm has passed, leaving huge deposits of fresh snow for the night session.
Because of Niseko's rapidly growing popularity over the last few years, many new colorful, unique bars and restaurants have been popping up in Hirafu Village. Creating a real nightlife buzz with hundreds of people scouring the village streets frequenting several establishments in one night.
Most of Niseko's accommodation is in Hirafu Village ranging from luxury condominium to budget share facilities. Some types of accomodation are ski-in, ski-out many are within short walking distance to lifts.
The village and nearby areas are serviced by free ski shuttle buses running frequently from 9am to 9pm. Look forward to seeing you here on your next powder holiday….
