We get up early in our mattress in Niseko Village and notice we made it, we’re lastly right here. It’s a cold December morning, our first day within the famed Japanese ski resort, Niseko.
From our resort window, we see nothing however white fluffy powdery snow. It’s 7 a.m., and it’s been dumping all evening with no indicators of stopping over the following few days.
We didn’t comprehend it but, however we’d quickly come to understand that for any ski or snowboard powder fanatic, snowboarding in Niseko Ski Resort is a dream come true. It solely took in the future to understand that and our deliberate week at Niseko ski resort was going to be legendary.
We’re already planning our return again subsequent season, so in the event you determine to hitch us in Niseko listed here are some issues you must learn about snowboarding on the famed Japanese ski resort.
All About Niseko Ski Resort
There Are Six Resorts and One Mountain
Niseko typically refers to Niseko United which is a set of 4 ski resorts which are related on the identical mountain. They’re Grand Hirafu, Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Hanazono, and Niseko Village.
Every resort is individually owned, however they’ve all come collectively to create Niseko United on one mountain, Niseko Annupuri. To make it much more complicated there are two extra resorts not part of the collective on the identical mountain, Niseko Weiss and Moiwa.
Most guests decide up the Niseko United All Mountain elevate cross which gives entry to all 4 of the Niseko United resorts lifts and providers. A in the future All Mountain elevate cross is ¥8,500 per day. In the event you solely wish to trip one space of the mountain for the day it’s attainable to buy a person elevate cross at every resort for about ¥2000 cheaper.
Niseko United
Grand Hirafu
If the mountain had a “principal” space it could be Niseko Hirafu. Hirafu is the place many of the motion takes place off the ski hill. It has a bus station, data heart, bars, motels, hostels, eating places, coffees outlets, and ski outlets. All of that is inside strolling distance of the gondola. When somebody refers back to the city of Niseko they’re referring to Hirafu.
The Hirafu ski space is the biggest of the 4 resorts and is after all provided with wonderful powder and terrain. You’ll discover evening snowboarding each evening in Hirafu, that means you are able to do a couple of laps earlier than heading into city for some sake.
Nevertheless, all of this motion implies that Grand Hirafu is the busiest and hottest of all of the mountains. Because it’s probably the most accessible you’ll discover crowds on the base, elevate traces for the gondola, and loads of ski colleges. To interrupt away from the crowds maintain going larger, into the timber, or to one of many different resort areas.
Niseko Village
On the base of Niseko Village are Niseko Inexperienced Leaf and Hilton Niseko, all owned by YTL Resorts. We stayed on the wonderful Niseko Inexperienced Leaf Lodge and spent many days hanging out on this facet of the mountain. Niseko Village is serviced by a protracted gondola and gives guests leg burning lengthy runs right down to the underside or entry to the neighboring resorts.
Niseko Village has unbelievable off-piste powder and a few epic black runs. It’s a brief hike up previous the ski patrol constructing and outdated gondola station to entry considered one of our favourite areas.
The Niseko Inexperienced Leaf has a ski faculty within the resort and a improbable learners space. Like Hirafu, Niseko Village presents evening snowboarding on the decrease half of the mountain.
Subsequent door to the Hilton Niseko is a small purchasing and eating space in conventional Japanese structure. We loved a couple of good meals at Yang Shu Ten for lunch.
Niseko Hanazono
Niseko Hanazono has quite a lot of terrain for everybody. There are nice newbie and intermediate runs, but additionally fabulous tree runs for when the powder hits. Hanazono additionally has a terrain park for park riders.
It’s additionally residence to one of the vital famed powder areas in Niseko Strawberry Fields. It’s not a lot a area, however a run by some epic timber that maintain loads of the snow.
When Hirafu felt crowded we discovered ourselves exploring the off-piste choices of Hanazono for a a lot quieter expertise. Though, with the opening of the brand new Park Hyatt Hanazono, the realm has gotten a bit busier.
Niseko Annupuri
Annupuri is understood for being a quiet household pleasant resort with mellow runs. Most runs are mellow and simple, however there are nice glades that will be the proper place on a powder day.
It’s significantly fashionable with Japanese guests. On a busy weekend day that is positively the place I’d wish to go. Nevertheless Annupuri will not be as effectively related to the remainder of the resort, and getting there could contain a crowded shuttle bus.
Niseko Ski Resort is Not Big
Though there are 4 resorts bundled into one right here at Niseko the entire resort space itself will not be that huge by worldwide requirements. Niseko Annupuri is 1,308 meters above sea stage and a pair of,191 acres of skiable terrain.
In comparison with different well-known resorts like Whistler Blackcomb (It claims a skiable space of 8,171 acres), Lake Louise ( 4,200 acres), and Zermatt (2337 elevation, 322 km of piste) Niseko is sort of small. This implies it will get tracked out in a short time.
Nevertheless, Niseko is the biggest ski resort in Hokkaido, and fairly massive in comparison with many different Japanese ski resorts. There are nonetheless 48 kilometers of groomed slopes, 11 gates to the backcountry, 70 runs, and 29 lifts to maintain any ski lover occupied for weeks, if not months if there’s recent snow.
Niseko is the Powder Capital of the World
What Niseko lacks in measurement it makes up for within the powder. Consider it as “Deep Not Steep.” It’s true that Niseko will not be world famend for its loopy terrain or scale, however it’s internationally identified for the epic snow dumps it receives from December to April.
Due to its northern location, Niseko is slammed with climate fronts that come over from Siberia. The result’s ridiculous quantities of fluffy goodness virtually on daily basis. This isn’t simply common powder both, it’s JAPOW! Or in different phrases very gentle dry fluffy snow that’s excellent for driving.
Severely, the standard of this snow is in contrast to any we’ve ever seen earlier than. It’s arduous to make a snowball generally as a result of it simply doesn’t stick.
Niseko receives a mean of 15-18 meters of snowfall a season making it one of many snowiest ski resorts on the planet.
Don’t consider me? Make a journey out for your self!
*Replace 2020: Whereas we had an incredible pow time right here in 2018/2019 we returned for a go to in 2020 and the snow was…a few of the worst we’ve ever seen anyplace on the planet.
In fact, this could occur at any ski resort at any time and it’s arduous to foretell the climate. However when there’s no snow at Niseko issues can get ugly. Huge crowds and no snow making talents are a recipe for an underwhelming time.
You Could By no means See the Solar at Niseko Ski Resort
Nicely, you didn’t suppose the snow fell from the solar, did you? Yep, with all this snow means numerous cloudy days.
We hardly ever noticed sunshine throughout our time in Niseko and once we did it was very transient. So when the fantastic solar does make an look get your digital camera out and begin snapping away. For the opposite days ensure you have your low gentle ski goggles on.
The Finest Ski Goggles For The Ski Season
Get Up Early for Mt. Yotei views
Mt. Yotei is an lively stratovolcano and known as Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido. We solely acquired a superb glimpse of Mt. Yotei twice whereas visiting and it was just for a couple of transient minutes when the clouds cleared round sundown. For the best-uninterrupted views get up early for dawn.
Raise Tickets Are Fairly Priced at Niseko Ski Resort
A in the future all mountain cross at Niseko United will solely run you ¥8500. In comparison with resorts like Whistler, Aspen in Colorado, the Salt Lake Metropolis Resorts, or Huge Sky in Montana we discover this to be a reasonably whole lot.
The extra days you purchase the extra of a reduction you get. In the event you’re staying for an prolonged period of time however not the entire season Niseko United additionally sells the 50-hour cross, which is sweet for 50 hours spent on the lifts.
However the Remainder of Niseko Ski Resort is Not
Whereas the elevate tickets are a superb worth, nearly every part else at Niseko will not be. I discovered virtually every part from lodging to meals to be extraordinarily costly, even for Japanese requirements. Within the excessive season, a hostel mattress can run you as a lot as ¥7000/evening. Primary resort rooms that will value you $200 USD in the remainder of the world go for $700-$800. It’s ski city theft at its best right here, people.
If you wish to eat out at a Japanese restaurant you may anticipate to drop at the least ¥2000 per particular person on the low finish. We went into the board store to have a look at shopping for a brand new snowboard and the retail value was 30% greater than what we’d pay again residence within the US or Canada.
I might go on and on, however the truth of the matter is in order for you the powder you gotta pay the value. Niseko is grasping foreign-run ski resort pricing to the max, suppose Colorado or Whistler costs, however a tad bit worse. Save up some cash for this journey as a result of it isn’t going to be an affordable one.
There Are Methods to Save at Niseko Ski Resort
That being stated, we did discover a couple of grocery shops round Niseko to get cheaper meals right here. The very best one with a wide selection and fairly priced is Hirafu 188, situated only a few steps away from the Hirafu Gondola.
There are additionally a few comfort shops like 7-11 and Seicomart on the town the place you will discover pre-packaged meals and frozen meals to make again at your resort.
As well as, in Niseko Hirafu there’s additionally a meals truck nook the place you will discover Indian curry, pizza, and wraps going for ¥1000-2000.
If you wish to discover the very best costs on lodging it’s finest to guide as early as attainable while you nonetheless have choices.
There’s Higher Worth in Kutchan
The city of Kutchan is a brief drive away from Niseko and is a working Japanese city versus a resort city catering to vacationers. For higher worth and extra choices on every part, that is the place you’ll wish to head.
There’s a full-service grocery retailer, loads of eating places, and extra lodging choices. Sure, you’ll be additional away from the ski hill, however Kutchan is accessible by street and there are public buses that may take you in/out of the resort on daily basis.
E book Early for the Finest Offers
The early chook will get the worm with regards to reserving a Niseko ski trip. The sooner you intend and guide your vacation the extra choices there will likely be and subsequently extra aggressive pricing choices.
We had initially deliberate on residing in Niseko for the season, however then got here to the conclusion that it was just too costly (and moved to Canada as a substitute). Since we made a last-minute change of plan, we had been introduced with only a few lodging choices, even early within the season.
My recommendation is to guide as quickly as quickly as you already know that you just wish to go to Niseko and have dates in thoughts. We’re already attempting to kind out subsequent years ski plans to Japan virtually a full 12 months prematurely.
Grand Hirafu is the Predominant City Heart
When individuals discuss concerning the city of Niseko they’re actually referring to Grand Hirafu. Hirafu is a walkable city that has every part you must make a ski vacation full. Scrumptious Japanese eating places, lovely motels, ski and board outlets, and some boutique artisan shops. It’s walkable and only a 5 minute stroll away from the Hirafu Gondola.
Hirafu can be the place the apres ski social gathering occurs each evening. Or actually the place you will discover half the world’s Australians aged between 18-30 as they drink the evening away. Sure, there’s fairly an enormous worldwide nightlife scene in Grand Hirafu.
There’s a Free Shuttle to Get Round
There are quite a few free ski resort shuttles that float across the city of Niseko on daily basis taking skiers and snowboarders to the elevate. That is helpful as most guests to Japan don’t have their very own automobile and depend on this transport.
Shuttles run roughly each quarter-hour from 8 am to six pm, after which each half-hour till 8:30 pm. In the event you plan on being out late on the bars or at a restaurant it’s possible you’ll wish to plan to both stroll residence or seize a taxi.
You Can Go Evening Snowboarding Each Evening at Niseko Ski Resort
Niseko Village and Niseko Hirafu supply intensive evening snowboarding. Not like different resorts, it’s not only one newbie run open to nighttime skiers, however there’s truly a reasonably wide variety for everybody to take pleasure in.
It’s excellent for those who wish to keep away from the day time crowds, strive a brand new expertise, or wish to avoid wasting cash on a diminished nighttime elevate cross.
You’ll Must Get Altitude to Keep away from the Crowds
We visited Niseko Ski Resort in mid-December, which is often a quiet time by way of ski life. Nevertheless, we had been a bit shocked to see how crowded and busy Niseko Hirafu was throughout this era.
Like different resorts all over the world you’ll must get off the newbie runs and perform a little exploring of your personal to seek out the quiet and fewer tracked elements of the mountain – I promise you they’re there so don’t let the bottom deter you!
*Replace 2020: The crowds solely acquired worse upon our return in mid February 2020. Pistes are loopy crowded and get skied out quick. You’ll must get inventive to seek out the pow pow within the resort. Superior riders ought to take into account crossing the gates into backcountry territory for recent(er) tracks.
Earn Your Turns
Like most ski resorts the very best snow is often discovered on the prime the place others haven’t tracked it out. Inbound freshies right here don’t final lengthy, and also you’ll must be an early riser to trip powder on the piste. The nice factor is you received’t have to attend lengthy for one more bug dump in Niseko.
Off-piste, backcountry, and out of bounds driving is allowed in Niseko, which is uncommon for conventional Japanese ski resorts. You’ll should cross by the again gates which usually don’t open up till after the vacation season.
If you’re skilled it’s attainable to get into the backcountry your self or you may go along with Niseko Journey Heart and Niseko Black as they each supply backcountry excursions.
It’s additionally attainable to go cat snowboarding and heli-skiing in Niseko!
Niseko Ski Resort Isn’t Very Japanese
If I had one criticism about visiting Niseko within the winter, it could be that it isn’t the Japan I do know. Quiet? Reserved? Culturally distinctive? Nope, nope, and never precisely. During the last 10 years, Niseko has seen an enormous growth in tourism, significantly within the Australian market. Australians escaping their scorching summers and in want of a superb winter vacation head right here to benefit from the pow-pow and work the lifts.
Many have even settled within the space and opened companies. Whereas there are positively Japanese eating places I discovered the city to have way more of a global aptitude happening and few Japanese owned institutions. Many younger Australians have additionally come over on a working vacation visa to take pleasure in an epic ski season of a lifetime – and who can blame them? The snow is unbelievable.
It’s not simply the Australians although. Niseko has gained worldwide fame over time and has ceaselessly been named the most effective ski resorts on the planet. The result’s an explosion of worldwide tourism. A rising Asian market is now looking for snowy holidays near residence and extra North People are making their approach over the Pacific.
This isn’t a foul factor, and don’t suppose that I hate Australians. The worldwide market in Niseko implies that extra lodging, eating places, and providers have opened up. It makes life straightforward for English audio system to trip.
BUT it’s value noting that these after an genuine Japanese expertise received’t get it in Niseko. I prefer to say that is a global ski resort situated in Japan, not a Japanese ski resort in Japan.
Clearly you may’t have your cake and eat it too. These after a extra genuine Japanese ski hill ought to take a look at Furano, Rusutsu ,and the various different small Japanese ski resorts. It’s not a full-on resort with facilities like Niseko, however the powder is world class and also you’ll be snowboarding amongst extra Japanese individuals.
Money is King in Japan
First-time guests to Japan could also be shocked to study that Japan is a predominantly money society and that is true for Niseko. Whereas increasingly companies are accepting worldwide bank cards with the rise in tourism I nonetheless can’t stress the significance of getting a bit of money on you sufficient whereas right here. If it’s your first time overseas take a look at our tricks to journey banking.
You Should Onsen Whereas at Niseko Ski Resort
One of many best issues to do in Japan is to soak in an onsen – particularly within the winter – and particularly after a day on the mountain. Visiting a Japanese Onsen whereas in Japan ought to be on the prime of your issues to do in Japan listing!
An onsen is a Japanese scorching spring the place guests are sometimes separated by intercourse and may soak bare within the heat geothermal water, normally outdoors. It’s so enjoyable particularly in the course of the winter months and a novel cultural expertise. You’ll discover onsens throughout Japan as it’s a volcanically lively nation and there are 1000’s scattered all through Hokkaido and Honshu.
Don’t be shy! Everybody in an onsen is bare and nobody cares. Chances are you’ll not put on a washing swimsuit in an onsen and a few conventional onsens even ban tattoos, resulting from Yakuza, so examine accordingly if in case you have tattoos. Onsens are separated by intercourse and you’re required to scrub your physique earlier than getting into. Watch some YouTube movies earlier than visiting if you’re involved.
There are a couple of chic onsens in Niseko. We frequented the onsen at Niseko Inexperienced Leaf as we had been staying there and it’s free to resort company. Different nice onsens on the town embody Niseko Prince Lodge Hirafutei Onsen, Hilton Niseko Village Onsen, and Ikoi-no-mura.
Japanese Bathtub Home: A Foreigners Information to Sauna & Sentos
Costume Heat!
This could go with out saying, however keep in mind to decorate for the event in your ski vacation. I’d suggest bringing all of the winter gear you suppose you will have with you as you’ll pay a premium for winter gear in Hokkaido. (Take it from two individuals who purchased Sorel boots in Hokkaid0).
It will get fairly chilly on the mountain, particularly on the summit. February is the coldest month with a mean daytime mountain temperature – 10°C whereas evening snowboarding can get right down to – 20°C.
Gadgets that ought to be in your suitcase are:
- Balaclava – to maintain your face heat
- Neck scarf
- Mittens – They maintain your fingers collectively and preserve warmth.
- Shell Ski Jacket – Ours our Helly Hansen – waterproofing is vital with all of this powder
- Snow pants –Ours our Helly Hansen
Put on a Helmet
I hate to sound like a nagging mother, however put on a helmet while you ski and snowboard youngsters! There’s no telling what might ever go mistaken while you trip and a helmet might save your life.
Even if you’re an knowledgeable rider who by no means falls another person might come crashing into you. Plus helmets are good for these instances while you get hit within the head from the chairlift bar.
Apart from retaining you protected, my helmet additionally acts as a head and ear hotter. When you have a helmet I’d suggest bringing it with you to Japan. We had to purchase one in Furano and had bother discovering sizes that weren’t “Asian match.”
Our Favourite Helmet – the Smith Quantum Helmet
English Is Broadly Spoken in Niseko
It’s true that many Japanese individuals don’t communicate English, and there’s a language barrier when touring within the nation. Nevertheless, in Niseko, we by no means had bother anyplace. First, you may have all of the worldwide staff who will be capable to talk with you simply. However even many of the Japanese right here communicate English fairly effectively.
Rent a Automotive
If you’re snug driving abroad then I’d strongly suggest hiring a automobile in your journey to Niseko. This was the best mistake we made whereas touring round Hokkaido as it could have made our journey a lot simpler and cheaper. Whereas Japan has an incredible public transport infrastructure with Shinkansen trains and buses that at all times run on time, it’s way more restricted in Hokkaido.
As soon as within the smaller cities generally the one choice to get round is with your personal automobile and having one will make all of the distinction in your journey. Public transport in Japan will not be low-cost and if you’re touring with a bunch you’ll positively get monetary savings by splitting a rental automobile.
For us not having a automobile decided every part. We needed to keep in central locations round Japan, we couldn’t go and go away locations as we happy, and we couldn’t get to some lovely elements of Hokkaido that we’d have appreciated to go to.
Sadly for us, Japan has very strict guidelines on international drivers. All international drivers should carry an Worldwide Driving Allow (IDP). Notice that that is not the identical as in Worldwide Drivers License that many nations permit for foreigners to lease a automobile (relying in your license).
As People, our American driver’s license is our worldwide driver’s license and we have now by no means had a problem renting a automobile in of the 40 or so nations we have now rented. Nevertheless, in Japan, it’s totally different as you want this allow. Permits are usually not issued in Japan and ought to be obtained in your house nation prematurely. They’re normally issued by your nation’s nationwide car affiliation for a small payment, if you’re an American citizen and have AAA they need to be capable to full this for you.
There’s Extra to Niseko Than Snowboarding and Snowboarding
Niseko is a good resort city for all to take pleasure in. In the event you get uninterested in snowboarding or snowboarding, or it’s your first time and also you determine it’s not for you relaxation assured that there’s a lot extra to do. Snowmobiling, snow tubing, snowshoeing, and cross nation snowboarding are all different fashionable winter actions.
If you’re seeking to keep heat there are two yoga studios on the town, Zen Yoga and Powder Yoga. Or you may take the gang to strive scrumptious Hokkaido ice cream at Milk Kobo, sing karaoke at Nozomi II, or benefit from the many eating places and bars on the town.
The right way to Get to Niseko
New Chitose Worldwide Airport is the primary airport that providers Hokkaido. It’s simply 36 km outdoors the capital metropolis of Sapporo.
The airport is situated 115 km east of Niseko Resort. In the event you don’t have your personal automobile the best method to get to Niseko is by way of bus switch. We took the Resort Liner which took about 3 hours. The resort liner buses are good and comfy and drop you off proper on the Hirafu Welcome Heart or Niskeo Village. Tickets begin at ¥4000, and I’d suggest reserving on-line prematurely as they do refill shortly.
In the event you arrive into Hokkaido on a late flight (after 7 pm), your finest wager is to remain at a resort in Chitose and go away the following morning. There’s additionally the choice of a personal switch which may go away at any time. Common personal switch automobile costs are ¥29,000 for 1-2 individuals, ¥35,000 for as much as 5 individuals and ¥45,000 for as much as 9 individuals a technique.
It’s additionally attainable to take the prepare to Sapporo Predominant Prepare Station and switch to Kutchan or Hirafu. From New Chitose airport, a speedy prepare takes about 35 minutes to Sapporo. Then you will need to take the prepare from Sapporo to Otaru, after which one other prepare to Kutchan. From Kutchan you may get off or you may proceed on to Niseko station if you’re staying there.
Get the complete schedule on Hyperdia. We did this feature on the best way from Niseko to Sapporo because it was cheaper and we wished to see Sapporo, nevertheless it was not straightforward making all of the transfers with our baggage and snowboard gear.
The place to remain in Niseko
Niseko Inexperienced Leaf
We known as the Niseko Inexperienced Leaf residence for 3 fantastic days. Niseko Inexperienced Leaf is on the base Annupuri within the heart of Niseko Village. The resort is impeccably designed in fashionable Japanese trend. Niseko Inexperienced Leaf has 200 rooms, a full-service gear rental part, onsen, restaurant, bar, and a ski faculty. To prime it off it’s one of many few true ski-in-ski-out resort choices in Niseko.
Niseko Inexperienced Leaf has a novel worldwide aptitude happening with all that you just want inside the premise. Severely after a day on the mountain, you may ski proper into your resort and by no means go away.
Niseko Inexperienced Leaf has a restaurant and bar on website – each with nice views. There’s a spa, reward store, a heated out of doors pool, and a lovely onsen. Irrespective of if you’re a newcomer to onsens or an everyday you will need to give the Inexperienced Leaf onsen a whirl.
My favourite time to go to the onsen is after 11 when most individuals are in for the evening. On all thrice I visited at the moment there was hardly anybody else there. It made for a soothing second earlier than bedtime as there’s nothing higher than soaking in a Japanese onsen because the snow falls round you.
We had one of many nook suites on the Niseko Inexperienced Leaf and it was the biggest room we’ve ever had in Japan. With two loos, a small kitchen space, a separate front room, and a cushty king sized mattress we had been stoked.
The rooms all have massive open home windows with fabulous views. Every room has its personal WiFi – sure every room! So, we by no means stood an opportunity of getting disconnected. What I beloved most was the normal yukata offered which you can put on in all places within the resort, besides within the restaurant and bar.
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Closing Ideas on a Ski Journey to Niseko Ski Resort
We had heard the legends of Niseko, seen the powder face pictures, and watched the epic movies. Nevertheless, this might have been all discuss, a superb photographer or videographer and nice advertising.
However what I spotted is that in contrast to us North People or Europeans who stay in big-time mountain cities the Japanese don’t flaunt what they’ve. Like most features of their tradition, they’re quiet and reserved about their snow and mountains. Niseko is changing into more and more world-renowned, nevertheless it’s nonetheless comparatively unknown to many people within the Western world.
Between our time at Furano Ski Resort, Rusutsu, and Niseko we rode our hearts out in knee-deep powder for 13 days straight. My legs had been killing me, however our complete time in Hokkaido was epic. Now that we’re again within the Canadian Rockies and never driving powder on a regular basis I truthfully can’t wait to get again to Japan.
Daily on the mountain I remind myself that I’ve to guide subsequent 12 months’s snowboarding journey to Niseko and the remainder of Hokkaido. Severely the powder is that good it’s value all the cash and the long-haul flight one should endure.
And I by no means want an excuse to return again to Japan. We’ll see you quickly, Niseko!
MORE JAPAN TRAVEL
Hopefully this helped you put together for a visit to Niseko Ski Resort. For extra journey round Japan see beneath: