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Trail from top of Ace Pair Lift, Niseko

© Creative Commons / ahkkus

Niseko Ski Resort

Best for

BeginnersYesNon-skiersYes
IntermediatesYesAprès skiYes
ExpertsYesSummer skiingNo
SnowboardersYesSnow reliabilityYes
FamiliesNoEnvironmental awarenessNo
Introduction:

If you're looking for heavenly ski conditions throughout the season, there are few better places to head than Niseko ski resort. Up to 15m (49ft) of powder snow falls here each year. Facing the dormant volcano Mount Yotei, (also known as the Ezo Fuji due to its resemblance to Mount Fuji), Niseko compares very favourably to similar European and North American mega-resorts for its range of facilities and runs.

Niseko United, the resort's umbrella name, actually combines three separate but interlinked ski areas: Grand Hirafu (linked to Hanazono on all ski passes), Niseko Village, and Niseko Annupuri. In recent years, it has become the place for skiers from Australia and New Zealand to head during the antipodean summer season; many are buying and developing land, particularly around the resort's main town of Hirafu, where the après-ski scene rocks. Most recently Niseko ski resort has experienced a rapid rise in visitors from Hong Kong and Singapore.

Location:

Niseko is on Japan's main northern island of Hokkaido about 100km (62 miles) west of the island’s capital, Sapporo. It is based on Mount Niseko Annupuri and is part of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru Quasi National Park.

The three main resorts are spread around the mountain from east to west, with the main focus being the ski village of Hirafu at the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu. Kutchan, the area's main access town with a railway station, is a few kilometres northeast of Hirafu.

Website:
www.niseko.ne.jp/en/index.html; www.powderlife.com.

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