If you’re a snow bunny or have always wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard, you may be thinking about where you’ll take your next trip.
Niseko is located in Japan, and is the most famous ski resort, known for its light powder snow, gorgeous back-country and welcoming atmosphere.
Here’s why your next trip should be to this amazing ski area:
Choice
The ski area in Niseko is made up of 4 resorts which are all connected and accessible with a lift pass. This means that regardless of your ski or snowboarding level you’re bound to find a terrain to suit you.
The Japanese
The Japanese are warm, welcoming and polite. They want to help foreigners and talk to them about their lives and home countries, and you’re sure to leave Niseko with a better understanding of the culture. It’s also an excellent opportunity to do some travel through Japan at the same time.
Cost
When you look at traveling to Europe or Japan for a ski trip there’s really no comparison when it comes to cost. Japan is often cheaper, even when taking flights into account due to the value of the Yen.
The Powder
Often people will pre-book their ski trip to Australia, the United States or Europe, only to find that there isn’t enough snow- something which can make the conditions icy, dangerous, and simply not as fun. The geographic location of Niseko means that the Siberian winds bring consistent heavy snow during the winter, making it almost perfect ski and snowboard conditions.
The soft snow means that you’ll get an excellent grip as well as a nice cushion when you fall which is less ear ’n’ tear and impact on your body.
Entertainment
The largest resort is called Grand Hirafu and also has a base at Hanazono. This has a large town around the main base called Hirafun Town which is full of holiday homes, hotels, bars, restaurants and an active nightlife.
Many compare their experience in Niseko as almost like visiting a foreign country inside Japan since there are so many foreigners from all over the world. many of the restaurants and convenience stores sell Western food, but you’ll also find excellent Japanese food throughout Niseko.
Kutchan is another option and is a 15 minute drive from Hirafu. This is the biggest city in the area and you’ll find even more dining and shopping options.
Niseko Village has two main hotels at the base, along with a hot spring for those tired muscles after a day in the snow.
Convenience
Niseko is an easy place to get around, with rapid and local train connections between Kutchan and Sapporo stations, along with a “Niseko Liner” which runs from Otaru. The Japanese have ensured that it’s easy to get around, and they’re famous for their timely trains which run to the minute.
If you’re thinking about a ski or snowboarding trip, Niseko could be the place to go. Consider Vacation Niseko for all your Niseko needs.
