Build your Niseko Ski Trip
Learn more about Niseko
- Great village vibe with a vibrant nightlife
- Easy to get to with plenty of transport options at the base areas
- Caters for overseas skier as English is widely spoken
- One of the most expensive places to ski in the country
Overall
Japow! Welcome to one of the snowiest ski resorts on the planet and the most popular powder haven in the Land of the Rising Sun. If you absolutely, positively, have to get up to your eyeballs in the white stuff, there are few others places that give you better odds than Niseko. Japan’s premier winter wonderland has quite rightly earned a reputation as an essential destination for any self-respecting powder hound, with an average annual snowfall of over 80 days and record snow depths of more than 13 ft!
Late December to mid-February
FLY TO
New Chitose Airport
DRIVE / SHUTTLE TO
Niseko (2-3 hours)
Hirafu (Walk)
- Majority of hotels, dining and nightlife
- Wide range of lodging options
- Great for groups
Niseko Village (Walk)
- Easy to get around compact ski village
- Has the best ski facilities for kids in Niseko
- Great for families
Annapuri (Walk)
- Quiet and peaceful ski village
- Limited dining and nightlife
- Less accommodation options
Hanazono (Walk)
- Limited accommodation options
- Quiet place to stay
- Limited dining and nightlife
For beginners
Niseko has many options available for beginners. For the most beginner-friendly slopes test out Paradise and Family at Annupuri where the terrain is wide, gentle and the longest for beginners in Niseko.
More beginners tipsFor intermediates
Intermediates will be spoilt for choice at Niseko. Namara in Niseko Village is wide, straight and long run, great for perfecting turns and switching edges on your board. Another top pick of ours would have to be Youtei Sunset in Hanazono, a 3,900 ft slope that is nice and high and away from the crowds found on the main runs on Hirafu.
More intermediates tipsFor experts
The off-piste experience is what Niseko is known for, with almost all runs accompanied by amazing sidecountry. The Strawberry Fields in Hanazono is our pick of the lot with perfectly spaced trees and the perfect gradient!The backcountry off Gate 9 is also unreal. Think face shots, deep untouched powder, tree runs, and stunning scenery. Just watch out for the waterfall!
More experts tipsFind freshies
You'll find plenty of great pow anywhere outside of the boundaries but some of the best can be found off Gate 8 and beyond!
Ditch the crowds
The Hirafu ski area is the most busiest, so head up high and get yourself on Youtei Sunset, a long slope that hardly ever sees the masses. Otherwise, opt for the quieter slopes of Annupuri.
Non skiers
Niseko has tons of activities and attractions to keep non-skiers happy. They can go snow rafting and tubing, soak in the many onsens (hot springs) or visit the Snow Festival during February.
Families
Niseko is a magical wonderland with things to do for the whole family including tubing, restaraunts and the Sapporo Snow Festival which is held every February. The resort also has plently of childcare and baby sitting services if you want some time for yourself.