Powder

With more snow than Siberia, Niseko is reknown for some of the world’s best powder – an average of more than 15 metres every year ranked it No. 2 in the world.* Tucked up on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, it sits just across the sea from one of the coldest, most inhospitable climates in the world, Siberia. The weather fronts howl across Siberia before dumping over Mt Annapuri in Niseko.

Fresh Tracks

Niseko has hardly any crowds and plenty of fresh tracks and terrain to explore. The adventurous will be skiing first tracks until well after lunch unless it snows all morning, in which case you’ll be skiing clean lines until you can’t stand up anymore.

Trails and Backcountry

Grand Niseko United is comprised of four resorts all accessible under the one ticket – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annapuri. If that’s not enough, hike the peak and take advantage of the vast expanse of back country.

Night Skiing

Your day pass also entitles you to night-skiing so the real fanatics can be on the mountain from first lifts until 9.00 at night – all for the price of a long lunch. The night-skiing is not just the front valley beginners run either: it’s reputedly the biggest night-skiing area in Japan. The serene stillness of night-skiing is a truly unique experience.

Japanese People, Food & Culture

The Japanese love having visitors and are very warm and welcoming. After a great day on the slopes, there is nothing better than relaxing in a hot onsen (Japanese hot spring) with a cold beer; except perhaps following it up with a hearty bowl of ramen. For those with more energy to burn, the Niseko area has plenty of bars, from the homely to the bizarre, to keep you entertained into the early hours.

It may be a sleepy farming village in the off-season, but when the temperature drops Niseko becomes a snowsports Mecca: every powderhound should make the pilgrimage at least once before they die.