I just love skiing in Japan. My favourite ski spot is located in Hokkiado; Japan’s most northern island. It is dotted with world class ski resorts, with the most well known being Niseko which is famous for reliable powder snow and excellent amenities. It is located 100 kilometres southwest of Sapporo and has one of the longest ski seasons in Japan, with most runs operating until April or later.
There are four interconnected resorts in Niseko made up of Mount Niseko, Annupuri, Niseko Village and Grand Hirafu and more than 800 skiable hectares along the eastern side of Mount Niseko Annupuri. To the west Yotei-zan looms as a perfect conical volcano and dominates the panorama. Soft, light powdery snow plus an annual snowfall of more than 15 metres makes Niseko an extremely popular destination for international skiers. It is one of the fastest growing ski resorts in the world due to its reliable snow consistency and choice of quality accommodation.
Niseko’s reputation has developed during the last decade and it has become a magnet for Australian powder hounds. The Siberian winds interact with moisture from the Sea of Japan to produce the exceptional snow conditions that prevail during winter. The recent influx of Aussie skiers and snowboarders has resulted in a mini property boom in the region and both local and foreign property developers have transformed Hirafu from a sleepy village into an international ski resort town.
The unique charm of Japanese culture adds another dimension to a ski holiday and although foreign influences may have altered local traditions to some extent it is still a place unlike any other ski destination. There is a wide variety of restaurants and bars which makes apres-skiing almost as much fun as zipping down the slopes. There are more than 80 restaurants offering a world class dining experience and there is something for every taste and budget. But for me I just love the traditional Japanese cuisine with its fresh, quirky taste sensations to tempt the taste buds.
Niseko is not just for winter holidays, the area is a year round destination offering adventure seekers the opportunity for spectacular hiking, biking, rafting, canoeing and fishing. The area is spectacularly beautiful in summer. After months of snow the sun finally dominates and within days tiny plants emerge and the stark white landscape of winter is transformed into a carpet of dense, lush greenery.
Niseko’s residents are mostly from other regions of Japan or from overseas. They have moved to the area and pioneered the development of the ski industry and there is a local saying that many people came for winter but stayed for summer. Think of Niseko as Japan’s version of Whistler or Queenstown! It is just one of the many ski regions in Hokkiado and it would be difficult not to be very impressed by the amazing ski experiences that are to be enjoyed during a remarkably long season that runs from December to April.
