Niseko Customer Reviews

Niseko. For a Brit there are probably four things to consider: snow, skiing, Niseko village itself and the distance from the UK. Snow. I’ve never seen so much. The two metres of snow either side of the road as we drove into the village was the first thing that i noticed. The road was carved into it. And the fine snow fell pretty much throughout the week we were there. About a metre and a half that week. The skiing. As a result the powder skiing was the best I have ever experienced. Since I’ve got back I have been wondering whether I’d ever want to ski in Europe again. The snow quality was that good. Well it was when we were there. Niseko has pistes, back country, magical tree skiing, and when it is not snowing some of the most spectacular views - of a volcano for goodness sake ! You don’t get that everywhere! Niseko village. Yes it’s not the prettiest of resorts: it’s not Lech or Gressoney: it’s modern. But that’s not why you’re there. It’s a skiers resort. You’re up early to get the first tracks in pillows of powder. But the nightlife is good too: and different to the typical European experience : Japanese food and restaurants of every quality, but at the same time bars not unlike those in Europe or the USA. Don’t worry about the language: if you don’t speak Japanese the locals can speak good English or are themselves either Australian, New Zealand or American. There are parts of the village that have a kind of hippy vibe - the circled collections of little food vans, fairy lights draped round them, fire pits keeping you warm in the centre as you eat your pizza, quesadillas or crepe and sip your tequila shot. Distance. Yes the trip is long to get there: but for me it was worth it - and some - if you are into powder and a holiday that is very different. And don’t worry about jet lag: minus 12 and weaving your way through the silver birch woods of Mirahashi with powder up to your knees is a complete cure !!!

There are four separate ski areas on the side of the same mountain - Annupuri, Niseko, Hirafu and Hanazono. They’re connected by a free (but infrequent) shuttle bus, although it’s probably easier to go to the highest lifts, where the ski areas all meet and it’s possible to ski from one to the other (if you have the full Niseko United pass). The resort doesn’t look big on a map, but because of the varied terrain there are always new runs to find, especially if you like tree skiing. I had nine days skiing and didn’t get bored. Niseko gets enormous amounts of snow, so conditions are great, even if the visibility isn’t so good when it’s snowing. The base area is rather short of places to eat and drink, so the choice is to pre-book, stand in line (not everywhere accepts reservations), buy food from one of the many food trucks and eat it outside, or go self catering. The area is very popular with Australians and New Zealanders, as it’s much closer for them than Europe or The USA/Canada. I would guess that at least 50% of the skiers there are westerners. Prices are very reasonable by ski resort standards - much cheaper than the USA or Canada. A lift pass is about £50-60 per day. Overall, a great resort, especially for a first time ski trip to Japan.

Fantastic snow conditions, incredibly friendly and helpful locals.