Superb!4.6 / 5May 01, 2018
Mat C. advanced snowboarder
Build your Niseko Ski Trip
Learn more about Niseko
Pros
- Endless dry and light japow to enjoy
- Large ski area connecting four different resorts and diverse terrain to suit everyone
- Backcountry gate means its easy to access off-piste terrain
- Incredible night skiing available
- Great for first timers to Japan: easily accessible, fantastic shopping, vibrant nightlife, and English is widely spoken
Cons
- It's pretty popular so freshies gets tracked out quickly
- Expensive place to ski compared to other Japanese ski resorts
- Crowds can be an issue, especially during the holidays
- Not the most authentic Japanese ski experience with flocks of westerners visiting
- If steep chutes and of groomed runs are what you crave, Niseko won't deliver.
Niseko Ski Packages |
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|---|---|---|
| Lodging + Lift Tickets | Discount | Price |
|
Toya-onsen Hotel Hanabi
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket |
37% off | $612 |
|
NEST AT THE TREES, NISEKO
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket |
32% off | $1,513 |
|
Hotel Cocoa
2 x Adult 2-day Lift Ticket |
30% off | $1,875 |
View all ski packages for Niseko |
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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!
Best month to go
Late December to mid-February
The first lifts turn on as early as the end of November and the last one doesn’t shut off until the beginning of May, but Niseko’s peak season sits firmly between late December to mid-February. If you’re here then, expect three or four powder days a week! There is a slight downside to all that snow, namely being that visibility can be particularly poor, but we’re happy with the compromise. If you’d prefer a few bluebird days then visiting Niseko at the start of March is a good call and a good time to pickup a great deal. If there is any time to avoid going to Niseko, it’s around Christmas and Chinese New Year, prices are hiked up and the slopes get packed.
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.
Niseko
vsAkakura Kanko
| Niseko | Akakura Kanko | |
|---|---|---|
| beginner | 38 % | 40 % |
| intermediate | 32 % | 30 % |
| advanced | 30 % | 30 % |
| expert | - | - |
| total runs | 81 | 10 |
| ski area | - | - |
| summit elevation | 3,937ft | 4,921ft |
| total lifts | 31 | 7 |
| child lift ticket | Free | ¥3,000 JPY ($28 USD) |
| adult lift ticket | ¥7,400 JPY ($69 USD) | ¥4,300 JPY ($40 USD) |
| uncrowded | ||
| snow | ||
| back country | ||
| value for money | ||
| average total snowfall | 416″ | - |
Save up to 33% when you book a Niseko package!
View Niseko packages
Niseko Reviews
Mat C. Fabulous!4.5 / 5May 01, 2018
Gaz G. advanced snowboarder
Very Good!4 / 5May 01, 2018
Bryan T. advanced skier
Superb!4.6 / 5Apr 30, 2018
Andrew A. expert skier
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Jan 21, 2018
JSJessi S.
Niseko is one of the best ski resorts Japan has to offer. I have friends who have visited the resort and said Niseko is perfect for families or single riders. Being in Japan, Niseko is a world class resort.... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Jan 21, 2018
JDJessie D.
I have never experienced such amazingly dry powery snow before in my life! You could literally walk down the street in your jeans get covered in snow, dust it off and still be dry. It is unbelievable. The people working on the mountain are so lovely and helpful. The hotels are incredible and most ski in ski out if not only a short walk to a lift.... Moreintermediate snowboarder
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Dec 27, 2017
KRKen R.
We were based in Annapuri, the far left village when looking at the Niseko trail map. The snow conditions had us giggling like a child on a xmas morn. The terrain was more than ample to keep us amused for 8 days. If you wanted a change, just track left over the mountain and visa versa and drop down into the next village over. Our accomadation was... Moreadvanced skier
Very Good!4.1 / 5Dec 27, 2017
ABAlex B.
Amazing Resort to go to. The amount of Powder Snow is unparalleled and something I have never experienced anywhere else (Mainly been Snowboarding in Chamonix, France and different Resorts in Switzerland).
Niseko is separated into different resorts. Annupuri is an area more suited for Beginners/Intermediate Riders. Niseko Village is more of an... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Superb!4.9 / 5Dec 27, 2017
RSRoss S.
Wicked place hands down. The locals are friendly and there are plenty of options to choose for food. Now the best part is the snow!!!! 25 cm's a night!! Or 10 inches for our north american friends. Be prepared for POW.
There are plenty of runs all different skill levels be prepared for morning fresh tracks as its heaven. Pick from four different... Moreadvanced snowboarder
Average!2.8 / 5Dec 18, 2017
DEDean E.
So much snowfall that poor visibility is the norm. Snow quality feels brilliant, just can't see it. In those odd moments when the sun comes through it is truly spectacular. Services and facilities are generally poor and spread out over tens of kilometres, having a car would minimise this problem. Accom is adsurdly expensive for minimal quality,... Moreexpert skier