Niseko

Closed
Jack Taylor
SnowPak Local Insider
Jack Taylor
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • One of the most expensive places to ski in the country

Overall

4.3

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!

16/17 Historical Snowfall

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

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Niseko Village (Walk)

  • Easy to get around compact ski village
  • Has the best ski facilities for kids in Niseko
  • Great for families

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Annapuri (Walk)

  • Quiet and peaceful ski village
  • Limited dining and nightlife
  • Less accommodation options

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Hanazono (Walk)

  • Limited accommodation options
  • Quiet place to stay
  • Limited dining and nightlife

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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 tips

For 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 tips

For 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 tips

Find 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.

Save up to 33% when you book a Niseko package!

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Niseko Reviews

Fabulous 4.4 / 5
based on 77 reviews

How well the resort caters for beginner skiers / boarders

Beginners

How well the resort caters for intermediate skiers / boarders?

Intermediates

How well the resort caters for advanced skiers / boarders

Advanced

How accessible and convenient it is to get to this resort from a major destination

Accessibility

Quality of the off-piste terrain

Side/Backcountry

Overall value for money of the resort

Value for money

Quality of lifts, lift speed and lift layout in the resort

Lifts

Quantity and quality of the snow

Snow

How uncrowded is the resort

Uncrowded

Après ski and dining options

Town

Services and facilities e.g. child care, tubing, health care, equipment hire

Facilities

How family friendly is this resort?

Family Friendliness
Very Good!4.2 / 5Dec 08, 2017
LTLeonard T.
intermediate snowboarder
Niseko is a grand place, 3 hours by bus to Chitose airport but still buzzing with life. Snowfall can be a little variable but when it dumps it is some of the best snow in the world. Huge mountain with slopes for every grade, great food and accommodation, and some amazing sights and backcountry!... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 08, 2017
CJCharles J.
advanced snowboarder
Come here to experience some back home fun with a twist of Asia to and to the mix! Many Bars from which to slip and slide from as the snow seems to fall all night long cover everyone's tracks who went out that night!... More
Fabulous!4.4 / 5Dec 08, 2017
RWRob W.
advanced snowboarder
Unbelievable, best boarding of my life! I'll definitely be going back as soon as I get the chance and can't wait to take my boys aged 11 and 13. Such amazing powder and the hospitality of our Japanese hosts was the best I've experienced world wide.... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 08, 2017
NMNolan M.
advanced skier
You couldn't ask for a better introduction to snow in Japan than Niseko. Whether you stay in Niseko itsself or in nearby Hirafu, the snow is awesome, the food is great, the people are friendly and there is always a party.... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 07, 2017
PBPaul B.
advanced snowboarder
An absolutely unbelievable amount of snow up to your eyeballs and an incredible atmosphere of the loveliest place of the planet left me feeling like it was all a dream.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Dec 06, 2017
YKYuka K.
intermediate snowboarder
No need to mention about the best powder snow. Not only that, but also touching good warm local people, getting quality vegitable at market, feeling beautiful nature in the woods, cozy nights in your lodge, can't be better!!... More
Superb!5 / 5Dec 06, 2017
DBDarren B.
intermediate snowboarder
Unbelievable but Beleivable !! Incredible chance to Experience One of Japan's Best Resorts. From Snow Quality to the inviting Culture,make this your go to destination you won't be disappointed on any level.... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Dec 06, 2017
CTConor T.
advanced snowboarder
A very international resort with probably the best snow I've found in Japan. Can be busy in peak season, and don't expect much of a Japanese cultural experience. But lots of great bars to socialise with people from all over. Did I mention the snow was amazing?... More
Superb!5 / 5Dec 05, 2017
BWBen W.
advanced snowboarder
Mint little town. Stayed last year at the bottom of town. Everything is walking distance. Night life is fun as. Snow is deep as. Experience was dope as. Great place to teach friends how to snowboard.... More
Very Good!4.1 / 5Dec 05, 2017
MBMichael B.
advanced skier
Unbeatable skiing and fresh powder. If you are going purely for the snow then I would definitely recommend Niseko. For me though, apres ski and culture are of equal importance and I was a bit disappointed here. For sure there is plenty of action, but it just doesn't feel authentic. Perhaps just the number of Aussies makes you forget you're in... More