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
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 05, 2017
SKStephen K.
advanced snowboarder
I've been going to Niseko on and off the last 10 Years. Since I've started going there it's been heavily westernised (I guess the fault of people like me) which has led to it losing a bit of its charm. Whilst the terrain isn't particularly challenging, the quantity, quality and consistency of the snow keeps bringing me back. Also, it's an easy base... More
Superb!4.7 / 5Dec 04, 2017
RORonald O.
intermediate snowboarder
Highly recommend, great mountain! Great town, loads of runs so won't get bored doing same few runs over and over. Got a transfer direct from Sapporo Airport to the door where we were staying for very reasonable price. Take me back!... More
Superb!4.5 / 5Dec 04, 2017
SWScott W.
advanced snowboarder
After 20yrs of an endless winter including USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan! Niseko has everything you need for a great Ski/Snow Board holiday, from some of the best powder snow in the world, to great lodges, and great Food and the Japanese restaurants. And with Sapporo close by makes for a great skiing holiday.... More
Fabulous!4.3 / 5Dec 04, 2017
WAWill A.
intermediate snowboarder
Incredible place with some of the best snow I've ever experienced. Everyone was extremely friendly and I have wanted to return ever since. The dining throughout the resort was absolutely incredible.... More
Superb!4.6 / 5Dec 04, 2017
JRJames R.
expert snowboarder
A great resort for your first Japan trip, spending over 3 weeks at the resort I never ran out of things to do! Friendly locals, great accomodation options and even better skiing both on and off piste. Not the steepest but powder for days!... More
Fabulous!4.5 / 5Dec 04, 2017
DTDaniel T.
intermediate snowboarder
Lives up to the name and notoriety, great for lovers powder. Very impressive off-pitse backcountry options and well maintained slopes. Accommodation isn't overpriced and the culture is great. Absolutely loved it. Check out Bigfoot Lodge for a drink, it's wicked.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Dec 03, 2017
DWDaniel W.
advanced skier
Niseko is full of friendly people who love to party and show guests a good time. But most importantly the skiing is unreal and the power is out of this world! ... More
Fabulous!4.2 / 5Dec 03, 2017
DGDiren G.
intermediate snowboarder
Excellent Snow. Fair bit of travel to get to. Makes it difficult for short trips. Excellent for long trips. Easy to get around town. It's small but had enough going on. Take the train out to Yoichi if you get a chance. Stunning town, excellent seafood.... More
Very Good!3.9 / 5Dec 03, 2017
DWDaniel W.
advanced skier
Niseko is full of friendly people who love to party and show guests a good time. But most importantly the skiing is unreal and the power is out of this world! ... More
Superb!4.8 / 5Dec 03, 2017
JGJake G.
advanced snowboarder
Niseko is a snowboarders heaven! Amazing powder, tree runs, parks and back country. Almost every day we were on the slopes from as soon as the lifts open till dark and even got out for a night board under the lights too. Niseko has an incredible amount of awesome restaurants, bars and pubs too. If you're thinking of going to japan for a... More