Niseko is officially Japan’s #1 snow resort, located in Hokkaido, 2.5hrs drive from Chitose Airport. Comprised of 4 interlinked ski resorts – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An’nupuri – it is renowned for its consistency and quality of powder snow throughout the winter.

Averaging around 15m+ of snow each season, Niseko is famous for its wide open powder bowls and tree runs.The surrounding mountains are dotted with numerous hot spring resorts, known as onsen. The Shiribetsu River is known for its white-water rapids. The area also features several golf courses against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Hirafu is the biggest village and provides the largest and most diverse selection of accommodation. English has become more common and makes the unique atmosphere and offers an exciting array of restaurants, bars and skiers, excellent powder stashes throughout the area and the notorious “Peak” challenges even expert skiers. Night skiing is very popular here and gives the opportunity to experience fresh powder at night, which shouldn’t be missed.

Annupuri ski field is at the base of one of the area’s largest National parks. Located at high altitude, it offers some of the best snow in winter and some of the best trekking and outdoor activities in summer.

Niseko Village offers a terrific base for skiers in the middle of the hill and has stunning views of Mt. Yotei. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the prominent tower hotel is complemented by a number of smaller pensions, restaurants, cafes and bars. The quaint neighborhood leading to the ski area houses some cute eateries as well as the hugely popular Milk Kobo dairy. This area is dotted with a number of picture-perfect flower fields which blossom in summer and farm shops that offer souvenir shopping and pretty gifts all year round. The winter season beckons pro skiers and photographers as well as skiers of average ability and the area balances local tastes with international influences.

The Hanazono area is part of Grand Hirafu and thanks to its North/East aspect delivers amazing powder snow. The area borders on vast acres of the deepest snow you will ever find and there are several gates giving access to this “powder haven”！