Ski holidays in the leading Japanese ski holiday resort of Niseko
Niseko is split into 3 main areas where guests can stay each of the piste areas connect at the top to allowing the skier or snowboarder to accesses the whole mountain area.
The areas are: Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Higashiyama, and Niseko An-nupuri each with its own characteristics.
The skiing in Niseko
The skiing in Niseko is extensive for Japan. The snow conditions are fantastic for most of the season with an annual average snow fall of 595 inches and an average snow depth in March reaching 351cm. Even though the ski area has a modest top height, they do not need any snow making facilities and the area is well known for having amazing powder snow!
The piste conditions are usually immaculate with very well groomed pistes.
The whole mountain operates a Gate system, whereby skiers are able to go off piste in certain areas as long as the gates are open - meaning the area is safe to enter.
There are pistes to keep every ability happy, from beautiful long green runs for beginners, to double black diamond off piste runs for the more adventurous skiers. You can also walk a short way up to the very peak in good weather to come down in un-pisted territory!
The piste maps are a little complicated to navigate at the beginning especially getting from one area to another. The lift system is generally good with only chairs and gondolas no surface lifts but some of them are a little outdated, and the one seater car lift can take a bit of courage!
The resorts of Niseko
By far the largest resort area is Hirafu the skiing directly out of here is for all abilities and the resort itself has many different types of accommodation as well as bars and restaurants. Although it does retain its Japanese feel, the resort does tend to have a very Australian slant to it, with its fair share of Aussie bars and western eateries. Compared to the other areas, there is a real village/resort feel and would be recommended for those that enjoy having a wander around in the evening, eating and drinking away for the hotel. Niseko Hirafu is also where the main non-hotel based accommodation is chalets and condos. The resort itself is ski-in/ski-out, but much of the accommodation may be a bit of a walk away.
The middle area, Niseko Higashiyama, although currently small and featuring one main hotel, has big plans for development and in 2009 will have a fantastic new hotel, ski school and childrens area. The skiing in this area is good for advanced skiers, and there is some good off piste for those that love powder. There are also plans to open up the whole area that is currently out of bounds next year which would nearly double to size of the ski area.
Although there are not many options for a stroll in the evening, there are some great little eateries just a short 5 minute taxi ride away.
The 3rd area is called Niseko An-nupuri and is also completely ski-in, ski-out. Similar in set up to Niseko Higashiyma with most of the resort based around the few hotels there.
