The slopes

  • Extent 2 out of 5
  • Fast lifts 2 out of 5
  • Snow 5 out of 5
  • Queues 3 out of 5
  • Terrain p'ks 3 out of 5
  • Expert 4 out of 5
  • Intermediate 4 out of 5
  • Beginner 3 out of 5
  • Boarder 4 out of 5
  • X-country 2 out of 5
  • Restaurants 4 out of 5
  • Schools 3 out of 5
  • Families 4 out of 5

The resort

  • Resort charm 2 out of 5
  • Convenience 4 out of 5
  • Scenery 3 out of 5
  • Eating out 3 out of 5
  • Apres ski 4 out of 5
  • Off-slope 2 out of 5

Key facts

Resort280 m
Slopes300-1200 m
Lifts29
Pistes55 km

Niseko

Japan

Niseko

The upside

  • Reliable deep powder snow, lift served
  • Exotic atmosphere, fabulous food
  • Polite and gracious locals
  • Some smart, upmarket accommodation
  • Night skiing is the norm, allowing a long ski day if you want one
  • Vibrant nightlfe

The downside

  • Long way to travel from Britain, and you have to change planes
  • Expensive
  • The language barrier
  • Snowfall can go on for weeks
  • Slopes not as steep as you might expect
  • Few off-slope diversions locally

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Summary

Niseko is on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, one of several places that has developed something like cult status. The reason? Snow – huge and reliable falls of powder. The resort is made up of three areas of slopes – Grand Hirafu (Hirafu and Hanazono), Annupuri and Niseko Village. The three are linked by free shuttle buses. There are modern lifts, but also some old single chairs. Annupuri has some long, quiet slopes on the south side of the mountain. But the terrain is not steep and might disappoint some experts. There are decent novice and intermediate slopes above all three bases and good sheltered treelined runs. There are several modern ski-in/ski-out hotels (but little else) at the bases. Or you can stay in the atmospheric little town of Hirafu where there is a good range of restaurants and bars and in recent years impressive modern apartments have gone up beside traditional pensions and lodges.

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The slopes

  • Extent 2 out of 5
  • Fast lifts 2 out of 5
  • Snow 5 out of 5
  • Queues 3 out of 5
  • Terrain p'ks 3 out of 5
  • Expert 4 out of 5
  • Intermediate 4 out of 5
  • Beginner 3 out of 5
  • Boarder 4 out of 5
  • X-country 2 out of 5
  • Restaurants 4 out of 5
  • Schools 3 out of 5
  • Families 4 out of 5

The resort

  • Resort charm 2 out of 5
  • Convenience 4 out of 5
  • Scenery 3 out of 5
  • Eating out 3 out of 5
  • Apres ski 4 out of 5
  • Off-slope 2 out of 5

Key facts

Resort280 m
Slopes300-1200 m
Lifts29
Pistes55 km