Niseko/Rusutsu The ultimate #japow experience that is the envy of the world!

Niseko is located around a two-hour drive from New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido. Four sprawling ski resorts can be found at the foot of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri within the national park. When the monsoon crosses the Sea of Japan from the Eurasian continent, snow clouds with high moisture content are formed. These clouds in turn give rise to the ultimate powder snow in Niseko, which tourists from all over the world come to enjoy. Today, Niseko is regarded as the “Mecca of powder snow” and a dream destination for skiers around the world.

There is another reason why Niseko is so popular around the world. Here, advanced skiers have the chance to experience backcountry skiing, an activity where skiers can ski along the snowy mountain slopes amid pristine surroundings instead of keeping to the marked trails of the ski area. Backcountry skiing is generally prohibited in regular ski resorts. However, the feeling of skiing through the fluffy, freshly fallen snow is akin to flying through the sky, a special experience that will get any skier hooked after their first attempt. Backcountry skiers in Niseko are required to adhere to the “Niseko Rules,” such as keeping away from restricted areas, entering only through the gates, and following the orders of the ski patrollers. These common rules apply in all ski resorts in Niseko.

Niseko Village Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in Niseko. Many skiers have been captivated by the powder snow at Niseko Village Ski Resort, which is among the finest and silkiest in Niseko. With a maximum runway of around 5,000 meters, one of the longest in Japan, this resort is also equipped with an unmatched variety of 27 different courses, including an advanced course where you can be the first skier to slide down the untouched powder snow in the early morning, as well as a beginner course where you can take your time to ski through the rime ice. Everyone from beginners to advanced skiers will get to enjoy “japow” to their heart’s content at this resort.

Niseko Village Ski Resort also offers various snow activities, and visitors can experience its powder snow even without skiing or snowboarding. These activities include “snow rafting,” where participants glide through the snow on a rubber boat pulled by a snowmobile, as well as “snowshoeing,” where you can stroll through the beautiful snowy fields around the resort. There is even a “reindeer sleigh ride” that is hugely popular, and which will no doubt add a touch of fairy-tale magic to your visit as you feel like you have become Santa Claus.

After a day of skiing or snowboarding, it is time to relax in a hot spring. The ski area of Niseko Village is directly connected to five elegant hotels. In fact, the hotels, hot springs, restaurants, and shopping spots are all located in the same area. The design of the shopping and restaurant area was inspired by the traditional Japanese merchant town, which makes even a casual stroll through it highly enjoyable. A wide variety of F&B options from izakayas to Michelin-starred restaurants can also be found in the vicinity of this area, making it a wonderful place for après-ski activities.