Powder Heave—Niseko

Niseko's scenery, people, food, onsens (hot springs), and, of course, snow all combine to create the ideal ski holiday destination.

Quick Tips:

The locals are very friendly and eager to help visitors. Add all this to Japan's safety and fantastic sense of hospitality and even a first-time overseas traveler will have no problems visiting Niseko.

Arranging all your own accommodation (I used www.thenisekocompany.com), ski tickets, etc., is a piece of cake.

Best Way To Get Around:

Cars can also be rented relatively easy for international drivers. Chains are not used, but don't freak out! All cars have snow tyres over winter.

In the Hirafu village, it is possible to walk everywhere, or if your legs are powder burnt, take the shuttle.

Be sure to grab a copy of Hirafu/Kutchan Wine and Dine, which has a good map and gives a brief introduction on many of the dining options in the area.

A walk to the peak is a must on a clear day-the view alone is worth it (Mt. Youtei-Hokkaido's Fuji-like volcano dominates the view), but after bombing down ungroomed knee-deep runs, you'll be ready for the 30-minute (max) hike again!

While many people visiting the Niskeo region are more than content to stay in Hirafu and explore the four zones that make up the United Niseko field, I wanted to explore. John, from Niseko Izumikyo, took me to other ski hills nearby which were amazing. Looking at the trail map, I wouldn't have even considered it—a single chair and two or three runs didn't look worth it. However, from a single chair there proved to be access to countless private bowls and fresh tracks through the forest all day.

After 4 or 5 hours of that my legs were burnt, so the "compulsory" visit to a hot spring was called for. Hot springs can be founded dotted throughout the Niseko area. For about $5 (sometimes free) you can soak as long as you like and emerge feeling refreshed and keen for more.