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Niseko
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Niseko Information
Introduction
If you're looking for heavenly ski conditions during the season, there are few better places to head Niseko. Up to 15m (49ft) of powder snow falls each year. Faced with the dormant volcano Mt Yōtei, also known as Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to Mount Fuji, Niseko compares very favorably with those of Europe and North America mega-stations in its range of equipment and tracks .
Niseko United station umbrella name, combines three distinct but interrelated areas of skiing: Grand Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annupuri Kokusai. In recent years it has become the ideal place for skiers of Australia and New Zealand at the top of poles during the summer season, many are buying and developing land, especially around the station, the main town of Hirafu where the après-ski scene rocks.
The level of comfort is excellent, with seats available for all budgets from luxury lodges for backpackers dormitories and youth hostels.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 300m (984ft).
High altitude: 1309 m (4,295 feet).
Base elevation: 300m (984ft).
Number of lifts: 38.
Number of tracks: 57.
Average annual snowfall: 12m (39ft).
Where in the world?
Niseko Japan is on the main northern island of Hokkaido, about 100 km (62 miles) west of the capital, Sapporo. It is based on Mount Niseko Annupuri and is part of the Niseko-Shakotan Otaru Quasi-National Park.
The three main stations (Niseko Grand Hirafu Hanazono attached to the station, Higashiyama and Annupuri Kokusai) are spread around the mountain from East to West, with the main objective being the ski village of Hirafu, the basis for Niseko Grand Hirafu. Kutchan, the main area of the city with access to the station, lies a few kilometers north-east of Hirafu.
Press the slopes
The season runs until the end of the beginning of November in May
With about 50 kilometers (31 miles) of groomed trails and many other opportunities for off-piste, there is a ski trail for everyone to Niseko. There are many large areas of gentle slopes for beginners as well as halfpipes, mogul fields, tree short and tables for more skiers and snowboarders.
The longest is 5.6 km (3.5 miles) and can go even further if you hike to the top of Niseko Annupuri top lift. For those who prefer the mountains to get quickly and protected from the elements, three gondolas glide up the slopes of each of the main bases. For something a little different, there are tracks where skiers are transported by snowcat.
The snow conditions here could not be better with virtually guaranteed fresh powder (lots of it!) Dumped each night. You can make the most of your life, here too, like skiing at night-time sees lifts run until 2100 every day. One package covers all four stations, or you can buy individual tickets for each station.
There are a variety of ski school or ski, you can follow the adventures of guides to the rear, including ice climbing and telemark, the large population of overseas ensures here there are always English-speaking guides. Rental of good equipment is readily available. A couple of outfitters are deemed Niseko Niseko Adventure Center and Outdoor Adventure Sports Club, both in Hirafu.
Beyond the slopes
The volcanic activity which created Mt Yōtei also abundant hot springs spas (known as onsen) in and around Niseko. Try Popolo in Montreal Niseko Scot (next to the Grand Hirafu lifts); Yukoro (end of Hirafu southeast of the village), or Makkar, who has an outdoor bath overlooking Mt Yōtei.
Also at Onsen is Makkar Makkar snowmobile Land (a few kilometers southeast of Hirafu) where you can take a tour, a 6 km snowmobile (4 miles) course. Niseko Adventure Center has a climbing wall at its base Hirafu. Workshops of Japanese culture, covering such things as the tea ceremony, are occasionally held at Lodge Grandpapa in Hirafu.
Sapporo is an easy day and certainly not to visit in early February at the famous festival of snow (the Yuki Matsuri) sees the giant sculptures of snow and ice built around the city. Another good day trip is the charming seaside town of Otaru.
Family fun
In recent years Niseko has been improving its provisions for families. Reduced price, the child and the family lifts are available. Alpen Hotel Niseko (Niseko Grand Hirafu resort) has a nursery care for children aged two to six.
Niseko Snowsport International School (Hanazono resort), has a variety of ski lesson and visit programs for families and children. At the Niseko Higashiyama Prince Hotel, there is an entertainment center piled with video games, etc..
Retail therapy
The main areas are Hirafu and Kutchan, the largest city in the region. Sakura in Hirafu (one block north of the village's main crossroads) is the best place to buy souvenirs and traditional Japanese crafts. For snow gear and other outdoor equipment try Niseko Adventure Center (Hirafu).
Après-ski
There is no shortage of places in the wind with a beer or something stronger in Hirafu. Adventure Center and Niseko Niseko Outdoor Adventure Sports Club have joined coffee bars, Pow Pow and JoJo's, respectively, which are very popular with the younger crowd International Ski (both Hirafu). Ab (Hotel Niseko Scot) is a leap of après-ski bar at the base of the slopes of Grand Hirafu and has theme nights and DJs on weekends.
To try something more sophisticated Sekka, Hirafu Hangout most elegant, created by an expat Australian designer who also built several high-level of self-catering properties around the village. Fatty snow is two giant trucks that make the hull of a lively late night bar, while the very funky Gyu Hirafu is easily spotted by its doors from the facade of a former Coca-Cola vending machine .
Eating out
One of the best places to eat in Hirafu is Sekka (see above after-ski), which serves Italian cuisine with a modern Japanese. A good place for lunch or dinner outside the track is the bakery, a coffee bar and a Abucha (at the main intersection of Hirafu). Also not to be missed for its pastries and sandwiches is Gruubünden (located next to Hirafu on the way Kutchan).
Indented Hirafu main resistance is Bang-Bang, which specializes in fish dishes and yakitori (over 30 different types). Gentem, on the basis of a Mongolian yurt (located just off the main road halfway between Hirafu and Higashiyama), offers a rare multicultural experience. Southeast Asia dishes are served in a relaxed atmosphere with world music chilled in the background.
Getting around
An All Mountain Pass allows you to ski between the three main stations using all the lifts on the mountain. There are also shuttle bus from the base station stations connecting each one. Regular buses run to Kutchan for trains.
Spatter
Some of Niseko's most luxurious accommodation is in apartments decorated with boutique hotel standards. Hokkaido Tracks (website: www.hokkaidotracks.com), based in Hirafu is the designer-lovely Yotei Tracks on its books.
Getting there
Nearest airport: New Chitose Airport (CTS).
Distance to station: 102 km (63 miles).
Driving time: 2 hours.
Nearest station: Kutchan.
Distance from station: 5 km (3 miles).
Driving time: 15 minutes.
Website
www.niseko.ne.jp / en / index.html
This station is good for ...
Non-skiers, families, snowboarders, Intermediates, Après-ski, snow reliability, experts, beginners
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