Niseko, the Best Ski Resort in Japan According to World Ski Award

Japan is considered one of the best countries in the world for skiing. Fresh snow is abundant over almost five months during winter, and it is also home to a number of world-class ski resorts, including, notably, Niseko on the Island of Hokkaido. The resort was awarded the prize for Best Ski Resort in Japan in 2013 by the World Ski Award, an association which celebrates excellent ski resorts the world over.

With 61 different runs through the resort, there is enough to keep you occupied. Niseko is divided into four zones with 30 chairlifts. 30% of the runs are for beginners, 40% for experienced skiers, and 30% for experts. But most interesting for the most intrepid of skiers is the abundant tree-lined off-piste potential. Lift passes are around €40 a day.

In terms of accommodation, Niseko offers an impressive range; there are either hotels at the bottom of the slopes, or more traditional lodgings such as the Kasara Niseko Village Townhouse, that resemble something between a mountain-side chalet and a traditional Japanese inn.

In the summer it is also possible to go hiking and explore tree-top trails, but it’s worth noting, that when the snow falls, is when Niseko really comes into its own.