Winter

Niseko is most well known for its stunning winter season, with light powder snow typically falling from November to March. The main ski area is known as “Niseko United” and is made up of four interlinked ski resorts – Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono.

The ski area is one of the best in Hokkaido with long courses across the resort, as well as backcountry access via a gated system. The entire ski area can be accessed via an “All Mountain” lift pass giving visitors a huge variety of terrain to ride. Make sure to check out the Niseko resort maps so you can explore the entire resort.

Niseko is synonymous with powder snow, and the resort area is said to have the best powder snow in the world. Visitors from all around the globe come to Niseko to discover the powder snow phenomenon that occurs each winter. Each winter around 14 meters of powder snow falls on average across the resort area, turning the fields and forests into a winter wonderland.

There are so many different ways to enjoy Niseko’s powder snow. A huge number of winter activities suitable for both adventure seekers and families are on offer including snowmobiling, snow rafting, snowshoeing and more. Image provided by Powderlife.

Skiing & snowboarding in Niseko is undoubtedly the biggest attraction in winter. The combination of perfect powder snow and excellent terrain make Niseko one of the best places in Asia to ride. Unlike many other resorts in Japan and Asia, off-piste powder runs are easily accessible to anyone wanting to ski the world’s best powder.