"From skiing powder next to the stunning Mt. Yōtei and sampling local Japanese food and beer, this was one trip I'll never forget."
- Mike Junius, from January 2017 Ski.com Hokkaido Guided Trip
Dates + Price | Trip Details | About Niseko | Packing List | FAQ
Trip Dates
January 19–26, 2019
January 26–February 2, 2019
Trip Price
per person from$2,599
incl. taxes, excl. airfare and based on double occupancy
$1,000 deposit per person required to reserve spot
Trip Details
7 nights / 6 days in Niseko, Japan
Airport and resort transportation
7 nights' lodging in Niseko at The Green Leaf Niseko Village
6 days of guided skiing in or around Niseko (possibly Rusutsu or Kiroro based on snowfall), with access to backcountry
Breakfast daily, 1 group dinner, 1 welcome reception + 1 farewell reception
About the Green Leaf Niseko
Offering 200 ski in ski out deluxe twin and deluxe king guest rooms and corner suites designed to accommodate up to three people, the Green Leaf provides unobstructed views of Mt. Yotei from the base village and a range of home-away comforts.
Learn MoreTop Amenities Include:
- Onsite onsen (hot spring)
- Spa
- Onsite restaurant
- Onsite bar/lounge
- In-room flatscreen TVs
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
About Niseko
Located on the southern peninsula of Hokkaido island, Niseko is the largest and easily Japan’s most famous ski destination. Receiving 595 inches of snow on average per season, Niseko is truly the powder paradise that it’s rumored to be. But it’s not only Niseko's powder that’s the best in Japan; for expert skiers and riders, nothing competes with Niseko’s off-piste sidecountry skiing.
Located 62 miles from bustling Sapporo, Niseko is quite convenient for both international travelers and for city site-seers. The resort is very near Mt. Yōtei or “the Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido,” and the views contribute to Niseko's status as Japan’s ski-resort star.
The resort is comprised of four interconnected base areas: An'nunpuri, Niseko Village, Hirafu and Hanazono, all of which offer a unique dining and lodging experience.
Niseko skiing
While the off-piste and out-of-bounds powder skiing is legendary, the on-piste blues and greens should not be dismissed—every type of skier and rider can enjoy the Niseko experience. Chances are likely that it will snow throughout the duration of your trip. However, gondolas and hooded chairlifts make the snowy weather very bearable.
Out-of-bounds adventuring is permitted thanks to a relaxed ski-patrol policy at Niseko, in comparison to other Japanese resorts. Guides are available and recommended, especially if you aim to climb and ski or ride the backcountry terrain on Mt. Yōtei. It’s nearly impossible to get bored of Niseko's on-piste, off-piste and sidecountry terrain, but if you want to experience something else, heli skiing is available. It’s also possible to ski to the interconnected Moiwa resort, but a separate lift ticket is required.
Niseko Dining + Nightlife
Of all Japanese ski resorts, Niseko is known to have the best restaurants and the Hirafu base area dining is especially noteworthy—as is the nightlife. Here, you’ll find a lot of Australians and more Westernized hotspots. For quieter, more traditional dining experiences stick to An’nupuri, Niseko Village or Hanazono.Niseko Language + Culture
Niseko is the best for uninitiated travelers. English is widely spoken across Niseko, so the resort is well-suited for an international tourist. In fact most of the resort and hotel staff speak English, and both English and Japanese restaurants offer English menus. On the flip side, Niseko is the most modern and populous in Japan, but there’s still plenty of traditional Japanese restaurants and cultural attractions to appease a traveler seeking authentic experiences.
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Trip Packing List
Choosing what to pack for any type of getaway can be challenging, but packing for a ski or snowboard trip is especially difficult because you’re going to be outside in winter’s element, and often at very high elevations, where the weather can change quickly. To make sure you arrive at your destination with everything you need, we have compiled a checklist you can use during your packing process.Ski/snowboard apparel and gear:
- Base layers (non-cotton long underwear with wicking ability)
- Mid layers (lightweight natural or synthetic down jacket or vest or microfleece or vest)
- Waterproof outerwear – preferably designed for skiing or snowboarding
- Waterproof gloves/mittens (bring liners if your hands tend to get cold easily)
- Helmet (highly recommended)
- Warm hat
- Neck gater, scarf, balaclava, bandana or BUFF® (to cover your face and neck in cold, windy temperatures)
- Ski/snowboard socks (non-cotton with wicking ability are best – one pair for every two days on the mountain)
- Goggles with UV protection
- Sunglasses with UV protection and Croakies®
- Snacks such as energy bars or something high in protein
- Sunscreen with at least SPF 15
- Lip balm with at least SPF 15
- Skis, snowboard, boots, poles (unless you are renting or shipping your gear)
- Ski/snowboard bag
Apres-ski wear:
- Jeans
- Comfortable, waterproof boots or shoes with good tread—especially if it’s snowing in the town or base village or if you want to enjoy outdoor winter activities like snowshoeing, snow tubing or dog sledding
- Warm, sweat-wicking socks—especially for traipsing around in the snow
- Sweater, fleece or other warm top
- Jacket—if your ski/snowboard jacket is warm, you’ll be fine
