A Stunning Winter Ski Vacation Awaits At Japan's Coveted Mountain Resorts In Hokkaido

Planning a ski vacation always comes with excitement. There's nothing quite like scrolling through astonishing photos of soaring peaks, plunging valleys, and ivory-white slopes covered in soft, thick layers of pristine powder. From budget-friendly ski spots in small European countries like Andorra to luxurious, world-famous resorts like Courchevel, Val d'Isère, or Zermatt in the Alps, jetting off for an exciting ski adventure is the ideal way to spend the winter.

Even the smallest ski resort can be a load of fun, but sometimes you want to treat yourself and try something really extravagant. And if you've already discovered the luxurious mountain beauty of Switzerland, France, and Italy, and had your fill of spots closer to home like Aspen, Tahoe, or Vail, then it might be time to look further afield. One of the best ski resorts in Japan is Niseko, situated just outside Sapporo on the island of Hokkaido, and it comes with an unusual and adrenaline-pumping bonus feature that makes it one of the best places in the world to ski.

Niseko is made up of the three towns of Kutchan, Niseko, and Rankoshi, which lie in the shadow of Mount Niseko Annupuri. Located just over 50 miles from Sapporo on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, the resort is usually accessed from New Chitose International Airport, which is just over two hours away by car. New Chitose Airport is one of the busiest airports in Japan, serving routes across the country and around the world, and also has the unusual distinction of being the first 24-hour airport in Japan!

Niseko is known for its epic, abundant snowfall, and a huge part of its charm is the sheer volume of fresh, crisp powder that awaits visitors on the slopes of the mountains on Hokkaido. Niseko's wonderful "Japow", as it's charmingly nicknamed, is due to the combination of freezing winds from Siberia and warm air over the Sea of Japan, and offers a glistening, silky-smooth ride.

There are four major resorts on Mount Niseko Annupuri: Annupuri, Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, and ​​Niseko Village, which are connected by bus at the bottom, and by piste at the top. Combined, the region boasts 21 lifts and over 30 miles of slopes. A single pass covers all four resorts, and there are runs for all levels of expertise, from dedicated learning areas for beginners all the way through to triple black runs littered with trees and epic big bowls.

There are two things that really make Niseko stand out from other Japanese ski resorts. The first is backcountry trails, which offer some excellent ski-touring and off-piste skiing opportunities, which is very unusual for Japanese resorts. The second is the chance to try your hand at something genuinely different — skiing at night! Niseko is the biggest night skiing area in Japan, and when the sun goes down, you can head out to the slopes of Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, and Annapuri and hit the snow under bright floodlights. Grand Hirafu also offers illuminated mogul runs and cleared forest trails.

Another area that really makes Niseko stand out is the quality of its apres-ski offerings. They do things differently than at the large resorts of Europe and the U.S., and the vibe is calmer, more laid-back, and largely centered around the gorgeous Japanese natural hot spring experience known as onsen. Niseko is surrounded by active volcanoes, so the region is filled with naturally occurring thermal springs, and Niseko's resorts are exceptionally well-served by luxury onsens. Relaxing in warm, mineral-rich waters after a long session on the slopes is one of the best ways to end a day of skiing.

It isn't just the onsens that make Niseko's non-skiing attractions so enticing. The town is filled with exceptional traditional omakase restaurants, which serve up incredible fresh seafood, sumptuous ramen, and fabulous meat straight from the grill, all prepared in front of you. Sushi Nagi in the Higashiyama Niseko Village hotel is one of the best, while Roketto in The Maples Niseko is also worth trying. For something different, Boyo-so serves up amazing comfort food in a family-style environment.

While the party scene is nowhere near as loud and enthusiastic as many traditional ski destinations, there are still plenty of places where you can cut loose and let your hair down. Bars like Freddy's and Yoko Oh-No's are wild, fun, and debauched, while spots like Toshiro's Bar and Tamashii are more sophisticated options. For late-night enjoyment, Hertzz plays sublime techno long into the night in classic post-industrial surroundings.