Review Date
May 30, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Telemark, Telemarker

Price Paid: $37.00

Summary:
The Niseko area is made up of 3 main ski areas, Grand Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annupuri. The top lifts of all the ski areas converge on the peak of Mt Annupuri and all areas can be accessed using the one lift pass. Although not a high mountain (only 1308m), Hokkaido has snow cover right to sea level and the base of the resort is at 250m giving a 1000+m vertical. The region receives some of the highest average snowfalls of any ski area in the world, frequently topping 14m.

The village of Hirafu has been going through a major development boom primarily by investors from Australia and SE Aisa and has plenty of great bars and restaurants.

Overall Niseko offers great value skiing and nightlife with some of best quality powder snow found anywhere.

Customer Service:
Many companies now manage the many new western apartments and chalets that have been built in recent years. At the luxury end of the market The Niseko Company manages some of the most best properties in town and at the budget end there are still plenty of pensiones and backpackers run Japanese and foreigners. Wherever you go in Japan though you will receive some of the best customer service to be found anywhere.

Similar Products Used:
I've skied at a number of resorts in Canada, Australia, NZ and South America and have never been anywhere that receives better snow quality and quantity than at Niseko.

Review Date
February 27, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
2-5 times

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Geoff, Intermediate, from Sydney, Australia

Summary:
Niseko Hirafu rocks. The best fun you can have in the snow ... and lots of it. Go late January/February for 4+ metres of powder ... lightest driest. Try summit run if weather is good ... requires climb in and out.

Great resort for experts through beginners. Locals are really friendly. Uncrowded slopes (most of year) and great lifting capacity/system. It is really worth the trip no matter where you live. You won't find better snow.

If wanting information try www.snowave.com which specialises in Japan travel from Australia and has good local connections in Japan. They can arrange transfers from Sapporo/accommodation in Niseko or wherever you want.

Review Date
December 16, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
Countless times

Reviewed by: Hiroko Aiba, Advanced, from Tokyo, Japan

Summary:
If you are in Japan, well worth a trip there! The food is amazing and the people in Hokkaido are super friendly.