Niseko

Niseko receives some of the most consistent snowfall on earth. Japanese hospitality, onsen bathing, Hokkaido cuisine and light dry powder create a winter destination unlike anything in Europe or America.

Niseko lies in south-western Hokkaido, about two hours by road from Sapporo’s New Chitose airport. Its skiing is gathered on Mount Niseko Annupuri, where four resorts — Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri — are linked on the upper mountain under the Niseko United lift pass. Across the valley rises Mount Yotei, a near-perfect volcanic cone often compared with Mount Fuji.

Cold air crossing the Sea of Japan from Siberia drops snow almost daily through midwinter, giving Niseko a reputation for deep, dry powder and tree skiing. Hirafu, the largest village, has grown into an international resort, while hot-spring onsen, izakaya and Hokkaido produce — crab, sea urchin, dairy and potatoes — give the stay a distinctly Japanese character.

The season runs from early December to early May. Late December to mid-February is the heart of powder season, with frequent snowfall and short, cold days; Christmas, New Year and the Chinese New Year period are the busiest weeks. Early February coincides with the Sapporo Snow Festival, two hours away, and is an easy addition to a ski stay.

March brings clearer skies, firmer snow and quieter slopes, and spring skiing continues into April. Summer, from June to September, is green and temperate — a season of rafting, golf and hiking on Mount Yotei — and many hotels remain open all year. Autumn brings early colour on the slopes of Mount Yotei and harvest food across Hokkaido.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono stands at the foot of the Hanazono lifts on the northern side of Mount Annupuri, with ski-in access, an onsen and residences looking over to Mount Yotei. On the other side of the mountain, Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is an intimate hotel of a few dozen rooms at the base of the Niseko Village gondola, with its own onsen and views across the valley to the same volcano.

Hanazono suits families and those who want the slopes of Hirafu close by; Niseko Village suits a quieter stay, closer to the Japanese countryside and to the onsen towns at the foot of the mountain. LVXVRY books both through Hyatt Privé and Marriott STARS & Luminous — at the official hotel rate, with the privileges each programme attaches to the stay.