Make The Most Of Your Winter Holiday

With so much to see and do in Niseko, it can be a little tricky to fit everything in. Follow these tips to squeeze every last moment of fun, adventure and relaxation from your time in Niseko this winter.

Food lovers are spoiled for choice in Niseko with dozens of fantastic restaurants in the area. From traditional Japanese delicacies through to Western favourites, there is something for everyone. 

We recommend trying the brand-new Kumo Restaurant which is located at Skye Niseko. This Hokkaido-style izakaya does simple, yet inspired, authentic Japanese soul-food with a modern touch. There is also a great wine list, a fantastic dessert menu and it accepts large group bookings too. 

Another great choice is An Dining, located in the Ki Niseko hotel lobby. Head Chef Shinichi Maeda offers high-end modern Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on Hokkaido produce, perfect for sharing. 

For a relaxing, zen experience, try one of Niseko's many Japanese onsen's. Niseko was once an onsen town before skiing become so popular, so stands as a wonderful place to indulge in this uniquely Japanese experience. 

Thermal hot springs naturally heat the onsen baths, many of which are outside in the snow. Experiencing the thrill of a hot thermal bath while snow gently falls around you is not to be missed.

Two particularly great onsens are Yugokorotei and Yukichichibu.

Niseko's most famous drawcard is it's abundance of light, dry, powdery snow - and for good reason too. A unique weather system exists whereby icy winds from Siberia combine with the moisture from the Sea of Japan to create huge snow storms in Niseko. The peaks of Mt Niseko Annupuri (the skiing mountain) and neighbouring Mt Yotei create two walls which 'trap' the snow clouds, resulting in extraordinary amounts of snow falling in resort throughout the winter. Niseko's snowiest weeks have to be seen to be believed. 

So if you are a seasoned skier/snowboarder, or looking for the perfect destination to try for the first time, there is simply no better place. Conditions are at their best in January and February, with overnight dumps of 20-30cm common. Though, it is also possible to find great skiing conditions at any time between late November and early May.  

Book a ski lesson or guided tour through GoSnow.

While there is no question that skiing and snowboarding in Niseko is great fun, it can sometimes be a strain on the body too. Both activities call on muscles we don't commonly use for other activities, so you may feel sore the following day, particularly if new to the sport or if it's been a while. 

Thankfully, Ryko Spa, has begun operating this season, offering massage and other treatments to help ease those aches and pains. A range of different styles of massage are available, from hot stone, to Thai and deep tissue, alongside a host of other spa treatments such as facials and weightlessness therapies to ensure everyone, not just those riding the powder, can enjoy next level relaxation while in Niseko. 

--

Book your stay in Niseko this winter.