Niseko

For the Japanese people, Niseko means the mountain range and municipal area of the same name. But for Remote Lands travelers, Niseko can encapsulate the broad range of ski resorts to be found here. Mount Totei is the “Mount Fuji of Hokkaido,” and the Annupuri ranges are highlights here. Niseko means “a cliff jutting over a riverbank deep in the mountains.” Tourism and agriculture are the main economic staples here. Between 4,000 and 5,000 people live here but in 2009 Niseko played host to over 200,000 tourists. The weather is more influenced from Siberia that Eastern Japan. Niseko is ranked as one of the Top Ten ski resorts in the world.

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Back-Country Ski Courses

Another feature of Niseko which Remote Lands skiers might want to consider are the “unofficial” courses that are less known and used. There is Sannozaka, which has high quality powder, Higashi One, and also a forest route which is known as “Strawberry Fields.” The latter is probably the most famous of Niseko’s runs.

Nightlife and Dining

The old and the new meet and mix in Niseko Town. There are bars, lodges, restaurants and many Japanese dining and culinary options awaiting Remote Lands clientele.

Outdoor Sports

Other winter sports available are snowshoeing and ice climbing. No matter how adventurous you, everyone loves a soak in the hot springs at the end of the day, which is another draw to the area. The area is also gorgeous in the summer with a variety of outdoor sports on offer: hiking, river rafting, horseback riding and golfing are popular options. You will stay in a luxurious villa close to the slopes, fully staffed with private chef, butler, maids and other attendants.

Picnicking and Hiking

Spend the day on the slopes skiing or hiking, depending on the time of year you are here. As Hokkaido is the northernmost island of the four major islands that make up Japan, temperatures tend to be cooler and there is significantly less humidity than on Honshu, Kyushu or Shikoku. This makes it a wonderful retreat for local Japanese for picnicking or hiking as the island is lush and green at this time of year.

Skiing

There are six main ski areas here: Hirafu, Higashiyama (Niseko Village), Annupuri, Hanazono, Moiwa and Weiss. (Annupuri, Higashiyama, Hirafu, and Hanazono) are set up as a set of linkages and can be utilized with one ski pass. They combine to form 2,191 acres of skiable area. This is known as “Niseko United.” There are 38 gondolas and lifts there that can bring Remote Lands clients to over 61 ski runs. The ski and snow life here is so popular that St. Moritz, Switzerland was established as a “Sister City.”

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