The super efficient Niseko powder provided a fantastic open day for this years season kick off.

Niseko properties have been blanketed the past week with around two feet of powder - topped off with sunshine and Yen2000 lifts tickets, many a local were grinning ear to ear.

Niseko accommodation in peak season is looking very close to full in many parts of the village. This season looks set to be a blinder with at least three new bars opening in the top village, two new apartment complexes and a host of new guest services.

NISADE Chairman Jonathan Martin presents the first in a series of video update on the construction progress of The Vale Niseko. We will be using video media to bring you regular updates over the coming weeks and months, bringing you into and around the The Vale Niseko as it is built.

A bird’s eye view of the latest works on-site.

The final stretch of the “Ace Family Ski Run”, a fine approach to Niseko’s finest accommodation.

Construction company Nakayama proudly attached their company name to development.

The Vale Niseko’s shape is curved towards Mt Yotei, to maximise the stunning views from all units.

The south eastern wing of the The Vale Niseko (foreground) will recieve fantastic winter sunshine and south western wing will enjoy stunning views directly up the ski run.

The View from The Vale Niseko Apt 301’s living room window in summer.

The same view from Apt 301’s living room during the long glorious winter season.

(Extract from “Niseko Alpine Review - December 08″ - to subscribe for your latest edition click here)

To Buy or not to buy… that is the question right now. Investors today have an array of investment choices like never before. Opportunities abound for those with cash and as the global slow-down imbeds further into the hip pockets, assets will continue to be released at discount…so much choice!

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Lifestyle
Niseko delivers on that front and will continue to grow in stature and offerings.  Clear air, famous onsen, and the exquisite Japanese cuisine underwrite the overall offering.

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Limited Supply
The market is small, despite the rapid increase in building; volume is miniscule in relative terms. Within the market there is supply limitation on product, for example despite being the largest development in Niseko, there is only 49 ski-in ski-out apartments in The Vale Niseko. With most sold, investors seeking prime Niseko locations do not have a lot of choice.
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Long Term: the fundamental
Niseko’s long term fundamentals remain unchanged, it’s still consistently delivers the best powder snow in the world. The mountain terrain is suited to families of mixed abilities; friendly to first time skiers yet challenging year after year even to the pros. Also, the Japanese cultural experience will always be a fascinating one.
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Niseko “brand” Establishing Globally
We are seeing cars (Mazda MX-5), shoes (Lacoste) and international tourists (Guardian media in UK rating Niseko as top 10 destination) using and recognising Niseko as a brand. Familiarity will drive demand; word of mouth is still the key driver. Families will continue to travel in larger groups enjoying familiarity and social catch ups.
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Scale of On-Ground Operators
Unless another ski resort attracts the scale and commitment of on-ground operators and developers such as Hokkaido Tracks, West Canada Homes and other early pioneers of development they will never achieve the market penetration. Remember these pioneers have been working hard here in Niseko for the last 6 years; they are not overnight successes.

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Niseko is still in its Infancy
Small market with massive market catchment, it will mature into an international destination for Asia. With literally billions of people so close, and a surging class of new wealth in East Asia, the market has massive potential.
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Dynamic Ski Product Offerings
Fundamentals of the ski hill can only improve as consistent skier numbers underwrite investment. This season the variety of new offerings from the ski hill operators are immense, the kid’s terrains at both Higashiyama and Hanazono are amazing, truly world class.
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Institutional Grade Investment
Citigroup and Pacific Century Developments are already here. Not one, but two serious investors. Add to that AP Land from Malaysia, Capella, its clear institutional investment is continuing to increase.
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Summer Holidays
An almost non-existent market into which Niseko is primed to grow. Whilst other places such as Furano tout such strong summer visitation numbers the reality is most are day trippers or over nighters.
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Destination Hub & Asian Location
Niseko is positioning itself as a destination hub aiming to drive the average stay from 1 - 2 nights to 3 - 5 nights.
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Cash
Despite the massive rout globally there is still significant wealth, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. That weight of money is still investing, slower to commit but still investing. Sales in the Vale are still proceeding as buyers look to core fundamentals, location, quality and functionality.
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Japanese Hot Springs & Culinary Delights

While Whistler & Colorado still enjoy many Asian visitors, those who come to Niseko often say they come for the powder, and come back again and again for the food and the onsen spas. Nisekos quality dining and retail options may in time become as big of an attraction as the powder snow.  If you have ever soaked in an outdoor volcanic onsen spa while snowflakes fall on your head, then I need not explain this competitive advantage Niseko holds over its resort destination rivals.