Niseko non-ski activities are growing each season with Nisade having just announced Niseko’s very first ice rink at The Vale Niseko.

Located at the base of the family ski run, and only a minutes walk from the ski village centre of Hirafu, the ice rink has a fantastic outlook towards Mount Yotei (a mountain known as Mt Fuji’s younger sibling) and is perfect for families and guests looking for a skiing alternative.

The Vale’s list of ever growing features includes Niseko’s first outdoor heated pool (looking up the ski run), indoor / outdoor onsens (natural thermal Japanese baths), apres ski terrace, outdoor firepits just off the ski run and in-house restaurants.

An onsen is an outdoor thermal bathing experience like no other. 

ニセコ宿泊  温泉

A jacuzzi after a day in the powder snow is great, but a Niseko onsen takes après ski to the next level with mineral rich water being sourced from 700m below, having filtered down through the volcanic rocks under neighbouring Mount Yotei.

A Japanese tradition going back 1400 years, onsen water is rich in minerals providing various properties depending on its source from relaxing, healing or rejuvenation…perfect after a day in Niseko’s powder.

Onsens generally consist of multiple baths, both inside and out. The outside bathing experience under falling Niseko powder snow is truly a zen like experience; top this with a relaxing Japanese beer watching night skiers on the mountain under the winter lights surrounded by old volcanic rocks and snow…this is the Niseko experience.

Most onsens require full nudity and as awkward as this may seem to some, this traditional ritual is actually quite comfortable. A modesty towel is provided, lights are generally low and the steam creates an allure of comfort and tranquility. There may also be an option for a private onsen from which couples and families can book privately for a more secluded thermal experience. 

The Vale Niseko onsen looks up the ski run allowing sublime alpine views in an ultimate relaxing environment. Designed to accentuate the ski run panorama, it is an eclectic mix of traditional and ultra modern Japanese interiors with cedar timbers, alpine stones and atmospheric lighting for a thermal bathing experience like no other.

ニセコ町, 尼塞考, 尼赛考, 尼塞考, 尼賽考, 新雪谷, 新雪谷町

The Vale Niseko construction is well underway with the basement concrete works now complete. These archive images were taken at the start of August during groundworks.

ニセコ町, 尼塞考, 尼赛考, 尼塞考, 尼賽考, 新雪谷, 新雪谷町

Niseko is making a name in European marketing right now.

First, in December 2007 Mazda UK named an edition of their MX-5 car the ”Niseko” (ironically a convertible);
“…to celebrate its continuing status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ this winter, Mazda is introducing a air of special edition ‘Niseko’ models, named after Japan’s most prestigious skiing resort…” source

The Lacoste Niseko

Following the Niseko branding is Lacoste, who are releasing a ”Niseko” line shoe….and what a damn cool shape they are… source

The Vale Niseko view across construction to the ski lift.

With temperatures touching zero the times get tougher for the builders.

The construction speed continues however with the building site at capacity working the reinforcing steel, formwork and service rough-in after yet another concrete pour this week.

ニセコ町, 尼塞考, 尼赛考, 尼塞考, 尼賽考, 新雪谷, 新雪谷町