Niseko…this season has been nothing but spectactular - nudging a 3m base already with the past 4 weeks being a powder day everyday.

With reports stating Niseko has had the most snow of any world ski resort right now, it is never too late to book your ski trip. Niseko’s high season runs into February.

Here’s what the rest of the world is saying about Niseko;

“Niseko is in the top 10 of snowboarding destinations… ”
Chris Moran (former British Snowboard Champion) The Guardian (UK), November 2008

“Niseko is the second snowiest ski resort in the world”
Forbes Traveler, 2007

“The best night skiing in the world”
Tom Collinson, The Guardian (UK), February 2008

“Japan’s powdery slopes emerge as hot new international ski magnet” 
Miami Herald, Nov 11^th, 2007

“The best off-piste skiing in the world”
The Guardian (UK), 20^th October 2007

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

Niseko real estate is now encased in snow…and the construction rush before the winter shut down is now on. Photo’s from The Vale Niseko apartments this morning.

The ski run view from ground floor;

ニセコ町, 尼塞考, 尼赛考, 尼塞考, 尼賽考, 新雪谷, 新雪谷町

With the Niseko’s first snow dump already come and gone in Hirafu village, locals are waiting for the next hit to make the November 22nd ski season open day one to remember. Luckily, the tops of the mountains have had continuous snow the past week which is providing a good pre-season base.

Looking at the forecast and we see some good numbers expected on Tuesday next week. Plummeting temperatures and an expected 25cms brings a smile to any skiers face…and this is only Tuesday…the rest of week is expecting more snow.

From http://www.snow-forecast.com/resorts/Niseko/6day/top

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 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