Niseko Snow:
When the snow starts to dump we often wonder what the season will hold.

Without a crystal ball, it would be reasonable to assume the best way to predict the future fall would be to look back via historical data and find a trend. The graph below is from data on the Niseko Hirafu’s main website showing ski seasons for the past 10 years.

This information is based on readings at the 1000m mark and shows an average annual snowfall of only 7m or so, which is a far cry from the 15 and 16 metres the Niseko property and Niseko real estate companies state. However, accurate snow data for Niseko is just not available - the numbers this graph is based on is the most accurate data at hand.  

With Forbes Traveller last year announcing Niseko as the 2nd snowiest resort in the world it is assumed they used numbers from this graph, Kutchan (Niseko’s main service town) and other lowlying areas around the mountain, applied a ratio and came up with their 15.11m.

Whilst it may seem we are taking a slightly negative approach to Niseko’s official snowfall amounts, it would be bankable that when they douse a measuring system on par with say North American skifields, it would not be surprising if the data actually shows an increase on expectations…the clockwork Niseko snow is almost a phenomenon, as anyone having done a season in Niseko will attest.

So looking back…last year Niseko received an unofficial 10.5m of snow or so, 30% less than its average, or, when taking the highest and lowest years out, it was the lowest amount of snow in ten years. So lets compare this  - take Whistler, it averages an official 10.2m…this concludes that Niseko’s 2nd worst season in ten years is better than Whistlers average. So if you have two weeks vacation and your hunting powder, how can you even think about going anywhere else…

Niseko Historical Snow Depths @ 1000m Mark (based on information from Grand Hirafu Website)

ニセコ町, 尼塞考, 尼赛考, 尼塞考, 尼賽考, 新雪谷, 新雪谷町

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 properties get dumped on. The best way to show today’s snowfall is on the cars…if this keeps up Saturday’s season opener will be pretty special.

And it’s still snowing right now…

ニセコ町, 尼塞考, 尼赛考, 尼塞考, 尼賽考, 新雪谷, 新雪谷町

Niseko Japan: the predicted dump is here. Dropping 15cms during the day with a lot more predicted over the next five days.

Ski season opening day is this Saturday - if it continues at this pace we may see some of the same we had on last years opening day.

Street light on main street Hirafu Village.

Psychomart.

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