From today to July 15, Niseko Alpine Developments [ Nisade ] will open it’s onsen and pool in The Vale Niseko free.

The perfect warmdown after a hard workout in the Bunker Gym (basement level of The Vale) or just simply relax and enjoy an age old Japanese tradition. The water at this Niseko onsen are about as pure as they come - full of healing minerals, the natrium rich experience is a truly unique way to unwind.

Daily 4 to 6pm.

For further infomation call Niseko Alpine Developments on 136 22 0058.

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.

The construction team appear to be winning the battle against the snow (this week) and preparations for a influx of a mass of men and heavy machinery are being finalised. For several weeks (when the snow was still winning the battle) most of the work was concentrated in the basement level, away from the elements. Now with the sun returning to Niseko more frequently we will see The Vale Niseko begin to reach of the sky!

With the winter construction break behind us, builder Nakayama Gumi are on back site.

The snow is being cleared for the main driveway, prep works for the 2nd above ground level and exterior base works for the upper level scaffolding.

The site was hidden during winter due to the Niseko snowfalls. The already completed 1300sqm of construction (basement and level 1)  houses the lobby, onsen, pool, restaurant and cafe.

No we don’t mean the Australians up here…Niseko has a zoo.

Perfect for families and non-skiers on holidays, the zoo is located just up the road from The Vale Niseko property in upper Hirafu village.

The range of animals is suitably international - shetland ponies, ostriches, penguins, ducks and pigs to name a few.

Plenty of skiing tourists have been startled by a pig being walked on the family ski run…not only being a strange thing to ski past, the pig is an absolute hit with skiing kids.