3 Ski Resorts To Visit When In Niseko

Thousands of snow hungry skiers and snowboard meet in a small town situated on the northern island in Japan every winter. That village is Niseko.

Niseko previously been voted as one of the snowiest ski resorts in the world with an average snowfall of about 13 to 15 meters of snow. With all the snow that Niseko receives, why would you want to go to another resort while on holiday there?

Other resorts might have received more snow in the last snow fall and have less people, really the reason does not matter. What you can expect to find are great resorts outside the Niseko United area within a short drive that you need to experience.


Kiroro Ski Resort
The modern resort has facilities and infrastructure that is a great credit to the planning and forward thinking of management. Honestly, Kiroro in no way receive the attention it deserves as a powder ski destination from foreign tourism. About an hour from Niseko by car or bus, or alternatively you can catch a train from Kutchan to Otaru (65 minutes) and then take a bus or taxi to the ski area.

What you can expect to find on Kiroro
A resort spanning 2 mountains with 21 courses (or a run) is something that will keep beginners to advanced powder monkeys happy. Kiroro is a great day trip to get away from the crowds and find some untouched pow days after the last snow fall.

Moiwa Ski Resort
Moiwa is a small resort that is situated next to the Annupuri ski area. From Niseko it is approximately a 10 to 15 minute drive in the winter. In my opinion Moiwa is a hidden gem in the area. If you find yourself in the middle of a pow free stretch, skip over to Moiwa and you can often find untouched stashes of pow that you and your crew can enjoy for hours.

What you can expect to find on Moiwa
The vertical is only 470 meters, but as they say, "Good things come in small packages!" The resort has two lifts, one quad that is covered and a 2-seater, from the lifts you have the option of cruising groomers or getting in the trees and enjoying the endless pow lines that are on offer.


Rusutsu Ski Resort
From the Niseko township, Rusutsu is about 40 minutes by car bus. The resort hotel as a strange and eerie feel due to the interior features, but Rusutsu is the place to be on a powder day. The best option to get to Rusutsu is to get a lift ticket and bus frin Niseko Ground Service (NGS). Busses leave and return on a regular timetable from the Welcome Center in Niseko.

What you can expect to find at Rusutsu
Spread over three mountains (Mt. Isola, East M and West Mt.) It is equipped with 37 designated courses. The main feature of Rusutsu however, is the quality and number of tree lines that are accessed by very small traverses, if any, from a chair. You will also find that you pop out of the trees you will be on a groomer heading straight back to the lift so that you can do it all again.

Article by Bradley, travel blogger, snowboarder and crochet Ninja. For more information on Niseko, including Niseko Accommodation and lift ticket prices, please visit Niseko Webzine