Known for its fine-quality powder snow during the winter season, Niseko in Hokkaido, Japan is the number one ski destination in Asia. Whether you’re a ski-lover or just entering the ski scene, Niseko has a lot to offer you.
If you’re planning a skiing trip to the snow-filled mountains of Niseko this winter, here are some tips and tricks you can follow so you can have the perfect skiing experience that will make you want to go back for more.
1. Do your research
So you’ve decided to go skiing at Niseko. Before you drop everything and jump on the next flight to Hokkaido, first do your research on Niseko, especially if it’s your first time there.
Researching ski trails, average temperatures, local culture, and skiing rules and regulations in Niseko will help you plan out your trip and help you find your way around when you get there. Knowing the weather forecast is also important when you decide to go to Niseko as weather conditions can affect your trip.
2. Find the best time to go
Niseko’s annual ski season stretches for as long as five months, typically ranging from November to around May the following year. While the entire season is a good time to ski down the trails of Niseko, there are some months that have the best amount and quality of snow for those who want to experience the brilliance of Niseko’s ski trails.
On the average, snow buildup begins around November to December, and many stores and resorts begin to open up for tourists looking to ski. But there is little guarantee that there will be enough snow to ski the entire trail.
Mid December up to February is normally the peak of the winter season, with a good amount of snow to ski on. However, it is also the most crowded time of the season and prices are at their peak. Nightlife abounds with the fall of dusk as the vibrant commercial scene beckons.
3. Dress in layers
It can get extremely cold in Niseko during the peak season, with average temperature ranging from -2 ℃ to -15 ℃. If you’re not used to such temperatures, dressing up in layers is very important to battle the cold during your ski sessions.
Experts will usually advise beginners to have three layers of clothing when going for a ski session: the base layer, the mid layer, and the outer layer. Each layer is equally important since they help keep skiers warm as they slalom down the ski trails.
4. Rent first
If it’s your first time skiing, do consider renting your equipment first. You might get overwhelmed by the number of people bringing their own ski equipment when you get to Niseko, but these people are probably veteran.
As a beginner, once you decide after a few ski runs that you really love to ski, then you could get your own personal equipment for your next ski trip. Ski rentals are widely available in Niseko, so you won’t have to worry about going there empty-handed.
5. Get lessons
Skiing is not an easy sport to learn and can be dangerous if you ski without knowing the fundamental techniques. To make the most out of your ski trip, it’s best to get ski lessons from the ski instructors.
Getting ski lessons will ensure you spend less time flat on your back in the snow and be able to enjoy the view of Niseko as you make your way down the Niseko Annupuri trails.
6. Enjoy the Locality
Lastly, don’t miss out on the other great places to go to in Niseko after your ski run. offers a variety of establishments you can go to where you can relax and interact with other skiers. Taking a dip in the onsen to warm up, eating in the local restaurants, and sharing a couple of drinks with people are just some of the things to do in Niseko’s locale.
No matter what level of skill in skiing you have, be it children or adults, Niseko has a lot of opportunities for you to try out, from the most basic to the most challenging ski trails. And by following these tips, you’ll surely have a memorable experience in Niseko that you’ll want to go back to.