Ever since we started Sotravel, the single most requested trip is a ski and snowboard trip to Japan. You ask and we deliver! On this 7D6N trip, we will be conquering the slopes of Niseko.
Why Niseko?
Every ski destination has its unique draw. In North America, resorts like Whistler and Aspen are known for their extensive terrain and challenging runs. The European alps, where we hold our #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip, are celebrated for their stunning mountain views and world-class après-ski culture. In Japan, Niseko is famous for its abundant powder snow.
Other than the superb snow conditions, Niseko offers what we all love about Japan: Japanese cuisine and onsens. After a day of adventure on the slopes, nothing beats warming yourself up with a hot bowl of ramen and soaking your aching body in a hot bath.
What will the trip look like?
Day 1 – Welcome to Niseko!
We’ll gather at Chitose airport and there will be a transfer to the accommodation in Niseko. Take the rest of the day to explore the area and rest before an action-packed 5 days of skiing or snowboarding.
Day 2 to 6 – Let’s Hit the Slopes!
After a hearty breakfast, it’s time to hit the slopes! Daily equipment rental and the Niseko United All Mountain Pass is included. With this pass, you’ll be granted access to all 4 ski areas of Niseko – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and Annupuri. So take your pick and explore the area over the 5 days.
Day 7 – Til Next Time, Niseko
All good things come to an end. There will be a transfer from the accommodation to Chitose airport, where you can catch your flight back home or to your next destination!
This trip includes
| Return transfer between Chitose airport and accommodation |
| 6-night accommodation in hostel-style room |
| 5-day Niseko United All Mountain Consecutive Lift Pass |
| 5-day equipment rental (helmet, ski poles + boots + skis OR snowboard + boots) |
| Daily breakfast |
| 1 group dinner |
The following are excluded:
| International flights to Chitose airport |
| Travel insurance |
| Personal expenses |
What are the ski areas of Niseko like?
Niseko is comprised of four inter-connected ski areas, each with their own unique features and characteristics:
- Grand Hirafu: Grand Hirafu is the largest and most popular of the four ski areas, with a wide range of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The area is known for its long runs and excellent tree skiing, as well as its lively après-ski scene.
- Hanazono: Hanazono is a smaller and quieter ski area that is popular with families and beginners. The area offers gentle slopes for learning and practicing, as well as a terrain park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
- Niseko Village: Niseko Village is a luxury ski resort that is known for its high-end accommodations and facilities. The ski area offers a mix of slopes for all levels, as well as a terrain park and a tubing park.
- Annupuri: Annupuri is a quieter and more traditional ski area, with a focus on intermediate and advanced skiing. The area is known for its off-piste skiing and tree runs, as well as its natural hot springs and onsen facilities.
With the Niseko United All Mountain Lift Pass, you can easily access all four ski areas and enjoy everything Niseko has to offer.
Where will we be staying?
We know Niseko is not the cheapest place for a ski trip, so we wanted to find an affordable option that doesn’t compromise your experience. We will be staying in Owashi Lodge, located in Upper Hirafu. While it is no fancy 5-star resort, this accommodation is only 100m from the ski lifts and just off the lively main street.
Is it beginner-friendly?
Beginners are more than welcome to join. We will share with you the website of the ski school there. Each full-day lesson costs around $150. We recommend doing a minimum of 2 to 3 full-day lessons for beginners.
Help! Should I choose Niseko or Hakuba?
Hakuba is termed the Japanese Alps for good reasons. Like the European Alps, you can expect good views, long runs and a large variety of ski routes. Hakuba is also cheaper since you fly into Tokyo instead of Hokkaido!
However, if you want the absolute best and softest snow, then Niseko wins. Niseko also has one of the best night skiing scenes.
Personally, I would choose Niseko if my goal is to improve my skills and pick up some new tricks as the abundant snow makes an excellent training ground! Otherwise, I would pick Hakuba to get a much larger variety of views and runs!
What is the difference between this trip and the #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip?
We hold the #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip twice every season, and there are a few differences from this trip:
- Location: The #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip will be held in the French alps
- Group size: The Niseko trip will have a maximum of 24 people per trip, while the group size for the #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip is much larger
- Frequency: The Niseko trip will have a few sessions across December to March, while the #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip is held only twice per season (usually Dec / April). Think of it as Sotravel’s bi-annual winter event!
So should I go for the #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip or this trip?
If your schedule and wallet permit, we think you should come for both!
For those who are picking between the two, it’s ultimately up to what you’re looking for so here are some considerations:
- Lessons: If you’re a beginner or looking to improve your skills through guided lessons, we would recommend the #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip. The resort we’re working with in the French alps has really great prices for their instructor lessons. As such, the #GreatSingaporeSkiTrip includes daily lessons in the trip price. We find these lessons incredibly helpful for beginners and even those with prior experience improve much faster
- Travel plans: Both Japan and France are travel destinations the Sotravel team absolutely adores. From Niseko, you can travel to the rest of Japan. Likewise, from the French alps, you can head over to Italy, Switzerland and other countries in Europe. If you already have plans to visit either destination, you can do a pre or post-trip after hitting the slopes!
Regardless, both trips are going to be a blast and you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Sotravel 
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