5 ways to avoid the crowds at Japan’s popular ski resort town Niseko
Home to fresh, powdery snow, Niseko is a skier’s dream, but avoiding the crowds makes this popular Japanese ski resort even more attractive
For skiers, the Japanese town of Niseko’s allure is hard to resist, given its world-renowned “japow” (low-humidity powder snow), delectable cuisine and unique après experiences. Here are our top tips to avoid the crowds when you go.
1. Go later in the season
Go in the festive season and you’ll be running into someone you know every five steps, so do your best to avoid that time period.
Visit later rather than early in the season; the crowd, costs of accommodation and flights begin to ease mid-February, and travelling later also means you’ll see that famed powder in its glorious depths, all 15 metres it averages. Don’t worry, that fluffy snow continues to fall right into April.
2. Stay beyond Hirafu
There are four ski resorts on Mount Annupuri, collectively known as Niseko United, or as we know it, Niseko.
The most popular one, Hirafu, has the highest concentration of developments. Restaurants, shops and more than 400 accommodation options are available, making it extremely convenient and buzzing with energy. These are all crowded in a loose grid flowing from the Grand Hirafu Gondola and the luxury hotels which flank it, right down to Lower Hirafu. Buck the trend by staying at one of the other three ski areas. Trust us, it's a better idea.