Things to Do at Niseko Village

Niseko Village opened in 1982 at the base of 1,308-meter Mount Niseko-Annupuri with 27 runs accessed by 8 lifts including the high-speed Gondola No. 1 installed in 2019. Day passes cost ¥5,800 ($39) and family packages save 20%, with the smart strategy being first tracks on the Village Express lift at 8:30am when fresh snow still blankets the groomed runs. The resort creates a distinctly different atmosphere from busier Hirafu - quieter chairlifts where you hear individual snowflakes tapping against your jacket and the soft whisper of perfectly groomed corduroy beneath your skis. Mountain air carries the scent of hot chocolate drifting from base lodge windows and the distant sound of children laughing as they navigate gentle beginner slopes that sparkle under lights strung between frosted pine trees.

The most straightforward route is flying into New Chitose Airport in Sapporo, then taking a bus or rental car for the roughly 2-hour journey to Niseko Village. Several bus companies run direct services during ski season, and it's actually quite convenient - you can book online and they'll often stop at major hotels. If you're driving, the route is well-marked and scenic, though winter driving obviously requires snow tires and some confidence. From central Sapporo, you can also take a train to Kutchan Station and then catch a local bus, but this takes longer and isn't necessarily cheaper.