BLOG

13 Nov

Time Magazine Best of Asia 2007

Scorching droughts, desperate famines, rising sea levels, blah blah blah. When it comes to global warming, ski bums want to know one thing: How will it affect the powder? There’s already a snow crisis brewing in warmer resorts around the world. But few areas are as insulated from global warming as Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. It lies off the coast of Siberia and catches the heavy storms that sweep across Eurasia, ensuring the slopes are well supplied with waist-deep snow.

Hokkaido has been a secret to many skiers because its resorts have long focused on the domestic market-international guests weren’t unwelcome, but they weren’t exactly solicited. In the resort of Niseko, however, that’s changing. The sprawling collection of ski slopes in Hokkaido’s west features more than 48 km of serviced runs. That’s only about a tenth of the size of Aspen, but Niseko averages more than 15 m of snow a year, a fact that has helped increase the number of foreign guests by more than 30 times between 2001 and 2005. English is increasingly spoken in hotels, shops and ski schools, many of them owned by Australians who make up the majority of foreign skiers, and who have been Niseko’s most active international promoters.

Instead of the charmless, conventional hotels that are the only accommodation available in many Japanese resorts, Niseko is dotted with a range of choice, from luxury chalets that wouldn’t be out of place in Vail to backpacker B&Bs. Pistes tend to be geared toward intermediate skiers, but more adventurous types and snowboarders can go off-trail. Niseko allows visitors to ski wherever they want, at their own risk.

Officials confidently predict the area will become the next Aspen, size notwithstanding. Indeed, its main drawback will likely be crowds in years to come if ski conditions continue to deteriorate elsewhere. Niseko should stay frosty, unless the worst-case global-warming forecasts come true. And if that day comes? Try waterskiing.

Original Article (Time Magazine: Best of Asia 2007)

Niseko Accommodation Homes


Annupuri Oasis Lodge

Annupuri Oasis Lodge

Annupuri Oasis Lodge is a bed ‘n breakfast style accommodation option located in Annupuri Village, part of the wider Niseko area. Only 5 minute walk away from the main gondola and sitting within its own virgin forest, Annupuri Oasis Lodge offers the best value for your money.

Australia House
Australia House has 12 nicely furnished bedrooms and each with their own programmable gas heater, for the coziest of sleeping conditions. Other features are Free WiFi internet access, tunning bench, Common Lonnge area with large Screen TV, seperate kitchen for customers use.

Country Resort Chalets

Country Resort Chalets

From a compact 2 bedroom chalet of 85 square metres, to a spacious 4 bedroom of 225 square metres, we have something for everyone at The Chalets at Country Resort. Each of the standalone homes is furnished with modern creature comforts, from wi-fi internet and flat screen TV’s to fully equipped kitchens and centralised heating.

Forest Estate

Forest Estate is a group of five luxury homes in the center of Hirafu Village. Expect breathtaking views of Mount Yotei and the surrounding landscape, as well as all the amenities of a modern home.

Ginsetsu

Ginsetsu is a unique property located in Hirafu Village. Think elegantly handcrafted furnishings, a Japanese tea room, a spacious Japanese Cyprus bath and tatami bedrooms.

The closest accommodation to the newly-completed Hirafu Gondola coupled with its tasteful furnishings. A stay at the Gondola Chalets gives you a great location, comfortable interiors, and stunning views.

Hana & Jo

Hana & Jo

Hana & Jo are a pair of luxury townhouses located just out of central Hirafu in the Izumikyo 2 village. Hana & Jo are well-suited to families or groups of friends seeking their own private winter hideout.

Hidamari

Hidamari

Hidamari is a 4 bedroom cottage located in lower Hirafu. Hidamari is a short walk away from a variety of bars and restaurants. Enjoy a night in the village or a quiet meal from the comfort of your lodging – its up to you!

Niseko Izumikyo
Enjoy spending relaxed private time in a cottage with gracefully nature in Niseko. We will provide you with a cottage that has fixture necessary for life like electrical appliances, tableware and kitchen equipment.

Jurin

Jurin

Jurin is cozy accommodation located in Izumikyo 1 – just outside the village center. Together with its simple rustic style, guests are treated to a comfortable home away from home, with all the creature comforts of a modern lifestyle.

Nupuri Cottage

Nupuri Cottage

Nupuri Cottage is a cozy cottage with 1 Bedroom + Loft cottage located in Lower Hirafu. Recently remodeled and furnished in a western-style, it is a perfect property for couples, small families or friends.

Powderhound Lodge

Powderhound Lodge

Just a short walk away from the lifts and located amidst restaurants and bars, the lodge is well-suited for those seeking value accommodation at a great location.

Nupuri Cottage

Shinrin Lodge

Shinrin Lodge offers guests a luxurious way to experience Niseko. Shinrin Lodge further ups the ante with a Jacuzzi bath, media room and games room with billards table. There is even a gas fireplace for guests to lounge in front of after a day on the mountain and a hearty meal.

Nupuri Cottage

Sugarpot

Sugarpot is a 5 bedroom house located in the central village. Modern furnishings and a contemporary finish make for great surroundings to relax. Sugarpot addresses the short supply of large accommodations for above average-sized groups of friends, family or both.
NISEKO ACCOMMODATION