Annupuri

Niseko

By Jean-Luc Brassard

Obsessed with Japan? Don’t worry… me too! Last year, I skied there for 18 days straight and not once did I hear the edge of my skis against a hard or icy surface. Every day was a powder day, sometimes with several centimetres of that white gold, and always remarkably deep.

I can still clearly remember being the only skier on Higashi One the morning after a snowstorm. Of course, I was the one who had to make the tracks leading out, but it was an absolute joy to be in the heart of this immaculate forest, in the midst of trees already weighed down with snow, in total silence.

Although you might initially come for the snow, you are likely to be more impressed with all of the other things that make this country so unique: the friendliness of the people, the extreme politeness, the food, Tokyo, onsens (unique thermal water baths) and, of course, skiing!

Niseko has become a revered destination, but this popularity has also brought more services, countless new restaurants and improvements to the mountain facilities. Despite everything, it’s quite easy to find yourself alone on this immense mountain which, at first glance, seems much smaller than it actually is.

The greatest thing to happen in the last few seasons is the regular opening of the Mizuno-No-Sawa area right under the gondola at Hilton Niseko Village, where Gendron Travel customers stay. This medium-altitude sector is an absolute snow magnet, rarely frequented by skiers who prefer other areas of the mountain. From your very first ride up in the gondola, this spot is like a siren song! So, heed the call—after all, this voluptuous snow is what you came for!