November 28th 2024.
As I stand on the glistening white slope, my brand new skis in hand and a fake smile on my face, I can't help but feel like a complete rookie. Sure, my black velvet ski jacket looks the part, but deep down, I'm longing for the warmth and comfort of my cozy home. Skiing may not come naturally to me, but I couldn't have picked a more breathtaking location to learn, as I pop my ski cherry in the majestic mountains of Niseko, Japan.
The journey to this winter wonderland was long and tiring, involving a 12-hour flight from London to Tokyo, followed by a 95-minute flight to Sapporo, and a two-hour drive to Niseko Village. But the moment I arrive, I know it was all worth it. The sky is a vibrant blue, the air is crisp and clean, and the view of the Yoti mountain is simply stunning. It's no wonder this place is a favorite among Instagrammers.
Niseko Village, nestled in the heart of the Niseko United Ski area, offers over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain. Whether you're a pro or a beginner like me, there are 70 runs to choose from, and even some off-piste areas for the more adventurous. And let's not forget the legendary powder snow, lovingly called Japow, which is extremely light and fluffy. Despite being at the end of the season, we were lucky enough to experience a fresh snowfall during our stay.
Unlike other resorts that rely on artificial snow, Niseko's perfect powder is a result of the west to east wind bringing cold air over the warm sea of Japan, creating dense clouds and producing an average of 18 meters of snowfall each year. And just like everything else in Japan, our stay in Niseko is flawlessly organized. We effortlessly collect our boots, skis, and helmets, and can even ski in and out of our hotel, a rare luxury in most ski resorts.
But Niseko offers more than just skiing. Within the village, there are various activities to enjoy, such as following a sculpture trail by artist Frank Woo, savoring cocktails at the chic Mandala Club, or indulging in some delicious food at the Hilton Hotel or Gogyo restaurant. However, it's the off-slope activities that truly stole my heart. Exploring the Japanese woodland on a snowmobile, with the towering Mount Yoti as our backdrop, was a pinch-me moment I'll never forget.
Despite my struggles on the slopes, I couldn't help but fall in love with Niseko. The peaceful atmosphere, the stunning scenery, and the warm hospitality of the Japanese people made it a truly unforgettable experience. So while I may have been all gear and no idea, I wouldn't have wanted to pop my ski cherry anywhere else.
As I stood on the pristine, snow-covered slope of Niseko's majestic mountains, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. Clutching my skis and posing for a picture, I couldn't deny that I looked the part with my fancy black velvet ski jacket and confident smile. But inside, I couldn't help but feel like I was in over my head. I may have all the gear, but I definitely had no idea how to use it.
It didn't take long for me to realize that skiing was not my natural talent. But what better place to discover this than on the beautiful mountains of Niseko in north Japan? Despite the long journey it took to get here, including a 12-hour flight from London to Tokyo and a two-hour drive to Niseko Village, I knew it was going to be worth it.
The sky was a clear blue, the air was unbelievably fresh, and the scenery was simply breathtaking. Our backdrop was the majestic Yoti mountain, guaranteed to make anyone on Instagram envious. But it wasn't just the stunning views that made Niseko stand out. The Village was situated in the heart of the Niseko United Ski area, which provided over 2,000 acres of terrain for skiers of all levels. With 70 runs to choose from and even some off-piste options, there was no shortage of adventure.
As someone who was still struggling to stay upright on my skis, I couldn't help but feel a little envious of the more experienced skiers on my trip. They assured me that Niseko was a far cry from the slopes of Europe, known for its legendary powder snow, or "Japow" as it's called here. Despite it being the end of the season, we were lucky enough to experience a fresh flurry of snow during our stay.
Unlike other resorts that rely on artificial snow, Niseko's location and weather patterns create perfect conditions for natural powder. Thanks to the west to east flow of wind, the area receives an average of 18 meters of snowfall each year. And as expected from Japan, everything was flawlessly organized. We were able to ski in and out of our hotel, something that was quite rare in other ski destinations.
But Niseko wasn't just about skiing. The resort offered a variety of activities to explore the stunning surroundings. One morning, we took snowmobiles through a beautiful forest, gliding through the untouched powder with the wind in our faces. It was an adrenaline-pumping experience, and I couldn't help but feel like a kid again as I raced through the trees with a Cheshire cat grin hidden under my helmet.
Within the resort, there was also a new development called Niseko-yo, where we could follow a sculpture trail by contemporary artist Frank Woo, enjoy drinks at the bougie Mandala Club, or indulge in some delicious pizza at Baby Crosta. And of course, we couldn't miss out on trying some traditional Japanese dishes, like sashimi at the Hilton Hotel and dim sum and ramen at Gogyo restaurant.
Despite my struggles on the slopes, I couldn't help but fall in love with Niseko. It wasn't just the skiing that made it a dream destination for ski-lovers, but also the endless opportunities to explore and experience the stunning surroundings. And as I left Niseko with my new ski skills (albeit still a bit shaky), I couldn't wait to come back and discover even more of what this beautiful resort had to offer.
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