❄️🏂 powder snowboarding at Niseko

First time ? snowboarding was decades ago, it was during my elementary school field trip and like any others who first tried — fell all the way down the hill, got up again and repeated. ? And that’s when I started to ❤️ love this sport. Been awhile I didn’t touch it, until a few years ago.

? Comes to think of it, picking up it again was also when I started teaching it. Not an official instructor, just giving tips and guidance. ? Process is less enjoyable of course, most of the time spent sitting on the slopes.

?? Best part is always the end thou — watched them succeeding and improving over these years from their first time to riding “S” down the slopes. ? I’m glad I’ve influenced many of them to love this sport and probably more than I do now.
 

 
January through March have the best ❄️ powder snow condition in ??Hokkaido, thou season starts from ≈mid-December to early-April each year.

? Snowboarding in Hokkaido became an annual thing, ≈4 times a year and travelled in groups of 6+ most of the time. Yes, ? I had spontaneously made a solo 3D2N trip too.

Whether it be 5D4N or 3D2N, solo or in groups, “ski-in ski-out trips” aren’t much different. ?️ Mt Niseko is the most popular and touristy ski resort among others: Rusutsu, Furano, Kiroro and more. I guess it’s because of its stunning view of ?️ Mt Yotei. On a clear day, head up to the top of Niseko, the view is breathtaking.

? Few snapshots below, click here for trip album or feel free to continue ? reading.

Niseko’s quite huge and shuttle bus operates between all the areas. Hirafu is the main area with all the ? restaurants, ? bars, ?️ shops and where most people ? stay.

Slopes in Hirafu area seems to be more fun. A pathway up the mountain links to other areas. During peak season, slopes are crowed and less enjoyable to ride. I guess that’s a minor thing, after all we’re here for ❄ powder snow❗
 

 
Where to stay❓
? Niseko Central has few houses and apartments in Hirafu area, ?‍♀️ ≈5-15mins walk and ? ≈5mins drive to Hirafu based. Quite nice and cosy to stay with groups of friends — modern style, clean, has kitchen with basic utensil and best of all, an outdoor private ♨️ jacuzzi.

? Chalet Ivy, stayed here on a solo trip, ?‍♀️ ≈5mins walk to Hirafu base — modern style, clean and has a nice ? bar.
 

 
How to get around❓
?? I always preferred driving to Niseko, gave more flexibility. Depends on ❄️ snow condition, ≈1.5hrs or less of driving otherwise ≈2hrs+. I’ve hired from most car companies and are pretty decent — booked online, arrived at CTS, headed to car rental area, registered and took its ≈5mins shuttle bus to rental location. All car hire companies provide free shuttle to their location as all are outside the airport. At the location, ? completed paper work, ? made payment, ℹ️ explained to about road signs/safety/emergency number etc., brought to car, ? examined car exterior for damages, set GPS and drove off.

✨ In Japan, mapcode input in GPS is most common and accurate, I generated mapcodes here.

? Shuttle bus from CTS airport is another option and goes straight to Niseko at ?Hirafu Welcome Centre, pretty convenient especially travelling solo carrying your own equipments around. I took Resort Liner, ≈3hrs ride, fixed bus schedule with multiple stops and departed on time. There’re many companies and tickets get sold out quick, ?️ book early!
 

 
Gears rental❓
? Winter First gears rental provides great services, staffs are very friendly and gears are in good condition. Rented from them in the last 3️⃣ years, they delivered and picked up based on our requests.

??? Gotta give them thumbs up. They’ve catered many of our changes each time after bookings made. At busy times, we’ve got no response from them. Gave them a call and attended to our booking right away.
 

 
What to eat & drinks❓
????? Make reservation at least 3 or 4 weeks prior, especially travelling in groups. Most bars and restaurants are in Hirafu area and further away ones provide complimentary transfer, just ask ?. Below are some of the popular ones (not in any particular order)

? Bar Gyu – cool bridge door entrance
? A-Bu-Cha 2 – izakaya with verity of choices
? BangBang / Bang 2 – family-style izakaya
? Ezo Seafood – pristine Hokkaido seafood
? Sessa – wagyu beef shabu-shabu/sukiyaki
? Yo – set course menu Japanese cuisine
? Niseko Ramen – unique for creamy and fluffy potato ramen