Niseko is the most famous ski resort in Japan, known for tons of light powder snow, its spectacular back country, and a large amount of foreigners, especially Australians who are responsible for popularizing the resort with foreign travelers in recent years.
The Niseko resorts have plenty of long, wide runs in addition to backcountry skiing. The backcountry can be accessed from special gates at the resorts, through resort tours and helicopter tours. There is also backcountry on Yotei Mountain, a nearly perfect volcanic cone, which can be seen from Niseko.
Niseko's resorts are all located on Niseko-Annupuri Mountain. The three major resorts are Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village (formerly known as Higashiyama) and Annupuri. They are connected with each other at the top of the mountain, while shuttle buses connect them at the base. The Niseko All Mountain Pass gives access to all three resorts for 4900 yen per day.
Grand Hirafu is the largest of the resorts and the only one with a sizable town at its base. Hirafu Town has many hotels, holiday homes and an interesting range of restaurants and bars with an active nightlife. An evening stroll about town will take you past many places packed with foreigners.
