Pointers from Ikon Pass holders when visiting Niseko United
When you’re jones-ing for JAPOW, Niseko United has your fix. This Hokkaido hero offers something for everyone, and these firsthand tips from your fellow Ikon Pass Holders Facebook group community members will help you make the most of every moment while in Japan.
GETTING THERE
There are multiple ways to find Niseko’s storied slopes, most of which begin with a flight into Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS) on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. From there, you’ll need to decide between renting a car, chartering a private shuttle, taking the ski bus, or riding the train to Kutchan station. Once in Niseko, you can walk everywhere or ride the local shuttles. Choosing when to visit the island is vital and, for the best snow, Ikon Pass community members recommend visiting from mid-December to mid-February — also, make sure to factor Chinese New Year and Golden Week into your planning.
LODGING
With four base areas to choose from, deciding where to stay is a hot topic for Ikon Pass holders. Most community members recommend staying at the larger base areas, like Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. For top-notch service, accommodations, and on-site amenities, Pass holders love the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono, the Hilton Niseko Village, and Nikko Style Niseko Hanazono. For a more intimate experience, others recommend spots like the Lodge 401 Niseko Annupuri, Always Niseko, or the M Hotel. When doing your research, be sure to check for shuttles that can take you to the lifts and around the different base areas.
RENTALS
If lugging all your gear across the world isn’t at the top of your list, rentals are cheap and easy — a few community members even brought their own boots and rented the rest directly at any of the large resort-owned rental shops at the four mountain bases, or large stores like Rhythm in the Grand Hirafu area. If you prefer to use your own equipment, others recommend using a service like Yamato Transport to ship gear directly to your lodging in Niseko if arriving in Tokyo.
TERRAIN
With the aptly named Japanuary promising good times for all, commenters are quick to point out that the best snow occurs between mid-December and mid-February. For intermediate to advanced skiers, the trails at Grand Hirafu are most likely to satisfy, along with the black diamond powder stashes at the top of Niseko Village. For less steep terrain, Ikon Pass holders should head to the trails at Hanazono and Annupurri.
APRÈS/DINING
When you need to rest and refuel after a long day in deep powder, look no further than the relaxing Japanese onsens, plentiful shops, and delectable restaurants in Grand Hirafu, the resort’s largest and most action-packed base area. Commenters recommend spots like Rakuichi Soba, Bar Gyu, Tozanken Ramen, and Milk Kobo for some of the best dining or cocktails in and around Niseko.
DISCOVER MORE
Share your own tips and discover more about Niseko United and 50+ destinations in the Ikon Pass Holders Facebook group.
