It’s a quintessential alpine ski resort with sweeping vistas enveloped in ivory powdered snow. And yet it’s not. Yes, the crown of the surrounding trees and architecture are transformed into an idyllic chocolate-box village, as the icy particles leave an enchanting print like the sprinkle of fine icing over a warm bake. But the bowl-shaped crater of the volcano, Mount Yotei, majestically towers over the land, characterised by caldera lakes, sparkling rivers and rolling farm fields.

The palpitating adventure, nerve-wracking excitement, and hair tingling adrenaline that comes with skiing is magnified by such terrain, and the design of Niseko Village Ski Resort weaves this trilogy into the fabric of its existence. 

Occupying the heart of the Niseko United ski area, Niseko Village provides inter-linked access to Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Hanazono. All of which is a cocktail of ski-in, ski-out mountainous adventures and indoor pastimes, boasting a collective 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. Here, traditional and contemporary compositions meld with harmonious dexterity to create a haven of luxury accommodation, intrepid enterprises and serene spas that take one on an unwinding journey to galaxies far, far away.

Its quaint machiya inspired neighbourhood also houses world-class restaurants and bars, designer boutiques, and art galleries, meaning après-ski commands the night. 

Skiing was introduced to the land of the rising sun as early as 1912 by Austrian Lieutenant Colonel Theodor von Lerch Edora, who claimed victory against Mount Yotei’s unforgiving speeds, uneven terrain and 140-meter-deep descent into the mouth of the crater. Thenceforth, skiing became a prominent pastime, with worldwide enthusiasts strapping themselves in and propelling over the majestic mountain ranges.

With the soundless fall of snowflakes waltzing their way into a united bed of champagne snow, the winter sees an average of 18 metres float onto the runs. There’s endless opportunity for alpine voyagers to tear along the exceptional 30 square kilometres of back-country courses. This includes Niseko’s paradisiacal Strawberry Fields that are peppered with trees, causing skiers to kick up showers of lavish powder snow and smother any who come charging behind.

The Niseko United’s 70 official runs bring skiers face-to-face with groomed slopes. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, risking it all at the extreme terrain marked as Avalanche Control Operation Area is the ultimate option. This is surpassed only by the exhilarating speeds of the snowmobile tours or snow rafting on offer. Alternatively, the serenity of the expansive geography can be surveyed by snowshoeing the winter wonderland, or by being whisked away in a reindeer’s sledge. 

When warming one’s toes and fingers becomes a necessity, The Lookout Café is a chic sanctuary serving western snack and bar cuisine, including rich chowder in pot bread and steaming hot chocolate. True to its name, the café resides atop Mount Niseko Annupuri, providing a sweeping white vista only accessible to those skiing down the mountain. 

As the sun slowly begins to hide behind the horizon, a contemporary dining area gives way to total darkness. Like a phoenix rising from its ashes, a traditional Japanese scene emerges with sliding doors, wooden lattice exteriors and glowing lantern-lit walkways. A number of patisseries, shacks and gourmet restaurants are revealed. Straight from the sea and land, the sushi, tempura and teppanyaki dishes prepared at Yang Shu Ten offer the best of Japanese cuisine.

Après-ski, however, begins at the two Sticks. Enticing Asiatic tapas and a rustic bar encourages guests to socialise, eat, drink vibrant cocktails, and party the night away with booming music and a nimble DJ. A veil charged with an electric and adrenaline-fuelled atmosphere canvases the intimate space, meaning none leave without a few additional friends.

Before heading to the hotel, a softer scene can be found at the Niseko Village spa, which was dubbed the ‘sanctuary of healing’ for its encompassing pine trees, rejuvenating hot springs and skilled therapists. The pampering feel continues in the Hilton and The Green Leaf hotels. Both provide outstanding restaurants, onsen (hot spring) facilities, a fitness centre, a variety of bars, and not to mention panoramic mountain views. 

The contemporary designs of their rooms are spacious, adorned with every creature’s comfort, while their nude and pastel brown colours evoke an indoor-outdoor ambiance. The Green Leaf even offers inter-connected rooms for groups and families who want that intimacy and privacy to continue throughout their stay, while the suites’ living rooms give guests a place to expand before hitting the sheets. 

Consider, if you will, a home away from home. Immediately warmth, space and easement spring to mind. The Kasara Townhouses and Hindoe Hills apartments craft that dream into a reality. Paying homage to Japan’s heritage, the 3-bedroom Kasara Townhouse are redefining alpine living with custom furnishings and a private concierge service. The Hindoe Hills, however, is the most unique resident in Niseko. Its boutique apartments blend luxurious hotel service and amenities with authentic Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics.

Visitors to Niseko Village will find themselves willingly trapped in a winter wonderland, bursting with authentic Japanese culture, style, and elegance. It’s a picture-perfect location; unhurried at the resort, but a whirlwind of excellent snow atop the mountains.