Getting off the beaten track is the foundation upon which Ticket to Ride was originally built back in 2005. Adventure is in the DNA of everything we do. Too many of our skiing and snowboarding friends were settling for the same ski trip, year in year out. Cue our next snowbound adventure: Niseko, Japan.
POWDER
Japan isn’t referred to as Japow for nothing. If you have been desperately trying to get lucky and score powder days on 7 day trips to Europe for the past few years only to keep just missing it, then try Japan. Niseko consistently gets 15m+ of snow each season, significantly more than anywhere else in the world. It also tends to be lighter and fluffier than many other places and with tree runs, open powder fields and plenty of places to explore in the backcountry, it really is the place to go for increasing your chances of powder fix. The off-piste skiing in Niseko is world-renowned and extensive, within the resort areas and via side-country and backcountry trails. There are 11 gates across the resorts with access to some of the best terrain and powder stashes you will ever find.
LACK OF CROWDS
You don’t have to go far to avoid the crowds here, and make your own fresh tracks. Both within Niseko itself and in the many nearby resorts, which we visit on our trip, which simply don’t get many visitors, but still get the same amount of snowfall.
NIGHT SKIING
Lifts are open until 8:30pm most nights in Niseko, so it is easy to take advantage of this amazing experience with the mountain taking on a whole different perspective. The main runs are lit up at night and the light penetrates through the trees making for some challenging skiing or riding.
CULTURE
This is no ordinary ski holiday. Japan is a beautiful country with an amazing history and culture, all of which you can experience in Hokkaido. From relaxing in a traditional onsen, to eating sushi after skiing, even being faced with Japanese road signs makes this trip an incredible experience.
VIEWS
Niseko faces the stunning Mt Yokei, which will become the symbol of your trip and end up being the backdrop of most of your photos. Add to that the picturesque tree runs and feeling of immense space you are surrounded by and your Instagram is going to be lit!
INFRASTRUCTURE
Niseko is well set up for your ski trip, with the largest lift and run infrastructure in Japan, so you can easily get around. The town also has everything you would need, with lots of accommodation and food options. There is a wide variety of other activities to do both on and off snow so you can make it the adventure of a lifetime.
ADVENTURE
If you are used to skiing the French Alps, the skiing here is like nowhere else! Everything just feels different, from the road signs to the restaurants. The mountains are spectacular and the snow feels different too, light as air. Take some extra time off and explore Tokyo or other areas of Japan while you are there, and make it truly an adventure to remember!
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Join Ticket to Ride in Japan this winter. Places are limited so book early to get best deals on flights to Sapporo.
