Winning Winter

Niseko, the dream winter land where you have a selection of the finest accommodations, Michelin Star restaurants and ever-increasing shops and dining options. With more and more activities popping up everyone is excited for the ever-evolving powder capital of Asia. New activities include NAC’s tree trekking adventure (in winter also), mini snowmobiling for kids and CAT & heli-skiing for the adventure seekers. Why stay anywhere else?

Did you know Kiroro is arguably the snowiest resort in Japan? Unknown to most, this virtual snow globe exists halfway between Sapporo and Niseko. Kiroro is the closest Ski Resort with accommodation to Sapporo and the nearest airport.

Access to/from Kiroro

• 90 mins Airport – Kiroro
• 60 mins Sapporo - Kiroro
• 45 mins Niseko – Kiroro
• 30 mins Otaru - Kiroro

Kiroro has an abundance of winter wonderland activities for families and for the advanced Skiers and Snowboarders the mountain offers plenty of terrain. Check out the Mountain Centre for the latest Powder Boards and Skis. Often Niseko’s legendary Gentem Sticks can also be seen carving the piste in style or bombing the backcountry.

In recent years Kiroro has relaxed access and has introduced gates and regulated side/back-country skiing through The Kiroro Mountain Club which requires participants to have an understanding of risk and avalanche awareness.

With an annual snow fall of 14 metres there is hardly a day it doesn’t snow and Kiroro’s snow is always in the best condition, like Niseko, with a combination of precipitation and high altitude near the Japan Sea means Kiroro is one of the first resorts in Japan opening mid-late November (snow dependant). Kiroro is often cold and sometimes windy however the chairlifts/gondolas are generally covered and rarely close due wind barriers and chairs through the gullies.

Everything you need is within the resort. There are two hotels, The Sheraton and Tribute Portfolio and the brand new Yu Kiroro condominium style hotel opening in December. Yu Kiroro is a ski in/ski out apartment complex with space and comfort in mind. With onsite a ski valet, restaurant and private onsens, all you need to do is take the brand new Gondola-Chair and ski to the door, then soak up the hard day of skiing in the apres bar.

Hotel and Day Trip guests have access to Kiroro Town’s Fitness Centre, Swimming Pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor mixed onsen (clothed) and with 16 dining options including the Ice Star Restaurant there’s plenty to get excited about. Kiroro is also a specialist for conferences/events with winter weddings being held at Kiroro Chapel.

• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Cat tour
• Winter Segway
• Snow Rafting
• Ice Skating
• Back country skiing
• Horse riding

• Music Box Decorating
• Glass and/ or Ceramic Decorating
• Candle Making/ and Snow Candle Experience
• Grandship (activity/amusement park for children) Games, Rock climbing
• Table Tennis
• Selection of Hot Springs (including YU Kiroro’s Private Onsen experience)
• Gym facilities
• Karaoke

If that isn’t enough the popular portside town of Otaru is 40 mins by car and Sapporo City less than one hour. Otaru is a popular tourist destination for its selection of seafood, canals, music box museum and glass making exhibits, sake factory, shopping and cultural activities (temples and the Herring Mansion).

The new ETC Expressway allowing those making their own arrangements from Chitose able to stop by Otaru/Yoichi before heading on to Kiroro/ Niseko.

Either it be Niseko or Kiroro or both, step off the plane and step in-to waist deep powder this winter. Contact us for any questions on how you can experience the best of both worlds.