Niseko, Japan

Niseko is a town and ski resort on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan. Niseko is an increasingly popular destination for powder hungry skiers and boarders, and nearly alone among Japan's ski resorts is starting to draw increasing numbers of overseas visitors as well. Niseko is highly favoured by Australians, and increasingly Chinese and Japanese as well. The region boasts four ski areas: Hanazono, Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annupuri with most activity centred around the village of Hirafu, approximately 20 minutes from Kutchan, and overlooked by Mount Yotei (which so resembles Mount Fuji it is often referred to as the Fuji of the north) . One of Hokkaidoo‘s prime ski resorts during the winter months and a hiking base during summer and autumn, Niseko sprawls between the mountain Yôtei-zan to the east and Niseko Annupuri to the west. Views at any time of year are splendid, and there is something almost holy about the snow-covered peaks on a chilly winter day. When snow is falling (and it does a lot), sounds are dampened, making even a walk out to the car seem like a magic sleigh ride. Locals are as laid back and friendly as the tourists (many of whom are Aussies) are boisterous. Skiing at Niseko, with its jaw-dropping views of mountains and its plethora of onsen, is unequalled. Like it's northern cousin Furano, Niseko enjoys perfect powder snow; if you're one of the first on the slopes, you'll feel like you've left Earth as you float downhill.