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Frequently Asked Questions

AROUND THE VILLAGE

Niseko Kid’s Club can take care of your little ones while you hit the slopes, relax with friends or have an evening out. They offer 24 hour, on-call, private babysitting services with qualified caregivers servicing children from newborn to 15 years and their caregivers will travel to your location.

Tel: +81 (0) 80 9002 5394
Email: info@nisekoskidsclub.com

For a full list of options please have a look at our ‘Getting Around’ page.

Getting you and your Gear to Niseko

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Chitose
Address: 2-2-1 Hokuei, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0036, Japan
Price:Per night, from 20,000yen
Phone:+81 8778-59-5095
WebsiteCrowne Plaza Hotels
Trip Advisorwww.tripadvisor.com/
Air Terminal Hotel
Address: 3F, New Chitose Airport, Bibi, Chitose city, Hokkaido 066-0012, Japan
Price:Per night, from 19,000yen
Phone:+81 0123-45-6677
Trip Advisorwww.tripadvisor.com/
Chitose Airport Hotel
Address: 6-1 Chiyodacho, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0062, Japan
Price:Per night, from 10,000yen
Phone:+81 0123-26-1155
Trip Advisorwww.tripadvisor.com/
Hotel Area One
Address: 6-1 Saiwaicho, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0063, Japan
Price:Per night, from 12,000yen
Phone:+81 0123-26-1156
WebsiteHotel Area One
Trip Advisorwww.tripadvisor.com/
Wing International hotel Chitose
Address: 2-2-10 Chiyoda-cho, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0062, Japan
Price:Per night, from 7,900yen
Phone:+81 0123-24-2111
Trip Advisorwww.tripadvisor.com/

This is the recommended method of getting to Niseko from the airport. There are three main Bus Transfer Companies that run convenient routes between New Chitose Airport and Niseko (Hirafu Village) daily during the Winter Season. Buses leave directly from the airport and drop you in the middle of Niseko Grand Hirafu village where we will be waiting to pick you up.

For more information on these buses and to book please visit https://ramatniseko.com/getting-here/to-hirafu-village/

If you are wanting private shuttle transfers from the airport into Hirafu Village then Sky Bus is one of your only options. Other situations that may call for a private transfer include arriving after the last Bus leaves (19:30) OR departing from Hirafu Village earlier than the first Bus is scheduled to depart (07:50).

To book a private transfer, visit https://ramatniseko.com/getting-here/to-hirafu-village/#private_transfers

Car TypePeoplePriceNotes
Sedan1-2„41,0002 Suitcases + 1 Ski Bag
Mini Van1-4„52,0003 Suitcases + 1 Ski Bag
Luxury Van1-4„64,0003 Suitcases + 1 Ski Bag
Hiace Van1-8„56,0006 Suitcases + 4 Ski Bags
CONTACT DETAILS: EMAIL: info@skybus.co.jp WEBSITE: http://skybus.co.jp/en/

The last bus that departures the airport is at 17:50, therefore any arrivals after 17:05 (domestic) or 16:20 (International) will have to use a private transfer company or stay overnight near the airport.

Private Transfers: details in “PRIVATE SHUTTLE FROM SAPPORO NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT” FAQ above
List of hotels: details in “WHAT HOTELS ARE NEAR NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT IF I NEED TO OVERNIGHT?” FAQ above

For those who wish to ski on the day of arrival it is somewhat cheaper to get a day pass with your bus transfers. Most bus companies offer this package.

1. Who are they?

This company is the largest in Japan for door-to-door service with countless drop-off areas available for more convenience.

For more inforamtion on the rates and services of ‘Black Cat’ please check on the below links.
Rates from Hokkaido. Rates from Tokyo. Rates from Osaka.

2. How do I use them?

Luggage can be collected from your home/hotel by scheduling a pick-up time with your nearest service centre. Please ask any of the staff if you would like to organise this service.

Alternatively, you can dropped off your luggage at a number of convenience stores across Japan with the Yamato signboard/flag. 100yen discount per parcel is offered when drop off is in person. Drop off locations include: 7Eleven, Family Mart, Three F, Coco stores, Star, Apple Mart, NewDays. For a more comprehensive list please have a look at the Yamato Transport Website.

In addition, many tourists find it easier to drop off at the arrival lobby in airports. For airport pick up and drop offs please see here.

3. Where are the counters in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and New Chitose Airports?

For more information and maps of all airports please click here.

4. Can I send my luggage to the lodge ahead of my arrival?

You can use Yamato Transports TA-Q-BIN service to deliver your luggage on a particular date (they normally recommend setting it 2 days before your arrival which is ok). See information at https://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/ytc/en/send/services/takkyubin/.

Please see the delivery address below and make sure the name on the Delivery matches the name on your Accommodation Booking. We aren’t able to store luggage for long periods of time, so we ask you send it 2-3 days before arrival. 

RAMAT LODGE
20-10, Niseko Hirafu 5-jo 3-chome
Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun
Hokkaido, 044-0086 Japan

SNOWGUM LODGE
20-23, Niseko Hirafu 5-jo 3-chome
Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
044-0086 Japan

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Skiing in Niseko

With an average of 15meters of snow falling annually Niseko is regarded as one of the snowiest international ski resorts in the world. From late November to May the village is covered with snow and buzzing with an array of both International and Japanese snow enthusiasts.

Forbes crowned Niseko one of the Top 10 International ski resorts in 2008 and just recently National Geographic voted Niseko as the best powder snow resort in the world.

Four ski resorts make up the Niseko ski area, all are interconnected and can be accessed from the top lifts. An All Mountain Lift Pass will allow you to travel between them all and explore all that Niseko has to offer.

Night Skiing is offered in many ski resorts world-wide but Niseko is the world’s largest area offering up to 4 hours skiing time every night. As the sun goes down and most skiers and riders go home, there is a group of enthusiasts who are gearing up ready to take on the slopes under the moon-light. Niseko offers night skiing until the end of March. All lift passes include night skiing or you can purchase just a night skiing ticket.

Hanazono

Complete with one of the best terrain parks in and around Niseko, Hanazono is definitely a place to check out. With 3 chair lifts that link up to get you to the up the mountain, you will enjoy the endless array of jumps, tree runs and long wide runs. There is a FREE shuttle bus that runs from various locations around the village. The first shuttle will get you there in time for the lift opening at 8:.30am.

Terrain Park
The Stomping Ground at Hanazono is the premier park in Niseko with jumps designed to cater for every ability whether you are a beginner or advanced skier/boarder.

For more info on the resort and lift operations click here

Grand Hirafu

Grand Hirafu is the main ski area. With 8 chair lifts and the new and improved Ace Gondola, getting up on the mountain has never been easier. There is a vast variety of tracks and runs that will not only be challenging but will also help improve your ability. Whether you like to stay on the groomed or try your luck at dogging trees, Grand Hirafu can cater for all.

Also, when hunger strikes and you’re feeling the aches of your muscles, there are 5 restaurants and shops that you can pull up to and relax while getting something to eat.

Terrain Park
Hirafu’s terrain park is located next to King Pair #1 and opens at 10am each day. There are usually a few jumps, rails and boxes. However it’s not until spring skiing when it truly becomes a full terrain park with big jumps, a spine, rails and boxes to play on.

For more info on the resort and lift operations click here

Niseko Village

Niseko Village is located between Annupuri and Grand Hirafu and is home to the Hilton and Green Leaf Hotel. The most adventurous of skiers and riders take on the terrain and make their way up to the peak for a glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and utilise the wide open run on the way back down. Home to Mizuno-no-Sawa, the steepest runs and powder in Hokkaido!

Terrain Park
Niseko Village Wonderland Terrain Park is open from the beginning of March with rails, spines, waves and hits for all abilities.

For more info on the resort and lift operations click here

Annupuri

Annupuri is home to a great selection of wide smooth runs that any skier or riders love to take advantage of. The normal runs are also complemented with a natural halfpipe going through the trees making great runs every time.

For more info on the resort and lift operations click here

Lift ticket counters are available at each of the four resorts: Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Hanazono, and Annupuri, where you can purchase passes on-site.

 Lift tickets can also be purchased online where a discount is received. On your first day day you can skip the ticket counter queue and head to one of the ticket machines to print out your pass.

Purchase Niseko Passes here
Purchase Hirafu – Hanazono Passes here

Like any ski resort Niseko has a wide variety of ski shops with rental and purchasing gear available.

Rhythm Japan – Niseko’s largest gear rental provider with a large range of all the gear you need to hit the slopes. Options include premium rentals so you can try the latest equipment with options to swap between different skis and snowboards.
A FREE shuttle is provided to and from the store for initial gear fitting.

Rentals can be booked here. Please ensure you select ‘Rhythm Niseko – Hirafu’ as the location option.

If you need any help or guidance please send us an email. We would be happy to help in any way possible.

here are a many companies that offer private and group lessons in Niseko. Here are our pick;
Rhythm Japan – Offering everything from private lessons, kids & teen weekly camps, to seasonal development programs. For more info click here
GoSnow – The official international snowsports school of Grand Hirafu with access to Priority Lift Lanes. For more info click here
NAC – Lessons are personalised and tailored to your skill level, available in morning, afternoon, and night sessions, as well as full-day options. For more info click here

If you need any help or guidance please send us an email. We would be happy to help in any way possible.

There are a many companies that offer guiding in Niseko. Here are our pick;
Rhythm Japan – The Rhythm Rides team of expert guides will show you all the best pow stashes. Offering everything from resort guiding to backcountry touring. For more info click here
Niseko Photography and Guiding – Offering fully customisable ski and snowboard powder tours tailored to your experience level. Their guides will lead you to the best untouched powder stashes while capturing stunning photos so you can relive your best days on the mountian. For more info click here
Black Diamond – This company has everything from snowmobile activities to guided and back-country tours. They pride themselves of knowing everything about the area and have a great reputation. For more info click here
Hanazono Powder Guides – The only operator offering first tracks experience to ride the lifts before the public! Hanozono Powder Guides will show you the back-country of Niseko by accessing the open bowls, mellow gladed runs, short steep chutes and some of the best runs in Niseko. For more info click here
NOASC Adventure Tours – NOASC offers a range of tours from private resort tours and lift accessed backcountry tours through to guiding on Mt Yotei where you can experience the longest vertical runs in Niseko. For more info click here
Please note if you need any help or guidance send us an email. We would be happy to help in any way possible.

Ride deep, untracked terrain all day long in your own private playground!
Rising Sun Guides – Full day CAT Ski tours in the Shiribeshi mountains. For more info click here
Hokkaido Backcountry Club – Offering both Heli and CAT skiing options. The only provider of Heli Skiing in the Niskeo area. More info on their tours can be found at these links  CAT skiing and Heli skiing
Par’s Powder Paradise – Snowmobile accessed backcountry tours on a private mountain. For more info click here

Lift Pass prices vary in pricing depending on how many days you wish to ski/board, which mountain you wish to conquer and what age the participant is. For more information on the various types and prices of lift passes, please have a look at the Niseko United Website or send us an email with the details of the passes you are wanting to info@ramatniseko.com and we will get back to you.

The rules below have been taken from the Niseko United Website where more safety information can be found.
FOR YOUR SAFETY:
Regardless of how you enjoy your snow sports, always show courtesy to others and be aware that THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS in all snow recreation activities. These risks include rapid changes in weather and surface conditions, collisions with other people as well as natural and artificial hazards such as rocks, trees, stumps, bare spots, lift towers and snow making equipment.Common sense and personal awareness can reduce such risks. Observe the ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE and share with others the responsibility for a great experience.ALPINE RESPONSIBILITY CODE
1. Know your ability and always stay in control.
2. Take lessons from qualified professional instructors to learn and progress.
3. As you proceed downhill or overtake another person, you must avoid people below and beside you.
4. Do not stop where you could obstruct a trail, a run or are not visible from above.
5. When entering a trail, a run or starting downhill, look uphill and give way to others.
6. Always use chairlift restraining devices where provided and always use proper devices to prevent runaway equipment. Ensure equipment is in good condition.
7. Observe and obey all signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails or runs and keep out of closed areas.
8. Before using any lift you must have the knowledge and ability of how to load and unload safely.
9. Do not ski, snowboard, ride a lift or undertake any other alpine activity if you ability is impaired by drugs and alcohol.
10. If you are involved in, or witness an accident, alert the Ski Patrol, remain at the scene and identify yourself to them.

NISEKO RULES
The Niseko Rules are Niseko’s official regulations created for the safety and freedom of everyone using the ski resort and riding beyond the ski area boundary.

1. CERTAIN CLOSED AREAS WITHIN NISEKO ARE STRICTLY OFF LIMIT AND ARE NOT TO BE ENTERED AT ANY TIME
Yu no Sawa (Gully between Annupuri and Niseko Village area), and Haru no Taki (cliff area west of Hirafu ) are “STRICTLY off limit areas” as stated by the Niseko Rules. Those riding these areas WILL have their lift pass confiscated.

2. CROSSING ROPES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED
Ducking the boundary ropes is prohibited. If you do, your lift pass will be confiscated. Use ONLY designated gates to access out of bounds\ areas. Crossing ropes at other areas will result in lift pass confiscation.

3. NO SAFETY CONTROL BEYOND RESORT BOUNDARY
The area outside the mountain resort boundaries (back country, including the peak) are National forests and parks, and are not controlled or supervised by the resort or the Ski Patrol. Niseko Rules proclaims that hiking and riding these areas is dangerous and if you choose to, you do it AT YOUR OWN RISK.

4. BACK COUNTRY SKIING/RIDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED WHEN GATES ARE CLOSED
During extremely hazardous conditions, access gates will be closed and out of bounds riding will be strictly prohibited.

5. AVALANCHE CONDITION INFORMATION
The “Niseko Avalanche Information” is the official information posted by “Niseko Avalanche Institute”. This information can be found at lift stations, access gates and on the Internet.

6.BACK COUNTRY RESCUE FEE
YOU are responsible for the cost of your rescue from back country areas.

7. SKI AND MOUNTAIN PATROL INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE OBEYED
Niseko Rules insists that all resort users respect and obey the instructions of the Ski Patrol and the Shiribeshi Mountain Patrol.

8. RESPECT EACH OTHER
The Niseko Rules have been created with everyone’s safety in mind. In order for everyone to remain safe, everyone must respect and follow these rules.

All four Niseko resorts have terrain parks but the main 2 are Hanazono and Hirafu:

Hanazono – The Stomping Ground at Hanazono is the premier park in Niseko with jumps designed to cater for every ability whether you are a beginner or advanced skier/boarder.

Grand Hirafu – Hirafu’s terrain park is located next to King Pair #1 and opens at 10am each day. There are usually a few jumps and half way through the season a small half pipe might be accessible. However it’s not until spring skiing when it truly becomes a full terrain park with big jumps, a spine, rails and boxes to play on. 

Please note if you need any help or guidance send us an email. We would be happy to help in any way possible.

Ramat Lodge

Snowgum and Ramat Niseko operate primarily on a cash basis. While larger transactions can be processed by credit card, our in-house bar accepts cash only. We recommend bringing sufficient Japanese yen for your stay. For information on nearby ATMs, please refer to the ‘Money’ section in Travel Info.

Cash is still widely used within Japan (with some places only accepting cash as payment), therefore it is a good idea to keep enough cash on you while travelling.

Ramat and Snowgum Lodges are just over a kilometre from the centre of Niseko Hirafu Village, which is the main village of the world famous Niseko ski fields. The free Grand Hirafu shuttle runs daily between 8.00am – 8.00pm with the closest stop only 150m from the lodge (yellow dot stop 26) and only takes 10 minutes to get you to the gondola and about 12 minutes to the Welcome Centre. We also run an in-house first tracks shuttle service to get you to the ski lifts (only 2km away) for fresh tracks every morning. Have a look at our getting around page to see how easy it is to get around Hirafu Village.

niseko_location_map_large1

Restaurants:
Ramat and Snowgum Lodges are located in Izumikyo Stage 2, the East Village of Hirafu about 1 km from the centre of town and 2 kms from the ski lifts. There are 7 great restaurants and cafes in close proximity to the lodges, with the closest being a quaint little Austrian restaurant called Mozart’s, about a 2-3 mins walk.

Another great restaurant just minutes up the road is the Soup Curry restaurant. Many guests to the Niseko area stop in here for a great Japanese curry and dabble in the opportunity to choice their own level of spice (1 – 20, and please choose carefully, 20 will blow your mind).

Please have a look at the Map for more restaurants around the lodges and for a more comprehensive list of restaurants in the village here is the Wine and Dine Guide.

Convenience stores:
There are four convenience stores in the village, with the nearest 7-Eleven just an 8-minute walk away;
7-Eleven: Open 24/7
SATUDORA Niseko Hirafu Store (located in Hirafu188 building): Open 10:00-22:00
Lawson’s: Open 24/7
Seiko Mart: Open 08:30 – 23:00

Supermarkets:
Apart from the 4 convenience stores the only other place to get groceries from are stores located in Kutchan (the nearest town about 10mins drive away). There are 3 super markets in town; MaxValue, Lucky’s and Co-op which are easily accessible by the Niseko – Kutchan bus. For more information on restaurants throughout Kutchan, please have a the 2014 Restaurant Guide page.

We offer a variety of gluten-free breakfast options, including eggs, bacon, fruit, yogurt, corn flakes and porridge (note: processed in a facility that also handles gluten).

Snowgum Lodge

Snowgum and Ramat Niseko operate primarily on a cash basis. While larger transactions can be processed by credit card, our in-house bar accepts cash only. We recommend bringing sufficient Japanese yen for your stay. For information on nearby ATMs, please refer to the ‘Money’ section in Travel Info.

Cash is still widely used within Japan (with some places only accepting cash as payment), therefore it is a good idea to keep enough cash on you while travelling.

Ramat and Snowgum Lodges are just over a kilometre from the centre of Niseko Hirafu Village, which is the main village of the world famous Niseko ski fields. The free Grand Hirafu shuttle runs daily between 8.00am – 8.00pm with the closest stop only 150m from the lodge (yellow dot stop 26) and only takes 10 minutes to get you to the gondola and about 12 minutes to the Welcome Centre. We also run an in-house first tracks shuttle service to get you to the ski lifts (only 2km away) for fresh tracks every morning. Have a look at our getting around page to see how easy it is to get around Hirafu Village.

niseko_location_map_large1

Restaurants:
Ramat and Snowgum Lodges are located in Izumikyo Stage 2, the East Village of Hirafu about 1 km from the centre of town and 2 kms from the ski lifts. There are 7 great restaurants and cafes in close proximity to the lodges, with the closest being a quaint little Austrian restaurant called Mozart’s, about a 2-3 mins walk.

Another great restaurant just minutes up the road is the Soup Curry restaurant. Many guests to the Niseko area stop in here for a great Japanese curry and dabble in the opportunity to choice their own level of spice (1 – 20, and please choose carefully, 20 will blow your mind).

Please have a look at the Map for more restaurants around the lodges and for a more comprehensive list of restaurants in the village here is the Wine and Dine Guide.

Convenience stores:
There are four convenience stores in the village, with the nearest 7-Eleven just an 8-minute walk away;
7-Eleven: Open 24/7
SATUDORA Niseko Hirafu Store (located in Hirafu188 building): Open 10:00-22:00
Lawson’s: Open 24/7
Seiko Mart: Open 08:30 – 23:00

Supermarkets:
Apart from the 4 convenience stores the only other place to get groceries from are stores located in Kutchan (the nearest town about 10mins drive away). There are 3 super markets in town; MaxValue, Lucky’s and Co-op which are easily accessible by the Niseko – Kutchan bus. For more information on restaurants throughout Kutchan, please have a the 2014 Restaurant Guide page.

A fully-equipped commercial grade kitchen is available for you to use to prepare and store your favourite foods & snacks.

We offer a variety of gluten-free breakfast options, including eggs, fruit, yogurt, corn flakes and porridge (note: processed in a facility that also handles gluten).

Beyond Niseko

There are several other ski resorts in close proximity to Niseko that are worth a day trip to, especially for those with a car.

Moiwa – Smaller, quieter and less crowded. There are no buses going to Moiwa so a Taxi is the only option to access the resort.
Rusutsu – Big terrain, excellent powder, good variety and amazing, wide piste runs. Great option if Niseko is busy or you want to explore somewhere slightly different. Round trip bus tickets available here
Kiroro – Often excellent snow, different terrain from Niseko and good infrastructure. Round trip bus + lift ticket packages available here

Relax in a natural hot spring after a big day smashing powder! There is only one remaining Onsen in Hirafu village and several others within the area.

Niskeo Prince Hotel – located right in the heart of Hirafu, a short walk from the slopes.
Niseko Grand Hotel – located a 15 minute drive from Hirafu. The hotel offers a free shuttle bus from the Hirafu Welcome Centre. Find more info here 

Details of all of the Onsen’s in the Niseko area can be found in this article written by Powderlife here

 

For non-skiers, or those looking to take a day off the slopes, a wide variety of activities are available to suit every interest.

Snowshoe Tours – going on a peaceful walk through the winter forest towards the Hangetsu crater lake at the foot of Mt Yotei  or the famous Shiribetsu river. Find more info here
Snowmobile Tours – A thrilling way to enjoy the local scenery! Find more info here
Horse Riding – Enjoy the unique ride in the winter landscape, looking up at the towering peak of Mt. Yotei. Find more info here
Ice Fishing – Drop your line and reel in trout from the depths of a frozen lake! Find more info here
Otaru Day Trip – Offering a break from the slopes to explore a historic port city known for its scenic canal, glasswork, and seafood. Accessed via a 1hr train ride from Kutchan station. Highlights include the Otaru Canal, Sankaku Market, Kitaichi Glass Museum, Mount Tengu Ropeway and the Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery.