6 Reasons to Pick Spring Over Winter in Niseko

We love the stormy, snowy Niseko winter – after all, it provides us with some of the best powder skiing on the planet. But there are some things about the Niseko springtime that really can’t be beaten, and the beautiful sunny weather is just one item on a long list. Here are our favourite things about the Niseko spring, and how it can be better than winter (really though, you should try both).

Niseko gets 15 metres of snow in an average year, so there’s still plenty to go around come springtime. March in particular is not immune to a good snowfall, so you have every chance to ski the deep, dry powder that Niseko is known for world-wide.

Even better, there are plenty of bluebird days at the back end of the ski season, which means better visibility on the mountain and some of the most scenic skiing in the world. Plus, we don’t mind a long lunch and a few drinks in one of the mountain restaurants overlooking Mt. Yotei! It’s a relaxed time of year!

Still some very good powder days on offer at the back end of the season!

Niseko goes a little bit discount crazy in Spring. Kids ski for free and, for everyone else, there are major reductions on accommodation, lift tickets, equipment rental and ski and snowboard lessons. Just about everyone in town gets in on the act!

Once the Chinese New Year holiday period ends, crowds drop off dramatically, leaving you to enjoy the beauty and the peacefulness of the mountain with your friends and family. Lift lines will also shrink or disappear completely, so if there’s a good late season snowfall, you’ll be getting first tracks without even trying.

Pack more into your trip as the spring days get longer and warmer. Ski the best snow in the morning, then take a snowshoe tour down the stunningly beautiful Lake Hangetsu in the afternoon. Cap it all off with a meal at An Dining in the evening overlooking Mt. Yotei in the beautiful evening light.

Travellers from all over the world head to Japan to catch the beautiful but elusive site of the Sakura (cherry blossoms) in full bloom. Parks around the country fill with people joining in the Hanami (flower viewing) celebrations, which involve eating dango, drinking sake and listening to music with family, friends and colleagues. Sounds good to us!

In Hokkaido, the cherry blossom season runs from late April to early May, making it perfect time to tie in with a late season ski trip to Niseko. It’s a fantastic way to catch the best that Hokkaido has to offer.

Over the years, Niseko has established a reputation as one of the best powder skiing destinations on the planet, however the white water rafting is also world class. Niseko’s high water season begins in April when the snow starts to melt, which makes it a fantastic time of year to try both activities.

Niseko Adventure Center’s experienced guides will give you the time of your life in the fast-moving spring rapids. Their half day tour down the Shirabetsu River – a white water rafting paradise – will take you down a 12km course from Hirafu Station to Niseko Station.