World Ski Awards: Can Niseko Sweep Japan Again?

Niseko has dominated the World Ski Awards (WSA) in the past. During 2013, Niseko United claimed the spot for Japan's best ski resort and Niseko-based accommodation providers clinched 2 out of 3 categories.

In 2014, Niseko managed to secure all four categories for Japan. In 2015, Niseko got the back-to-back win for all of Japan and even took one prize for best in the world! And in 2016, Niseko got the three-peat and swept all four categories for Japan, once again. So the big question on our mind this year is, can Niseko do it again? Can Niseko secure the elusive fourpeat?

Take a look at the nominations that Niseko has for World's Best and Japan's Best below—don't forget that Best Ski Hotel, Best Ski Boutique Hotel and Best Ski Chalet in Japan could end up claiming World's Best with enough votes!

Voting runs until September 22, 2017 so you have plenty of time to vote!

Niseko United has won the title as "Japan's Best Ski Resort" for the last four years in a row. With Niseko's reputation for getting metres of champagne powder snow it is no surprise that Niseko United has taken the crown so consistently.

With enough votes, who knows, perhaps Niseko United could even claim the Best Ski Resort in the world? Get out their and vote folks!

Niseko is once again poised to take the title for having Japan's Best Ski Chalet this year. There are a number of returning favourites, including last year's winner and a few new faces, too. Take a look at the Niseko nominees and be sure to vote for your top pick.

Sekka Kan has claimed the crown as Japan's Best Ski Chalet for three years running and is poised to go for four. It has become one of Niseko's most sought-after retreats due to it's excellent location just below the main intersection separating Grand Hirafu Resort's village. The chalet has two separate four bedroom apartments with massive windows, jacuzzi hot tubs and large spacious rooms.

Aspect is one of the newest to this category. The eleven room luxury accommodation was only completed last December 2016. Located in Grand Hirafu's lower village it offers a high level of intimate service alongside great views of Mt Yotei.

Located in Grand Hirafu's lower village, Gustav's Hideaway is a family-oriented place to snuggle up in the resort. Ideal for large groups or even multiple families the large chalet is nestled in among the silver birch trees with its windows looking out over Mt Yotei.

Hakuchozan was nominated for World's Best New Ski Chalet in 2016. The seven bedroom luxury chalet is comes with views, hot tubs and plenty of open space. While it didn't clinch the title as World's Best last year, it is no surprise to see it running for Japan's Best Ski Chalet this year.

Kozue is a luxury apartment located at the top of Grand Hirafu's lower village. The stylist apartment looks to connect visitors with nature, both with it's stream-side location and the materials and design of the building itself.

Niseko has claimed a whopping eight of twelve nominations for Japan's Best Ski Boutique Hotel. Niseko has placed very strongly in this category in the past, with the winner of Japan's Best Ski Boutique Hotel claiming the World's Best title as well for the last three years in a row! See who has been nominated this year and cast your vote for who you think should be the best this year!

The Vale Niseko was voted Japan's Best Ski Chalet in 2013, World's Best Ski Boutique Hotel in 2014, 2015 and 2016. As the reigning champion, The Vale Niseko will be looking to hang on to the crown. The condominium apartment is conveniently located a short minute walk from the nearest set of lifts at the bast of Grand Hirafu Resort's upper village.

Chalet Ivy is located by Grand Hirafu Resort in Niseko Hirafu's upper village. The luxury boutique hotel is a short two-minute walk from the nearest set of lifts. Chalet Ivy has been a regular contender for the category of Best Ski Boutique Hotel in Japan and a popular destination for travellers.

Ki Niseko is the only ski-in and ski-out Boutique hotel to make the cut for this year's World Ski Awards. The hotel has been consistently nominated for WSA Best Ski Boutique Hotel and has enjoyed top rankings on Trip Advisor since opening in 2014.

Kimamaya is one of the smallest boutique hotels to make the list of nominees for this WSA category. The hotel only has nine rooms and is designed to offer a cost and personal experience. The hotel was originally a laid-back backpackers lodge, but was redesigned and fully renovated into the chic Kimamaya.

LOFT Niseko is located in the middle of Niseko Hirafu's lower village. The four floor condominium apartment is moments away from many of the most popular bars and restaurants in the Grand Hirafu Resort.

MUSE Niseko is located right along the main street that runs through the Grand Hirafu Resort and which marks the divide between the upper and lower village. This condominium hotel has a range of different rooms and is a five-minute walk from the nearest set of lifts.

Shiki Niseko is located at the base of Grand Hirafu Resort's upper village. It is a five-minute walk from the nearest set of lifts and is home to one of the most renowned restaurants in Niseko, Kamimura.

Zaborin is a merger between modern chic designer hotels and traditional Japanese ryokan. The ryokan hotel is hidden on the outskirts of Hanazono Resort, offering its guests tranquility and exclusivity.

Two of the ten nominees for Japan's Best Ski Hotel are from here among the Niseko United Ski Resorts. Both are located over at Niseko Village. Take a look at who was nominated from Niseko below and don't forget to vote for your favourite!

Hilton Niseko Village has held on to the title of Japan's Best Ski Hotel for the last four years, since the WSA first came together. The Hilton Niseko Village is a 506-room, ski-in and ski-out hotel located at the top of the Niseko Village resort.

This 200-room ski-in and ski-out hotel has been a highly rated retreat for years in the Niseko Village. While it has yet to claim the title of Japan's Best Ski Hotel, it has been a nominee every year since the WSA began.

This year only one Niseko-based ski travel agent made the list for World's Best Ski Travel Agent. Here's wishing them good luck and hoping to see even more Niseko names making the nomination list next year!

HTM Niseko is the largest management company in the Niseko area. They manage and operate Ki Niseko and Niseko Central as well as a number of other services throughout the Niseko area and specialize in providing guests from around the world with top-class holidays in Niseko's Grand Hirafu Resort.

This year saw one nomination from the Niseko Annupuri resort area make the list for World's Best New Ski Hotel. With a number of new ski hotels going up right now, we expect to see many more great nominations in the years to come!

The Kamui Niseko opened up this past December 2016 and has made the nominee list for World's Best New Ski Hotel. The hotel is designed to capture the essence of the natural surroundings and offers a full range of concierge services to it's guests.

Thanks for voting! We will be excited to find out who takes the prizes this coming November.