Japan Hokkaido - Niseko

Fast facts

Where: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan

When: Season runs December to April but January and February are the pick. The area needs the early season for the base to build, and then you can ski off-piste with confidence.

Stay: Setsumon Apartments for location and fitout; Niseko Cottage beyond the hustle and bustle.

Cheap eats: Anywhere on-mountain for lunch. Try the Scot Hotel near the ski school office, sensational sushi plate for Y1000/$A10. Eat street in Kuchan for dinner.

Out and about: The Scot Hotel –ski straight to the door at beer o'clock. The Yuki Bar's good later on.

Flights: Plenty of budget options but if you want smooth travelling, fly JAL (even if it's a Qantas code share), their size in Japan gives you options if weather hits or you need to change itinerary.

Airport/station: Sapporo Chitose Airport 90 minutes; Kuchan train station 15 minutes. Shuttle connections available for both; book ahead.

Vertical drop: 1009m

Annual snowfall: 12m

Longest run: 5.6 km

Number of lifts: 38

Lift queue/efficiency rating: 8/10

Groomable trails: 47 km

Skiable terrain: 3500 ha

Day ticket: $A30-$A75