Japan Hokkaido - Niseko

Ride guide

Like all northern hemisphere ski areas, the south facing slopes get the most sun, so when the sun’s out, it’s best to ski the southern faces first, particularly if it’s fresh.

The quality of the fresh snow means the piste skiing is often overlooked, but I find the groomers are fantastic, one of the big treats is skiing a groomer with 20cm of fresh fluff on top and no tracks in sight.

If it’s dumped, it’s cold and the sun is starting to shine, get to the Hirafu gondola as quick as you can and here are three favourites.

The Peak, East Ridge: Hike to the top of Niseko Annupuri and enjoy the view, but not for too long. I’d take the east ridge, the front face you can see when riding the lift up and ski the lines down the front gullies which lead to the walking trail that leads you back to Hanazono. These areas catch heaps of snow and provide natural protection from the wind.

The Peak, West Face: Hike to the peak again (for this run, hiring a guide could be worthwhile). I would then ski the western face, dropping over the back side, but be aware of the exit traverse. Then ski the north face, again taking the exit traverse at the right place, to ski out at the golf course and back to the bottom of Hanazono 1 lift.

Swinging Monkey: After a dump, the scramble for fresh tracks is on. The off piste gates sometimes take time to open; if that’s the case, take the Swinging Monkey chair and ski off it through the trees which hold some of the best snow on the hill. There are three or four faces I ski, ending up at the Hirafu gondola, having got face shots on every turn.

PETER ILINSKY