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Why Japan is a must-ski destination – even for a novice like me


I popped my ski cherry on the beautiful mountains of Niseko in north Japan (Picture: Claie Wilson)

Clutching my skis as I pose for a picture on the pristine, crisp white slope, I am the epitome of all the gear and no idea.

Yes, I have a fancy black velvet ski jacket and a big confident smile on my face, but inside I want to run back to a world of warmth and comfort – if only I knew how to move on these damn skis.

I have discovered I am not a natural on the slopes – but there are far worse places to find this out, as I pop my ski cherry on the beautiful mountains of Niseko in north Japan.

It may have taken a 12 hour flight from London to Tokyo, followed by a 95 minute flight to Sapporo, the capital city of the northern, mountainous island of Hokkaido, then a two-hour drive to Niseko Village, our home for four days – but, goodness, was it worth it. 

Here, the sky is clear and blue, the air is unbelievably fresh, and the scenery – our backdrop is the majestic Yoti mountain – is guaranteed to deliver Insta-envy.  

It may have taken a 12 hour flight from London to Tokyo, followed by a 95 minute flight to Sapporo, then a two-hour drive to Niseko Village – but, goodness, was it worth it (Picture: Niseko Village)

Inside the resort

The Village is in the heart of the Niseko United Ski area, which interlinks with other ski nearby resorts to create 2,191 acres of terrain strategically located at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri. 

No matter how well, or bad, you ski, there are 70 runs to choose from, as well as some off-piste terrain – which is ‘brilliant’ according to the far more able and adrenaline-fuelled skiers on my trip, who also tell me that this place is a far cry from the slopes of Europe. 

Niseko is known for its legendary powder snow – known as Japow – because it is extremely light and fluffy, and despite it being the end of the season, we are lucky enough to get an unexpected fresh flurry during our stay.

There are 70 runs to choose from (Picture: Niseko Village)

While some resorts closer to home might have to use cannons to create artificial powder, here the west to east flow of the wind carries cold air over the relatively warm sea of Japan, sucking up moisture and forming dense clouds along the way. This means the area can often expect an average of 18 metres of snowfall (some of the highest in the world).

Being Japan, there’s something very faultlessly organised about our stay. After collecting our boots, skis and helmets (following a quick but thorough fitting the night before), we can ski – or in my case Bambi – in and out of the hotel, which I’m told is a bit of a rarity. 

There are other differences too – while …read more

Source:: Metro

      

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