5 Amazing Niseko Experiences When You’ve Run Out of Powder

With an annual snowfall of over fourteen metres, we know that you come to Niseko for fresh powder. But, what do you do when you’ve skied over every possible bit of fresh snow? What do you do when it’s a low snow season or you’re holidaying in Springtime?

Locals and long-term visitors alike know that there is still so much on offer for your time on the mountain. We’re going to tell you how you can get the most out of every type of snow. Groomed, slushy and bumpy – we love it all!

1 - Piste Skiing and Rusutsu Trips

Yes, piste skiing, we know you might think this is a little crazy considering you’ve probably seen countless images of people skiing the deep snow in Niseko, but some of our best days have been ripping down the groomed slopes. There is nothing like the feeling of carving a clean edge through soft smooth snow. The satisfaction in looking back up the hill to see your clear tracks is something special. You’ll feel like a hero slicing through the snow with your edges, getting low in your turns and enjoying every second of the ride!

A must do for any trip to Niseko is a day trip to Rusutsu, just 45 minutes from Niseko. Rusutsu offers long and wide runs to enjoy all day. The snow grooming team do a fantastic job of preparing the slopes here and this means endless fun for intermediate and above guests! Imagine getting into a rhythm and carving the smoothest turns of your life! Most people come for the powder, and while that’s also super fun, you’ll find little to no crowds in Rusutsu on a clear day. A must do for this unique resort is to ski through the theme park past the roller coasters and rides. Certainly, something your friends may never have done.

Want to experience the rush of high-performance skiing and snowboarding? Click here.

If you’d like to know more about a Rusutsu day trip, click here.

2 - Moguls

The very word can get your heart racing, either with excitement or fear. The moguls, or simply bumps, in Niseko are some of the best in the world. This is because the snow is soft and generally forgiving. Whether you’d like to build your confidence or are refining your mogul skiing, Moguls in Niseko can be the most fun you’ve ever had on skis or a snowboard.

Easy moguls can be found in Niseko that are perfect for learning and improving. If you are the kind of skier or snowboarder who avoids moguls and bumps, spend some time with an instructor who would love to show you how to enjoy them!

If you are someone who loves a challenge, working on smoothly riding moguls gives great satisfaction. There’s always something new to learn, with not only technique but tactics too. Once you start to get the flow and rhythm, you’ll be looking and feeling like an Olympic athlete!

There is truly something for everyone. Gentle bumps for building confidence, intermediate bumps for refining technique and rut line bumps for those who really love a challenge.

3 - Backcountry

This may sound a little contradicting, a tip to go backcountry skiing or snowboarding on days when there’s less snow. But there are two very good reasons that shouldn’t be overlooked. The first is for those new to Niseko backcountry and the second is for those more experienced.

If you don’t know your beacon from your skins, you’ll find it a lot easier to learn without the heavy snow and low visibility. A clear day in Niseko is one of the best times to get out and learn how to safely travel in the backcountry and where to go. You left the office to get into the mountains, so why not see what’s out there on a sunny day!

After everyone has skied the fresh snow in resorts, go seek out your own. There can often be untouched snow days after the last snowfall which means looking out over your own personal powder wonderland.

When heading into Niseko’s backcountry you will need the right gear and someone to guide you. If you don’t know where to start or even have an avalanche pack, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered and we can show you how to use it all too!

4 - Mix it up

If you’re a skier, try snowboarding. If you’re a snowboarder, give skiing a go. We know that it’s tricky to convince yourself to try something new when it’s been snowing all night and you’re eager to get out in the morning, so why not take the opportunity to learn something new when this isn’t the case?

Take advantage of the Niseko clear days to learn, without feeling like you’re missing out on an epic powder day. Or spend some time in the afternoon after you’re finished with the morning powder snow. The fun of trying something new, especially with your friends and family, will create memories that last a lifetime!

We see a lot of friends and families in Niseko who are different ability levels. Spending some time learning together from the beginning is a fantastic way of enjoying the snow without anyone feeling held back, and no one is pushed beyond their comfort level. Kids especially will love trying something new and is a great way to mix up experiences and keep the passion for snow sports strong.

You can see the best way of learning to ski or snowboard here.

5- The Views

No visit to Niseko is complete without a stunning view of Mt. Yotei. There’s a reason why most accommodation windows face this remarkable scene of a volcano dwarfing its surroundings, but often guests spend their entire trip missing out on this view due to the snowfall. On the rare days that Mt. Yotei makes an appearance, you’ll be in for an amazing view from the streets and slopes of Niseko United. One of our highly recommended tips is to take the lifts up to the highest point for spectacular views of the famous landmark, pictures are great but seeing this in person is something truly unforgettable.

Want the best views of Mt. Yotei but don’t know if your ability is up to it? Our patient instructors are happy to work to your goals of reaching higher slopes and amazing views! Find out more here.

By now you should have a few ideas to get even more out of your Niseko trip. If you’d like to know more, or are interested in how we can make your time in Niseko truly memorable, get in touch.