Source: MAPPLE 観光ガイドNiseko resort grew rapidly during the recent economic boom, driven by the large numbers of Australians which led to Hirafu being dubbed "Australian town". Real estate prices escalated to new highs, with the mushrooming of Western-style ski condominiums, pubs, cafes, and restaurants. The scene has quietened down somewhat with the weak Aussie dollar, with the last ski season seeing a higher proportion of Asian tourists.
The resort is divided into three areas - on the eastern most face, Hirafu, which has the most variety of ski slopes, snowboarding tubes and whatnot, and a special snowboarding zone called Hanazono which was apparently developed by Australian investors. Niseko Village (formerly known as Higashiyama) is sandwiched in the middle and has long beginner and intermediate runs and a 6-person gondola to the highest point. Annpuri is on the westernmost face and has mostly intermediate and advanced runs. It also usually receives the heaviest snowfall.
POWDER? Yes, lots of it, thanks to Niseko's latitude. Finely-formed flakes you can collect in the small of your palm. Niseko is renowned for its soft, fine snow.
Hirafu - Widest range of accomodation, from B&B ("Pensions") to Youth Hostels, 2-4 star Hotels, apartments & ski condos
Niseko Village (formerly known as Higashiyama) - Dominated by ski-in ski-out Niseko Hilton Formerly named the Higashiyama Prince, the hotel was rebranded as the Hilton Niseko Village in July 2008.
Annpuri - Mostly Pensions and one 4 star hotel.
ACCESS
New Chitose airport is 1.5 hours from Haneda (Tokyo). Connecting flights also available from Narita, but less frequent.
Source: http://www.niseko.ne.jp
Ski bus (JPY 2,070 one-way when booked online)Good Sports White Liner
Hokkaido Access Resort Liner (Japanese only)
Train (Available from mid Dec - end Feb) JR Sapporo -->Kuchian倶知安 -->Niseko Travel time: 1:30hrs via Niseko Express, 2 hrs by normal train
Rental Car (sites below are in Japanese only)
eレンタカー gives a good overview of promotions across rental car companies
J-Wing is usually the cheapest option but about 10 minutes shuttle from the airport
