Niseko, Hokkaidō

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Niseko (ニセコ町; -chō) is a town and ski resort located in Abuta District, Shiribeshi, Hokkaidō, Japan. The resort is highly regarded for its powder snow.[citation needed]

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[edit] Weather

Because of its northern location, Niseko is fed by weather streams that come from Siberia rather than from Eastern Japan. The resort is blessed with a consistently high and light snowfall producing impressive amounts of powder. The snow is not as dry as other areas in Hokkaidō, but experiences a high volume of snow, with the average snow depth in March reaching 351cm [1].

[edit] Size

The town had an estimated population of 4,642 at the end of 2004 and a density of 23.55 persons per km². The total area is 197.13 km².

Niseko is comprised of four main resort areas:

  • Niseko Moiwa has the least infrastructure and is the least frequented area.
  • Niseko Annupuri is hit with the strongest winds and worst weather in the area, causing occasional closures
  • Niseko Higashiyama is the less popular neighbor of Hirafu.
  • Niseko Hirafu, which is actually part of the neighbouring Kuchan districts. Perhaps the best known of the four main Niseko resorts Hirafu is being developed by Australian and other foreign investors. The resort is known for its night skiing.

Niseko Annupuri, Higashiyama and Hirafu join at the top of the mountain.

Niseko also has back-country ski-courses that are unofficially on the maps. To the furthest right of Annupuri lies Sannozaka, an area prone to avalanche but with high quality snow. To the far right of Hiraf lies Higashi One, also prone to avalanche but with a challenging back-country terrain. Near the lower half of Hirafu is a forest route called Strawbery Fields, which is perhaps the most famous run in Hirafu. Climbing Mt. Yōtei also provides back country skiing.

[edit] Infrastructure and development

Nightlife and accommodation can be found at the base of Hirafu. New bars, restaurants, hotels, and pensions have opened in recent years. There is a crop of less expensive small family-run pensions. Recent development has increased interest in the ski resort by foreign visitors, including visitors from Australia and Hong Kong. Foreign visitors are also purchasing property in the area.

One consequence of this development has been a steady increase in accommodation prices. There is speculation that with the secret out, Niseko is on its way to becoming a major worldwide ski destination, it will be priced out of the market for its core group of visitors - domestic tourists.

[edit] References

  • Average weather conditions by month for Niseko

[edit] External links

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