These days Niseko is as renowned for providing a first-class ski holiday as it is for providing powder snow. The town of Hirafu, which is Niseko’s main hub, is home to some of the most high-end and stylish hotels, apartments and chalets of any resort in the world. Along with this recent rise in sophisticated options for accommodation, we’ve seen a surge in premium services. Here are five ways you can take your ski holiday from mainstream to magnificent!
1) Contact a Luxury Booking Agent
By engaging a Niseko based holiday management company that encompasses a full range of VIP services you’re guaranteed to experience the very best that the resort has to offer. Some holiday companies in the area provide a concierge or premium service that can do everything from managing your itinerary to arranging accommodation and lift passes, along with interpreters, child care, dinner reservations and grocery deliveries. Some of our recommended agents are Nisade, Niseko Wow, The Niseko Company, Ki Niseko, HTM, Niseko Black, Niseko Boutiques, MNK and Taiga.
2) Rent Skis or a Snowboard Using Rhythm Japan’s Platinum Service
Once you’ve chosen your agent they can give you access to Rhythm Japan’s Platinum Service. This means one of Rhythm’s Platinum staff members will deliver your ski and snowboard gear to your accommodation and set up a completely personalised in-house fitting. You’ll be able to choose from the very latest gear, including top brands like Volkl, K2, Armada, Burton, Jones and Roxy. Rhythm’s staff will also bring over a selection of the most popular accessories like gloves, goggles and face masks from Oakley, Smith and Oyuki. If at any time during your stay you want to change your equipment, you can contact the Platinum team who can deliver it to your door. Plus, your equipment will be picked up from your accommodation at the end of your stay. This service is only available from a select group of our partners (mentioned above). We recommend inquiring with them for further information or reading this blog.
3) Dress to Impress in Moncler, Bogner, Burton and others.
Zaka, Niseko’s most established luxury boutique, is located in the heart of Hirafu on the second floor of the Odin building. Each brand in the store’s collection has been chosen because it successfully combines performance with style, making Zaka the perfect place to shop for outerwear and accessories that look good while withstanding Niseko’s weather conditions. The range includes Moncler and Bogner, both of which are synonymous with high-end technical skiwear. On the floor below Zaka you’ll find Burton, where you can stock up on hard goods, outerwear and lifestyle clothing from the best-known brand in snowboarding.
4) Plan Ahead for Fine Dining
No trip to Niseko is complete without a tour of its best bars and restaurants. Kamimura is the pet project of Micheline-starred chef Yuichi Kamimura. His French cuisine has a notable Japanese influence and he sources most of his produce locally. You’ll also want to grace the tables of An Dining which is in the Ki Niseko hotel along with Sekka Lab, located 15 minutes’ drive away in the town of Kutchan. For a truly unique seafood experience make sure you try Ezo Seafood, which is famous for its fresh, local dishes. These restaurants are all hugely popular so it’s recommended you book ahead of time.
5) Book a Private Ski or Snowboard Instructor
A private lesson with a qualified instructor is the quickest way to improve your skiing or snowboarding. Whether you’re a beginner sticking to the groomers or an experienced powder hunter, your instructor will tailor the lesson to suit your level of riding. By booking with GoSnow you can look forward to flexible lesson times and lift priority along with specialist attention and coaching.
