February and March have been challenging months across the globe and here in Niseko we have been experiencing one of the quietest March's in years. Here in Hirafu daily life has continued mostly as usual and we've been lucky enough to enjoy one of the best March's we've had snow wise for a couple of years. We've been getting consistent top ups of fresh snow through out the month plus plenty of the beautiful sunny days the spring time brings.

Kids ski free in March! Sound good? Sounds awesome! So what's the deal? With every adult All Mountaiin Lift Pass purchased in advance through Holiday NIseko you will get 1 free equivalent kids pass (for kids 12 or under) and if that wasn't enough the same deal with rental equipment applies with Rhythm or Niseko Sports! 

Ever wondered who takes those incredible photos and videos of Niseko that make you want to drop everything and start planning your next trip here ? More often than not they are from groups of sponsored skiiers and snowboarders that spend days upon days in the back country, working hard to get the shot. Holiday Niseko recently hosted such a group from Atomic that managed to get some incredible photos and video during their time with us.

The conditions here in Niseko are almost back to normal with some big falls this month on top of a base that had seen consistent top ups over the last few weeks, big days and big smiles all around. We are now sitting on a solid 5 meter base. Don't get me wrong the tide is out a bit it but there is a surprising amount of snow on the mountain, most of the vegetation is covered and the skiing and riding have been great!

The Autumn is a quieter season in Niseko and a fantastic time to visit. The weather is settled, the village uncrowded and there is still plenty to see and do. One thing that can't be missed are the stunning colours of Autumn with stunning post card-esque views every where you look.It is a great time to explore the area on foot with hiking trails galore and if you want to cover a little more ground it is still warm enough to cycle one of the many bike paths.

For back country and mountaineering enthusiasts Mt Rishiri in the far north of Hokkaido may be the ultimate adventure.
Mt Rishiri juts up from Rishiri Island, stands at 1,700 meters and is an impressive sight during the winter or summer. The island sits just to the west of Wakanai Hokkaido's northern most city, a 5 hour drive from Sapporo. The island is then accessed by ferry which takes around 2 hours. During the summer Rishiri and neighbourin

If you've been to Niseko before you've undoubtedly uncovered the delights of the convenience stores. There are now 3 to choose from here in Hirafu, a 7/11 on the eastern side opposite My Ecolodge and moving in from there Lawson begins it's reign with a new store freshly opened in the newly developed Mid Town. Now both these are a little out of the way unless you are either staying in Izumkyou, My Eco Lodge or Mid Town but moving further into the village we have..

Take me to powder heaven, take me to Gate 11! The Niseko gate system has allowed terrain to be opened up to the public that never has been before and one of the most recent additions to this is Gate 11 or Mizuno Sawa. Gate 11 provides some of the steepest pitches on the mountain, open bowls, epic trees and an awesome natural halfpipe to finish things off at the bottom.

Travel opprotunities are endless here in Hokkaido especially in the summer time, in every direction there is a destination to travel to or a unique attraction to see.
Erimo Misaki is the south eastern most tip of Hokkaido, a rugged windswept cape with a striking line of small islands extending from dramatic cliffs.

If you've ever been to Niseko with a little luck you will have had the pleasure of Mt Yotei's presence beaming down on the Hirafu Village and surrounds.
Mt Yotei's summit stands at 1,590m which isn't huge in mountaineering terms but it is the highest peak in the area and one that just begs to conquered.
Mount Yotei is an active strato volcano which most recently erupted back in 1050BC and lucky for us hasn't done a lot since!