The current Niseko snow forecast, snow depth and weather forecast can be found at snow-forecast.com

In Hirafu village there is: Hirafu-Tei (upper village) Alpen Hotel (upper village)

Niseko like the rest of Japan has a very low crime rate and is a safe place to visit with children. In recent years there have been a small number of reported petty crimes such as jackets going missing from late night bars. A very small number of unattended snowboards and skis have also been reported missing from the base of the ski field in the past. If you are arrested in Japan, even for a minor offence, expect to spend 21 days in police custody while your case is investigated.  Bail is seldom granted to foreigners.  Japan has a zero tolerance policy towards drug crime and there are severe penalties for any drug offences.

Skiing or snowboarding on the streets is strictly forbidden. It is impolite to eat or drink anything in supermarkets and convenience stores even after the food or drink has been paid for. Take your shoes off when entering someone's home or pension in Japan. Please do not step on the welcome wooden mat with your shoes on. If there are tatami mats or raised floor areas remove your shoes. In mountain restaurants please clean up after yourself.

There are a couple of small to medium sized supermarkets in Hirafu. Kutchan town is 8km from the resort and has 3 large supermarkets. Local buses and night buses go frequently from the ski resort to Kutchan. Taxis are also available from Hirafu village. The cost is around 2,000yen one way. Taxis use a fixed meter system for fares.

A lot of families come to Niseko. They have excellent International ski schools here for children 3 years of age and up. Our preferred and recommended ski school is NISS ski school. And they also do half-day skiing lessons for kids, morning and afternoon. I'd recommend half day lessons for your children, unless you want the whole day to yourselves to ski that is. Niseko is reasonably cold, around -5 to 0 degrees in the village and -5 to -10 degrees on the hill. So good quality outwear is essential as well as goggles. Sunglasses are no good during Dec, Jan and Feb. There are a lot of restaurants and bars in the village as well. Also shops but not what you'd call a shoppers paradise. If you like powder snow then this is definitely the place to come. Niseko is up there in the top resorts in the world for snowfall. 13-15 meters per-season. But keep in mind due to high snowfalls, sunny days are few especially during Jan and Feb.

Yes, there are several souvenir shops with a large range of goods. The Alpen Hotel has a good range of items.

I'm not sure if it's a lot cheaper. But cheaper yes as you'll be dealing direct with the source. Also as we live in Niseko year round and offer a large variety of properties here I'm confident we can provide a superior level of service. Also we can arrange airport transfers between Sapporo's Chitose airport and Niseko, lift tickets, equipment rentals and lessons. As well as give free advice on traveling in Japan. We can't book flights but can offer advice on booking them yourself. Lastly while you're here in Niseko we'll be looking after your stay here. i.e picking you up from the station in Niseko, checking you in the property and showing you around the village when you arrive, then dropping you off when you depart. As well as helping out while you're here if needed e.g getting medical assistance, booking day tours etc.

Yes, Holiday Niseko recommends Niseko International Snowports School (NISS) which has over 100 instructors from around the world and offers a large range of group and private lessons at two locations.

Lower villagePros: Cheaper rates, close to Yukoro hot spring, walking distance to the main shopping and dining area, smaller buildings creating a more intimate feelCons: Uphill to get to the lifts so most take the free shuttle bus to get there, but often walk back as it is downhill Near family ace liftPros: Easy walking distance to main shopping and dining area, ski in ski out or easy walking distance to liftsCons: Rates are most expensive in the village, family ace lift can get a bit congested in the morning Near Hirafu GondolaPros: 100-200 meter walk to the all new 8 seater gondola and day center. Rates more reasonable than accommodation near family ace lift but still expensiveCons: Bit of a hike to the main shopping and dining area in town, about a 5-7 minute walk (400-500 meter walk). You could take the shuttle bus but stops at 9pm Above the Seicomart and between the family ace lift and the gondola Pros: Easy walking distance to main shopping and dining area. Some properties are easy walking distance to the family ace lift, some are not so close Cons: More expensive than lower village accommodation Izumikyo Areas Pros: Cheaper rates than most other areas in the village. Quiet and peaceful area. Cons: Izumikyo 2 is 1km to the main shopping and dining area in the main village. You can take the free shuttle bus during the day but it stops at 9pm.  

If you are injured in the backcountry and require evacuation you will have to bear the rescue costs which are expensive.  If you are planning to venture into the Niseko backcountry make sure you have the appropriate insurance coverage.

The closest medical facilities are in Kutchan. The cost of treatment is high in Japan and you are expected to pay the whole cost of any treatment you receive.  The Kutchan hospital is well equipped and staff highly trained.  Some Japanese doctors may be able to speak English and there is also a volunteer interpreter available. Make sure you have medical insurance before coming to Niseko.

Yes, Niseko Physio staff are Australian registered physiotherapists with extensive knowledge of winter sport strains and injuries.

Niseko Babysitters located in Aya offers child care services. Reservations can be made through their website.

Australian and New Zealand UHF-CB/PRS radios are strictly prohibited in Japan as they use the same frequency as Japanese television and radio broadcasts. Possession or use of such radios is illegal and may lead to imprisonment or heavy fines.

Niseko’s main attraction in winter is the snow.  Most non-skiing activities revolve around snow including snowmobiling, snow shoeing, horse riding and dog sledding.  For shopping or cultural experiences you will have to travel outside the resort area to either Otaru city or Sapporo city.  Trains run frequently from Kutchan station to Otaru city.

Generally it is very easy to get around speaking English only. Most signs and restaurant menus are in English.  Most Japanese have studied English at school but not many can speak it well. Simple written English is generally understood. There will be situations where English is not understood at all.  A simple phrase book and notebook and pen is quite useful to bring.

Yes, there will be an ATM located in Hyatt House Shiki Niseko that accepts Visa and Mastercard.  The main post office in Kutchan (8km's from Hirafu village) also accepts most international cards as well as the 7/11 convenience store on the way out of the village.

The average winter temperature in Hirafu Village is -7 °C. On the mountain temperatures can get as low as - 25°C especially during night skiing hours.  Neck warmers during skiing are recommended.