As I recently wrote about, I’ll shortly be taking a review trip to Sapporo, Japan, in order to fly the new business class products of Korean Air and Japan Airlines. In the comments section, a reader asked if I had any plans to travel to Niseko, which is one of Japan’s most popular ski destinations, and near Sapporo.
The timing of that question is funny, because I started planning exactly such a trip about a week ago. So I figured I’d share what I already have planned, and then I’d love some feedback and ideas about how to make the trip even better.
In this post:
We try to go on one ski trip per year
Full disclosure upfront — I’m not a skier. I mean, I tried to ski in Dubai in 2015, thinking it would be easy, but that didn’t end well. Then I tried to learn to ski a couple of years ago in France, which actually worked out reasonably well. However, I think I might be too old/risk averse to do this consistently, and at this point maybe I should just focus on après skiing.
Nonetheless, Ford and I try to go on one ski trip per year. Ford likes to ski, and you know, happy husband, happy life, or something. Furthermore, I do very much enjoy the culture around skiing. What’s not to love about the beauty of snow, fireplaces, and warm drinks?
While the US objectively has great skiing conditions, we certainly don’t have the amazing culture around skiing that you’ll find in many parts of Europe, from the service, to the food and drinks, to the general atmosphere. France has some incredible ski resorts, and to this day, Airelles Courchevel is probably my favorite hotel I’ve ever stayed at (though Airelles Val d’Isère is amazing as well).
That’s quite a contrast to my last experience at a US ski resort in winter, which was at the St. Regis Deer Valley. Anyway, that’s neither here nor there. This year we’re not skiing in the United States or Europe. Instead…
This winter we’re skiing in Niseko, Japan!
We’re going to mix things up this coming winter, and will be skiing in Niseko, Japan. For those not familiar, Niseko is outside of Sapporo, and it seems to be one of Japan’s premier ski destinations. It’s amazing how much growth the area is seeing.
Among major luxury hotel groups, there’s currently the Park Hyatt Niseko and the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko, with several more luxury properties on the way, ranging from a Hoshinoya, to a Rosewood, to a Six Senses. With the direction things are headed, this place will eventually be as concentrated of a luxury hotel market as Kyoto.
We decided to book the Park Hyatt Niseko, given that I’ve heard great things about the property, and I also have a strong preference for World of Hyatt over Marriott Bonvoy. I am ridiculously excited to check out this hotel.
I adore Japan, so I can’t wait to see what Japanese ski culture is like, and how the vibe differs from the United States and Europe. If anyone has any thoughts or tips on the property or Niseko in general, I’d love to hear them. Are there any experiences that are a must? Any great restaurants on or off property? Is the crowd mostly Japanese, Australian, or…?
Some aspects of the trip we’re still deciding on…
The Park Hyatt portion of the trip is confirmed, though everything else is open as of now. With that in mind, I have a couple of things I’d love feedback on, both based on firsthand experience, and in terms of what y’all would like to read about.
First of all, is it worth checking out the Ritz-Carlton Reserve Niseko as well? In theory, you’d think a Ritz-Carlton Reserve would be better than a Park Hyatt (it’s undoubtedly a more boutique and luxurious brand), yet I’ve heard many say that the opposite is true here? We’re considering adding on a night or two to check out this property, especially since you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties nowadays.
Next, we’re probably going to have a stopover in Tokyo on the way out. So, which Tokyo hotel would y’all most like to read about? I’ve reviewed the Andaz Tokyo, and I’m excited for the Park Hyatt Tokyo to reopen after an extensive renovation, but that’ll only happen after our trip.
We’re tempted to stay at one of the two EDITION properties, since it’s a good opportunity for redeeming Marriot Bonvoy points. There’s both the Tokyo EDITION Ginza and the Tokyo EDITION Toranomon. Any thoughts on which is better? Or any other hotel in particular that you’d most like to read about?
Bottom line
I’ll be heading back to Japan for a “proper” trip in the coming months, which I’m looking forward to. Up until now we’ve only done ski trips in North America or Europe, so it’ll be fun to see how the experience compares in Asia. I’m looking forward to checking out the Park Hyatt Niseko, and am open to other ideas on the trip, if there’s more that you’d like to read about…
Any thoughts or tips for our Niseko trip?
The mountains of Hokkaido get some of the most snowfall of anyplace on earth, thanks to "ocean effect" snow. Cold Siberian air crosses the Sea of Japan, picks up moisture and the orographic lift provided by Japan's mountains result in multi-day dumps of snow. This occurs on the west side of Japan as far south as Nagano - but Hokkaido is so far north that it's colder there resulting in more snow, more frequent snow...
The mountains of Hokkaido get some of the most snowfall of anyplace on earth, thanks to "ocean effect" snow. Cold Siberian air crosses the Sea of Japan, picks up moisture and the orographic lift provided by Japan's mountains result in multi-day dumps of snow. This occurs on the west side of Japan as far south as Nagano - but Hokkaido is so far north that it's colder there resulting in more snow, more frequent snow and not-as-wet snow.
In theory it should provide a fantastic venue for skiing.
How about check out the new Hyatt House Shibuya?
The Prince Gallery Kioicho (Luxury Collection) is a really great hotel.
Will have a stay there this December. Any tips?
I'm so excited for this trip review! I'm planning a ski trip to Japan in 2026.
Prince Gallery Tokyo via Marriott Bonvoy!
What dates did you book PH Niseko/when did you book it? I am scoping out a ski trip for 2026 but based on the FT and reddit threads I have read, PH Niseko doesn't adhere to the typical Hyatt 13 month release dates for peak ski season. I am trying to figure out their release calendar.
Stayed one night at Ritz Carlton Reserve Higashiayama Niseko this summer. Loved the property. It's small and they pay attention to details. Would love to go back there in the winter. Highly recommended. Was deciding between Ritz and Park Hyatt Niseko, based on online reviews - decided to go with Ritz instead and we were very happy with the choice.
Unless you have time constraints and only have a weekend or so to ski, nobody should ski in the US. As you described, US skiing misses all the great things you get in Europe starting with the culture and atmosphere. But what US skiing really misses is the cost. It is absolutely outrageous what you have to pay to ski in the US, not only in terms of lift tickets but flights, hotels, restaurants, etc......
Unless you have time constraints and only have a weekend or so to ski, nobody should ski in the US. As you described, US skiing misses all the great things you get in Europe starting with the culture and atmosphere. But what US skiing really misses is the cost. It is absolutely outrageous what you have to pay to ski in the US, not only in terms of lift tickets but flights, hotels, restaurants, etc... If one have time, it is so much cheaper to just fly to Europe and chose among dozens of amazing destinations for a fraction of the cost of skiing in the US. I heard great things about skiing in Japan so can't wait for your review.
Everything except the skiing- which is better in Colorado Utah and Wyoming than anywhere I've been in Europe- and for many of us, that's sort of the point.
You are correct if you want high speed ski but since I am not a pro skier I would choose skiing in Europe 10 out of 10 times over skiing in the US. Skiing in Europe is a lifestyle while in the US is about status and showing off.
Skiing in the US can be a lot cheaper if you stick to locally owned/independent hills. Near every major corporate-owned ski resort in the US are independent cheaper hills where you can learn before you move to resorts known for their difficult terrain. To claim skiing in the US is only about status and showing off is incorrect
The Park Hyatt has had major issues with their concierge service last season. It was inexcusable for a property that charges the rates it does during this time period. I would hope they have this corrected for the upcoming season.
oh man skiing in Japan is on the bucket list. If it's dumping snow when you're there it won't hurt when you fall
If you’re going to be there in early February you really need to plan a day or two at the Sapporo Snow Festival between February 4-11 in the heart of Sapporo. It’s a wonderful side trip for those of us who are wise enough to not hop on a pair of skis to go screaming down a mountain.
I went to the Park Hyatt Niseko and the Ritz Reserve property in Niseko this year. Honestly the ritz is a better property by location and service. What I don’t get about the park hyatt is why they don’t have a single outdoor hot tub, it just doesn’t make sense to me - their on site onset is nice, but nothing particularly special. Food is incredible though, just be aware you’re kind of trapped in...
I went to the Park Hyatt Niseko and the Ritz Reserve property in Niseko this year. Honestly the ritz is a better property by location and service. What I don’t get about the park hyatt is why they don’t have a single outdoor hot tub, it just doesn’t make sense to me - their on site onset is nice, but nothing particularly special. Food is incredible though, just be aware you’re kind of trapped in Hanazono and will be eating on property likely (if you do leave don’t miss the yakitori and the bar with the fridge door whose name i can’t remember in town)
Also hit the two edition properties in Tokyo in Feb over the t swift concert - the ginza one is much more intimate, but I preferred the torranomon. I might also suggest you take a look at the Mesm. It was just so fun and playful and refreshing as a take on modern japanese hospitality.
We were at Niseko this past Summer and stayed at the Hilton. While it was an older hotel, the best feature for skiers is that the ski lift is right infront of the Lobby, no shuttles required. Plus it has a huge indoor/outdoor onsen, which would make for great relaxing after a day on the slopes.
it's crowded with mainlanders - ppl from china. also you should go stay in a regular japanese hotel in a themed 'hello kitty' room, a 'lavender' room, or a 'black charcoal' room.
It won't be as fancy, but the new Unbound Collection Hyatt that opened up, Hotel Toranomon Hills hasn't had a lot of reviews yet.
Why not try an onsen? And I'm not sure if you're a train buff, but how about a shinkansen ride?
The Park Hyatt in Niseko is amazing. I highly highly suggest you spend 1-2 nights at Zaborin. It is 5 mins away from the Park Hyatt and is absolutely amazing. Sitting in your private onsen on the patio at Zaborin during the winter is the most peaceful place in the entire world.