Niseko

Only a short distance from the snowy Yotei volcano is the Japanese ski resort of Niseko. With 50 feet of snow per year and top-level forest skiing it's hardly a surprise that Japan, and especially Nisseko, has become so popular.

Niseko is the largest ski resort in Japan and consists of four villages. An'nupuri, Niseko, Hirafu and Hanazono. Like in all ski resorts in Japan, English is not a common language at Niseko. Do not worry though, as a friendlier treatment than you'll receive in Niseko is hard to find.

Here you can stay at expensive hotel chains, but there are also more affordable options for those who don't want to spend too much. Of course you will find Japanese cuisine on the menu so try not to fantasize too much about eating a hamburger when you are done skiing for the day.

Even though Niseko offers skiing for everyone with an impressive ski system, the main focus here is clearly off-piste. Niseko is not the place to go if you want to be sure of sun because Niseko rarely sees any sunlight at all.