Niseko is consistently ranked as one of the top skiing locations in Japan.
The resort has been compared to major luxury destinations like Aspen, Colorado ...
... St. Moritz, Switzerland ...
... and Whistler, British Columbia.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdNiseko is located on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island.
Hokkaido is the second largest island, and Japan's coldest region.
Though it is technically a town title, for most visitors, "Niseko" refers to the entire region near Mount Yōtei.
Mount Yōtei is an active stratovolcano located in Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
The area is also beautiful in the summertime ...
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip Ad... and visitors can golf at one of three main courses with the volcano as a stunning backdrop.
However, the mountain is mostly famous for its winter activities. The mountainside is covered in the highly coveted "champagne powder" — high-quality snow that's perfect for skiing.
It's listed as one of the snowiest spots in Japan.
To begin their trip, guests fly into New Chitose Airport, followed by a two and half hour car ride to the mountain.
Four major ski resorts make up Niseko United, a group of ski slopes and accommodations.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdFirst, Annupuri is located on the southeastern side of the mountain, and offers a family- friendly atmosphere.
The ski area features 13 courses, from beginner to advanced levels, and also offers night skiing on some courses.
Grand Hirafu is the largest ski resort, and perhaps the most well-known.
The resort includes a bustling village at its base with lively nightlife and shopping. Along with expensive ski shops that sell name brands like North Face and Patagonia, the village features a custom hat shop.
Niseko Village is nestled between Annupuri and Grand Hirafu.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdIt also features a village with shops and hotels, though significantly smaller and quieter than Grand Hirafu. Items sold here include luxury Japanese purses and custom glasswork by local artists in the nearby city of Otaru.
Finally, Hanazono is the second base of Grand Hirafu on the northeastern side of the mountain. Though smaller than the other ski areas, Hanazono still offers a ski school for both kids and adults.
Each of these four resorts features a variety of luxe accommodations ...
... the most impressive of which might be the private ski chalets. While an all mountain day pass is inexpensive (approximately $66), adding a chalet will quickly propel you up into the thousands.
The Annupuri Residences are one group of rentals ...
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip Ad... located just minutes from the closest slopes.
Others private rentals are more secluded, such as the Keyaki Villas ...
... which offer beautiful views of the surrounding forests, rooms for adults ...
... and accommodations for younger guests.
If wealthy skiers do not want to rent an entire property, luxury hotels such as the Green Leaf Hotel are available.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdThe hotel features a bar downstairs ...
... and an array of modern bedrooms.
For those looking to relax, the onsens — or natural hot springs — are a draw. The soothing baths are recognized for their purifying health benefits.
The Green Leaf Hotel is also home to some of the area's natural onsens.
High-end hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton are on their way, but for now, the most prominent chain is a beautiful ski-in, ski-out Hilton.
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip AdMany international power players, millionaires, and celebrities choose to vacation in Niseko, including actors like Hugh Jackman ...
... and Sam Neil, who, according to Powder Life magazine, was spotted singing at Angel karaoke bar with Australian rugby union captain George Gregan.
And then, of course, there's the food. Among other great dining options, countless restaurants offer excellent seafood, thanks to Niseko's proximity to the ocean ...
... while others feature soba noodles, a Japanese staple made from buckwheat.
Regardless which resort or chalet you choose to stay at ...
next slide will load in 15 secondsSkip AdSkip Ad... the incredible views alone make the trip memorable as you ski some of the best slopes in Asia.