Snowgum Lodge Niseko and Niseko

Niseko

Had prebooked a Whiteliner package including return transport and 4 day all mountain ski pass (includes Hanazano, Niseko Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annapuri which all share different slopes off the same main peak). Had absolutely awesome powder snow my first two days with 20+cm overnight, then a windy third day and blue sky (rare in Niseko ) fourth day.

Snowgum Lodge Niseko

Spent five nights at this Australian run lodge (alongside its sibling Ramat Niseko). Somewhat out of town in East Hirafu but daily lodge first tracks bus to Niseko Gondola, regular half hour resort bus to a stop only 50M away and late at night only a 10min walk or US$10 cab fare.

Simple lodge accommodation with mostly shared showers and bathrooms but super comfortable beds and bedding, great breakfasts and a good communal atmosphere. The hosts could not have been more accommodating picking up from bus, running dinner shuttles and organising activities including onsen and snow mobileing.

Snowgum is next to Ramat Niseko which is owned by the same people and has a bar, pool table, darts and a good value three course meal every couple of nights. Both lodges have WiFi, games machines and a number of tv’s with plenty of dvd’s to watch.

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Niseko itself is awesome powder and a great experience – definitely on the go back to list.

For those who go recommend the buffet lunches at Melt at the Hilton Niseko Village and also the Buffet Restuarant at Annapuri.