There are many good reasons to go skiing in Japan, the snow, the food, the people, but one of the best and unique experiences is the Onsen! No matter where you go, there is always one of this hot springs around, in bathhouses, in the hotels, sometimes even somewhere hidden in the forests.
Our typical day of skiing in Niseko starts with a great breakfast buffet of the hotel. Although, if we see there has been powder over night, we rush out to catch the first gondola and draw a few lines in the fresh fluff before hitting the buffet just before it closes.
Once ready with all layers we head downstairs to pick up our boots and skis, diligently stored overnight by the friendly staff of the Hilton Hotel. Five steps from the hotel exit is the gondola entrance. Up we go.
This is the typical Niseko weather, phantastic, snowing all day, no view, no sun, but we don't care, we're here for the snow....
After all day on the slope, with a small break for lunch, we get back to the hotel, give back boots and ski and hit the Onsen.
Following the ritual of wash and soak, we relax the bones and muscles in the hot outdoor pool, while keeping the head cool, watching the fishes in the pond right in front of us and the snow falling on the trees behind. Colored lights make you feel like in a fairy tale land...
Now it's time for dinner and a well earned beer, best enjoyed in one of the traditional local restaurants.
That makes you sleep like in heaven and you can't help but dream of the next powder day!
