Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island. It is exposed to cold weather streams that come from Siberia, pick up precipitation from the Sea of Japan then offloads it onto the island. Niseko is blessed with consistent falls of light and dry powder, on average 12 meters per-season.
Niseko is essentially one mountain, although it is divided up into four linked areas, Annepuri, Higashiyama, Hanazono and Grand Hirafu making it the biggest ski resort in Hokkaido. Skiers are able to buy all-mountain passes giving them access to 38 lifts and gondolas, over 47km's of regularly groomed runs, several terrain parks and a halfpipe.
The summit is 1308 meters, and a 15 minutes to hike from the top lift. It offers panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the Niseko area, including the volcanic cone of Mt Yotei. Hirafu has nightskiing, which runs 7 nights a week until 9pm and is included in all multi day passes. Grand Hirafu has the best and largest total area of night skiing in the world.