2009/10 was considered an average season in Niseko, with the 3 years prior recording below average snowfalls. This of course meant little to me as it was my first time there, and I can safely say it won’t be my last (pending the better half’s leave pass). I can, however, compare this to other resorts I’ve been too such as Breckenridge, Colorado and St Anton, Austria – both of which I’ve spent seasons at, and also both being world class resorts.

From November through to the end of April, 181 days, snow was reported on Niseko Mountain 121 days. So over the 6 month period it snowed 2 out of every 3 days. A modest statistic in any resorts book. www.snowjapan.com has reported that 42 of those days received 20cm or more snow, with some of them receiving loads more.

The 10.25 days I spent on this mountain, I can confirm, that I received 10.25 days of powder. This I cannot say this about any other resort I’ve been too. Niseko pukes snow period!!!

The upper mountain averages 20m a season.  This season exceeded 18m according to www.snowjapan.com. With bigger years receiving 20m or more. Compare this to St Anton and Breckenridge which both which average 7m annual snowfall, and then South Island resorts in New Zealand averaging 4m annually, well, you get my drift.

So, In a nutshell, this place receives a hell of a lot of snow, and is right up there with some of the best quality snow found in any ski resort on this planet. Definitely the best resort I’ve been too to date.

Will I be returning to Niseko for another epic holiday of pure powder riding and katsu curry on rice? You bet ya I will