| Skiing Japan's North |
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 ACCESSTo take advantage of the laid-back skiing on Hokkaido, fly into New Chitose Airport (airport code: CTS), near Sapporo. All Nippon Airways offers daily flights from San Francisco, with one stop in Tokyo (anaskyweb.com; from $1,300). Contact the Japan National Tourist Organization for maps, brochures, and tips for arranging a ski trip to Hokkaido (japantravelinfo.com) NISEKO A ski shuttle called the White Liner leaves at regular intervals from New Chitose Airport for the two-hour drive to Niseko. One-way fares, $25; niseko.ne.jp/en/access.html Lodging The Hilton Niseko Village hotel sits at the base of the slopes with a gondola that leaves from the building. A massive breakfast buffet and spacious hot springs sit below rooms with commanding volcano views. Doubles from $650; niseko-village.com) Sustenance Make a reservation for lunch at Ichimura, in nearby Hirafu. Leave your shoes by the door, and get a table on the tatami mats. The soba with duck breast is outstanding. 011-81-136-23-0603 Attractions > A Niseko United pass allows access to the four Niseko-area resorts. Cat skiing costs $100 to $180 per person (depending on the time of year) and can be arranged through the Hilton Niseko Village hotel. > A “spa bus” leaves from the hotel and stops at a dozen or so hot springs in the area. Yukichichibu is a local favorite, with five outdoor pools. > For the ultimate soaking experience, head to Kuramure, a swanky ryokan in Otaru, northwest of Sapporo. Nineteen rooms feature rich wood floors, tatami sleeping quarters, and rice paper walls. Doubles from $362; kuramure.com FURANO Tucked up against Japan’s largest national park, Furano gets lighter snow and even fewer people than Niseko. Take the train from Sapporo for a two-hour ride. The International Tourism Center can help with arrangements. Furanotourism.com . Lodging > The Ryounkaku inn sits at the end of the highest road in Japan, about 6,000 feet, near Tokachi Dake peak, in Daisetsuzan National Park. It is a classic Japanese mountain hut, with basic rooms but endless ski touring out the door. Doubles from $95; ryounkaku.com) > Near Asahi Dake, stay at Hotel La Vista. The faux-Bavarian façade might give you pause, but you’ll find excellent soaking tubs and a tram to whisk you into the high country about five minutes away. 011-81-166-97-2323 Attractions Furano ski station is small but mighty, with ten lifts, including Japan’s fastest tram (visitfurano.com). Hokkaido Powder Guides leads trips into Daisetsuzan and arranges multiday tours and transfers between Furano, Tokachi Dake, and Asahi Dake. Tours from $140; hokkaidopowderguides.com Comments (0)
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