With hundreds of inches of snowfall, gorgeous mountain views and delicious food, these luxury ski resorts pack a punch

Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Niseko is Japan’s answer to Aspen or St. Moritz, an upscale ski town in a spectacular setting that’s almost as tempting in summer as it is in winter. And Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a high-design, high-luxury resort with a ski-in ski-out location right at the foot of Mount Annupuri. Imagine all the creature comforts and ultra-devoted service of a classic urban Ritz-Carlton combined with modernist-inspired contemporary Japanese design and spectacular close-up mountain views. Don’t miss the two artful Japanese restaurants or the lavish Spa Chasi La Sothys. “Chasi” means sanctuary in Hokkaido’s indigenous Ainu language, and the facility is home to four treatment rooms and a French-beauty-meets-traditional-Japan menu. Guests can also reserve sessions in a small private onsen which has knockout forest views.

Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono

Gracing the slopes of Niseko, Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono is a skiers paradise. Hugged by forest, the secluded mountain retreat showcases a sleek glass facade, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. A stark porte-cochère and gallery-like lobby add to the upscale ambiance, as do perks like direct access to Hanazono’s famous powder runs via state-of-the-art chairlifts and gondolas, complete with heated leather seats and panoramic windows, and soothing onsens for some après-ski relaxation. After a day on the slopes, you’ll find many delicious ways to refuel at this chic retreat. An array of onsite dining options, including Chinese, Italian and Japanese, sate just about any craving, while spacious accommodations provide ample room to unwind.

Setsu Niseko

Crowned “Best Ski Hotel in Japan” at the 2025 World Ski Awards, the one-Michelin-key Setsu Niseko set between the awe-inspiring peaks of Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri is a 190-room hotel that combines boutique-style modern architecture and traditional Japanese design and craftsmanship. The rooms range from comfortable studios all the way up to four-bedroom suites, and despite the ruggedness of the setting, the accommodations are almost urban in their refinement, featuring tatami spaces, traditional futon bedding and the indulgence of private onsens in select suites. A slower pace unfolds in the spa, one of the largest in Grand Hirafu at 750 square metres, outfitted with public indoor and outdoor onsens with separate facilities for men and women for the utmost comfort and tranquillity. Meanwhile, Setsu Niseko’s five restaurants range from traditional Japanese offerings to Western-inspired menus.

Hakuchozan

Japanese for “Swan Mountain”, Hakuchōzan is named after the fairytale Neuschwanstein “New Swan “Castle” in Bavaria, where the owners of the property were engaged to be married. Flushed with love, the couple adopted the symbol of the swan – a literary metaphor for grace, beauty and enduring love – into their vision for the chalet, which provides the perfect setting for families to build lifelong memories together. Seven spacious en-suite bedrooms ensure maximum comfort, while the expansive living room and 17-seat dining table set the perfect scene for lively nights of discussion, big family breakfasts and the simple pleasure of good company. Kids and adults are kept well entertained with the games room and “man cave” bar in the basement. The pampering never ends here, with a dedicated chalet host, personal chef and driver ensuring that each stay – from reservation to departure – is a truly six-star experience.

The Vale Niseko

Located in the heart of the bustling Hirafu village, The Vale Niseko captivates with upscale lodging, a popular dining venue and the enviable designation of sitting mere feet from the slopes. The hotel’s design aesthetic generally skews contemporary and alpine cool. You’ll spot soft leather chairs next to a gorgeous table made from reclaimed wood, and a glass-enclosed fireplace fronting a stunning stone wall. Comprised of 49 one, two- and three-bedroom apartments, the property is packaged with luxury amenities and personalised service to deliver the ultimate winter wonderland holiday. Guests can enjoy views of the slopes from the heated pool, soak away the day in the rich mineral waters of the onsen, or relive a day of skiing over a steak dinner at the restaurant before retiring to the comfort of their pillow-top feather beds.

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