My whole family likes winter, especially being outside in the snow. So it was an easy group consensus to go to Hokkaido to enjoy skiing in the legendary powder. Choosing which resort to stay at was a different story, because we wanted somewhere that would appeal to our teenage son, Blake, as well as little Emily, now turning 4. We settled on the Grand Hirafu Resort in the Niseko area because it boasted many options for children, and we thankfully were not disappointed.
Grand Hirafu Resort Welcome Center (Photo credit: aaron.tang)
Our first view of Hokkaido was the Chitose Airport, which was clean and airy and less frantic than the one we left in Tokyo. We didn’t have too much luggage because we didn’t bring our equipment, we planned to rent it at the resort. After gathering our bags, we found the JR train to Sapporo Station, transferred there to the Niseko Ski Express, got off at Kutchan Station, then took the bus to the hotel. If you think that sounds like a lot of travel in one day, then you are right. Especially with a 4-year-old in tow. So we were ready to check in to the hotel and relax.
Niseko Ski Express (Photo credit: David McKelvey)
Even though we were tired, we still enjoyed the view from the trains and bus. And outside the hotel looked just like a winter wonderland, a tall mountain looming up with ski lifts and runs. Dark trees fringed the slopes, and the blue sky was tinged with the colors of sunset.
日本語: 倶知安町比羅夫国道5号線付近から望む (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Check-in went smoothly at the Grand Hirafu Resort’s Hotel Niseko Alpen and we got a really interesting room, half western and half Japanese.The beds and bathroom were all like those we are used to from home, but there was a section of tatami flooring with pillows to sit on and a low table. Emily soon was set up with her coloring books, and Blake announced that he was heading off to explore the facility. He came back a short while later raving about the bathroom he had found.
Hotel Niseko Alpen front
It turned out that there was a traditional onsen, or pool heated by geothermal activity, and he wanted to check it out. So we decided to go as a family, though when we got there, men were in one section and women in another, so we agreed to meet up in the room when we were done. After a long soak in the gorgeous spa-like room, Emily and I were ready to join the guys. We were amazed to find that we had been gone for over an hour. Everyone seemed so relaxed, like we had washed all stress away and were ready for new adventures.
Hotel Niseko Alpen Onsen time
That evening, our only adventure was dinner at the Shokusai Hirafu Restaurant, Japanese food with many ingredients that the server proudly told us were local. Back in our room, it was not long before we all fell asleep. But in the following two days, we had plenty of adventures to fill our cameras with photos and our hearts with memories.
Shokusai Hirafu Restaurant sushi
We spent two whole days on the ski slopes, varying our runs so that Blake could challenge himself with experienced courses while my husband and I took turns on the beginners slope with Emily. We ended up going sledding several times, and rode the lifts looking at the scenery. The lifts were rather out of date compared to many we have ridden on, but the snow was the best I have ever experienced. It snowed the second day, renewing the powder and creating a magical panorama. The advertisements for the resort did not exaggerate; in fact, it was far better than we had expected.
Grand Hirafu Resort Ski view (photo: takushib/flickr)
When we got tired, we would stop at one of the cafes and relax with a hot drink and snack. One afternoon we took the “Nature Skiing Tour” on special skis that didn’t slip, so we could see a different part of the resort. The guide was funny and made us all laugh, Emily was smitten and talked about him all evening, which was charming. Every evening we soaked in the onsen, melting away all our aches before falling into bed.
Grand Hirafu Resort seafood (photo: Timmey O’Toole/flickr)
The two days flew by. We didn’t want to check out of the Hotel Niseko Alpen on final morning, and with great reluctance boarded the bus that was the start of our journey back to Tokyo. As Emily was dozing off on the plane, she asked, “Can we go back again?” Blake replied before my husband or I could answer, “Of course we will, but it won’t be the same. That was our best vacation ever.”
Grand Hirafu Resort Ski Resort at night (photo: aaron.tang/flickr)
