Grand Hirafu Resort in Hokkaido

            Those seeking a winter adventure with good snow and beautiful scenery should try the Grand Hirafu Resort in central Hokkaido. With 15 lifts and multiple trails, it has a wide range of options for the beginner to advanced skier or snowboarder. The resort is only open during the winter months and has many services tailored to the outdoor enthusiast.

Polish your skills with group or private lessons for all levels. Two rental shops provide all the equipment you might need for skiing and snowboarding, including complete sets or individual pieces. If you prefer a quieter pace, try a nature hike or snowshoeing through the forest with experienced guides.

Grand Hirafu Resort Ski ([hoto: Timmey O’Toole/flickr)

            The Grand Hirafu Resort’s hotel is Hotel Niseko Alpen which has been recently refurbished and has a variety of room options, including western and Japanese. Try the combination rooms which have standard western-style beds but feature a tatami area around a table for relaxing after your day outside. Larger families or groups might prefer the Japanese rooms which accommodate up to 8 people.

Hotel Niseko Alpen Deluxe mixed Japanese and Western-style room

            The Hotel Niseko Alpen has many amenities for guests that can be used by day visitors for an extra fee. Soak in the luxurious large hot spring spa or open air bath; these are open from 1 to 10 pm.  Reservations are needed to use the stone sauna beds. A large pool is open from noon to 9:30 pm, and there are swimsuits and goggles available for rent. There are also karaoke rooms and massage services, as well as a kids’ play room. Two restaurants, the Shokusai Hirafu and Slalom offer a variety of meals; the all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7 to 9 am at the Slalom is a good way to start an active day. Sweets & Café is open for light meals from 10 am to 5 pm. To check rates and book at Hotel Niseko Alpen, visit Booking.com which have some excellent rates.

Hotel Niseko Alpen Onsen

            Outside of the hotel, there are 7 cafes at different locations in the ski area so visitors can enjoy a meal or snack while taking a break. There are also 5 different shops to pick up light snacks or small goods you might need while on the slopes.

Hotel Niseko Alpen Restaurant

            The resort works hard to be family-friendly. There are free activities like snow tubing and sledding for kids, child care options, and children’s ski and snowboarding lessons. There are also a variety of lift ticket packages for parents and children to ride together. Children under elementary school can ride the lifts with an adult for free.

Grand Hirafu Resort village (photo: aaron.tang/flickr)

The Grand Hirafu Resort is only 20 minutes by bus from Kutchan Station. Take the Niseko Ski Express from Sapporo Station during the winter months. it only takes about an hour and a half to get to Kutchan.

For more information and 3 live cams of the mountain see: http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/winter/en/