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NISEKO |
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Some 100km west of Sapporo, between the dormant volcano Mount Yotei-san
(also known as the Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to its famous southern
cousin) and Mount Niseko Annupuri, lies NISEKO , one of the best ski
resorts in Japan. This widely spread-out town is also within the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru
Quasi National Park and makes a good summer base if you want to take
advantage of the many adventure sports activities on offer in the area.
The ski slopes are a couple of kilometres north of Niseko Station, at
the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri. Ski lifts are run by three separate
resorts : Hirafu Kogen, Higashiyama (part of the Prince hotel empire)
and Annupuri Kokusai . You can buy individual lift tickets from each of
the resorts, but the best deal is to go for the "Free Passport", which
allows you to use all lifts, and thus ski the whole mountain. A one-day
pass costs around ¥4900 and is issued as an electronic tag - you'll need
to wave it at the barrier at each of the lifts. If you only buy a pass
for one resort, take care not to ski beyond their lifts, otherwise
you'll have to buy a single-ride ticket ( ikkaiken ) to get back up.
In summer the same mountain becomes the focus for adventure sports ,
including whitewater rafting, mountain biking and kayaking. The Niseko
Adventure Centre (tel 0136/23-2093, www.nac-web.com ) and the Niseko
Outdoor Adventure Sports Club (tel 0136/23-1688, www.noasc.co.jp ) offer
all these activities and more between mid-April and November; both
companies employ a number of English-speaking guides and offer
backcountry guiding, snowboarding, telemark skiing and ice climbing in
winter. NOASC has dorm rooms available for ¥2800, and NAC operates JOJO
's café and bar, serving the best breakfast in the area.
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