Anke Eberhardt, a journalist based in Munich, Germany, started the year 2017 in Japan staying with us at Ki Niseko. As a writer that has been working in the snowboard media for more than a decade, this time she makes an exception and shares all about the off-snow pleasures of her experience staying at a ski resort. Here, she shares her time with us.
Japan is known for its amazing powder amongst winter sports enthusiasts. But besides waist deep snow and magical tree runs in fairy tale forests, the off-snow experience should not be forgotten.
Everybody who prefers to stay in a hotel instead of an apartment can cruise right from the slopes to check in at Ki Niseko. Located next to the Hirafu gondola, you can pretty much ski into your room – and drop of your gear at the very own ski and snowboard valet service. It’s a feeling like the king of the hill with a hint of “how did I deserve this?” – but who wouldn't enjoy dry and warm boots the next morning? Feeling comfy after a day in the cold is easy when you trade your outerwear for a traditional Japanese outfit, provided to every guest and welcome to wear everywhere at Ki Niseko, even in the restaurant.
Ski-in ski-out: A fuss-free way to enjoy Niseko's slopes.
Talking of restaurants: Besides a-class accommodation, there’s another major non-snow reason to love Japan: the food. Forget greasy ski resort fries or expensive pasta, Japanese cuisine is both healthy and tasty. There are plenty of options in Niseko, but if you really want to treat yourself after a day on the hill, there’s nothing better than to spoil yourself at An Dining.
Photo taken by Anke Eberhardt at An Dining.
Ki Niseko’s signature
restaurant offers the very best from the Hokkaido island, made with love by
chef Shinichi Maeda (whose friendly caricature you will find on one of the
walls at An Dining). Fresh produce and a stylish atmosphere match well – and
your wallet doesn't have to be afraid either. Compared to high-class locations in
Europe or the US, the prices are far from high and you won’t have to spare the
dessert (the white chocolate “Snowball” with cheese cake filling is highly
recommended, by the way!).
Ki Niseko's own onsen, perfect for relaxation after a day on the slopes.
There’s only one more thing you need on your off-snow to do list to round up the Niseko experience: a relaxing bath in a Japanese onsen. The hot springs in Hokkaido are some of the most beautiful ones. No surprise Ki Niseko offers a very own onsen, and there are so many more to explore! So grab your towel and enjoy the healthy minerals that will make your skin feel better than any lotion ever.
And tomorrow will be
another powder day with fluffy turns and first tracks to be made – before the
off-snow fun starts over again and you wish you’d never have to leave your
Japanese home away from home.
To experience Ki Niseko and it's range of facilities for yourself, plan your escape to Niseko now.
