When it comes to skiing powder there are so many great options to choose from. Resorts in Utah boast the “best snow on earth,” the powder highway is, well…named that for a reason and Jackson Hole is known for it’s big dumps. However, if you are really is search of pow, everyone knows that Japan is the place to be.
“Japow” as it’s more commonly know in the ski world is the Holy Grail of powder skiing. Many of the 500 + ski resorts there receive around 600 inches of snow on average. That’s nuts! Combine these incredible snowfall totals with a unique ski culture that you won’t find anywhere else and you have yourself quite a bucket list trip. A trip that Ritz-Carlton is turning into a reality thanks to their newest reserve location and three amazing ski experience packages.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve Opens New Location in Niseko
The new Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Japan and the fifth across the globe. Just to clarify, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a more exclusive and luxurious property of the Ritz-Carlton brand. They are designed to blend more with the culture of each location in a way the regular Ritz-Carltons do not.
With that in mind, Higashiyama Niseko Village just announced three exclusive mountain experiences. Their brand-new offerings are hosted by the resort’s Higashiyama Reservists, a team of select experts curated as guides who possess insider knowledge of the local environment, trails and natural wonders that make Niseko such a remarkable destination. Be prepared for a full immersion into Japanese skiing culture.
Three Exclusive Mountain Experiences
Led by Satoshi Maeda, originally hailing from Fukuoka with 18 winter seasons in Japan, Canada and New Zealand, the reservists are excited to share the following exhilarating adventures with hotel guests:
- Starlight Sushi On The Slopes – Guests begin this adventure with a Higashiyama Reservist-guided ski session just as dusk falls, discovering the beauty of Niseko Village as the slopes are cast in light and shadows. After they are done zipping down the mountain, travelers will find a delectable sushi spread on a handcrafted snow table to enjoy under the star-filled sky before heading back to the hotel.
- Ultimate Niseko Ski Adventure – This full-day experience begins with a personalized ski gear fitting and exclusive access to the early morning gondola for the first lift of the day. Once they are ready for action, guests are led by the reservists on the best deep powder skiing runs before returning to the property for après ski snacks and drinks in the Ume Lounge.
- Niseko Ski Experience – For a more relaxed experience on the slopes, guests can opt for this half-day, four-hour excursion, including exclusive guided access to the early morning gondola and a Niseko Village lift pass. Following their time on the mountain, guests will receive a personal collection of photographs to treasure.
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres