Niseko maintains one of Japan’s most progressive off-piste and backcountry access policies, almost guaranteeing that powder seekers will go home happy. The highest lifts are all within a few hundred metres from the top of the mountain (Mt Annupuri, 1308m). On a bluebird powder day the crowds always head straight for the peak. A 20-minute hike from the top lifts will provide close to 360 degree views from volcano to sea. These top lifts however are old-school single chairs, and the lines can get frustratingly long on a powder day. It’s worth the wait though, even if you only do it once. Terrain is not as steep as places like Cham, but packed with pillows and well-spaced trees – in a word, fun! The length of your ride is governed by how far you want to hike to get back inbounds.

Read more about Niseko here.