Niseko Annupuri

Don't let the 13 runs fool you - there's genuine variety here from that 4km Family Course for confidence-building to legitimate steeps and tree zones that'll challenge anyone. The backcountry gates (especially Gate 2) open up untouched powder bowls behind the summit that put Hirafu's tracked-out side-country to shame. Six lifts including a gondola move people efficiently, and the north-facing aspect means powder stays cold and untracked longer.

This is where Japanese families and savvy internationals escape the Niseko zoo. Weekdays feel like a private mountain - you'll ski the same runs as locals who've given up on Hirafu's chaos. Base facilities are refreshingly uncrowded, staff actually have time to help, and the onsen scene is authentic rather than Instagram-curated. It's Niseko's best-kept secret hiding in plain sight.

"Skiing through Virginia powder and weaving through the trees was an absolute dream—an exhilarating and deeply rewarding experience that any powder enthusiast would appreciate."

— Google Review

• ✓Powder hunters who've done the Niseko thing and want to remember why they fell in love with skiing
• ✓Families who want legitimate terrain variety without wrestling crowds for gondola space
• ✓Intermediates ready to actually improve on challenging runs instead of surviving cat tracks back to base

• ✗You need extensive English support - this isn't the international Niseko experience
• ✗You're chasing nightlife and Aussie-filled bars - the village is quiet and authentically Japanese
• ✗Strong winds make you nervous - upper lifts close more often than you'd like during storms

Late December through February for peak powder - the same legendary Niseko storms hit here first. Avoid New Year week and Lunar New Year when even the quiet corners get busy, but honestly, any midweek day in January feels like having a private mountain.

1. Taking the connecting bus from Hirafu thinking it's convenient - it's slow, crowded, and you'll waste prime skiing time
2. Expecting the same level of English support as other Niseko areas - brush up on basic ski Japanese or download a translation app
3. Not checking wind forecasts before committing to a day here - when upper lifts close, your advanced terrain options disappear

1. Skip the connecting bus from Hirafu entirely - it's crowded and slow. Drive or stay at Annupuri base to have the mountain to yourself at first chair
2. Hit Gate 2 after fresh snow and hike up for untouched backcountry powder - it's the locals' secret stash while tourists lap the groomed runs
3. When upper lifts close due to wind (happens regularly), you're stuck taking the bus back instead of skiing - check weather forecasts and have a backup plan