Niseko is probably the most famous of Hokkaido's winter resorts, boasting not only fantastic powder snow, but a real village atmosphere with plenty of bars and restaurants.

The reason Niseko has a reputation for such quantity and quality of powder snow is its location in Hokkaido. Located at the western end, it receives the brunt of the Siberian desert storm systems that march across the Sea of Japan from Russia with amazing regularity from November through March. Thanks to this, Niseko is a ski and snowboard dream destination, offering spectacular skiing and snowboarding opportunities whether you're a novice, intermediate or expert, all backed up by an English-speaking support team based at the resort.

The resort is made up of three main ski areas: Grand Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annapuri, all of which are linked together by an efficient system of ski lifts and a free resort shuttle. Out of the three areas, Hirafu has the most extensive array of runs and facilities as well as a great village with an abundance of hotels and nightlife.

The resort is fast becoming well-known with skiers and snowboarders throughout the world and each year sees a larger percentage of non-Japanese on the slopes - which has its upsides and its downsides, of course. With the infrastructure in town developing to cater for the new visitors, it means fewer language problems, the opportunity for some great night-skiing and an excellent après-ski scene!

N.B. Though Niseko's powder snow is generally extremely reliable, it's important to remember that like any other ski resort - it can occasionally fail!

The fun doesn't melt away with the snow, however, and in the summer months the temperate sunny days create the perfect paradise for outdoor activities. Not sure what you want to do? How about mountain-biking, wake-boarding, horse-riding, kayaking, golf, fishing, or trekking? the list goes on!

Niseko's northern location offers a reprieve from the heat and humidity of Japan's main island, and is also lucky enough to dodge the wetness of the rainy season. Mid-summer temperatures peak around 27C (80F), and cool off to around 18C (64F) during the evening. During the day you have green open spaces and clean air, and at night the stars are simply breathtaking.