Hanazono Snow Land has 'Horse Trekking', Snow mobile rides and snow rafting from the second week of December to the end of March. Check prices and further details in Japan. Snow mobile rides are a blast and in years past have included extended trail tours.

SAPPORO LAST DAY TRIP For those looking to experience a proper Japanese city, Sapporo is it! With innumerable restaurants and shops, the city offers something to suit every taste. Approximately two and a half hours by bus, Sapporo has a number of shopping centres as well as a long outdoor pedestraian walkway - home of the famous Yuki Matsuri (Ice Festival). Transfers for the Yuki Matsuri are proposed - details to be finalized.

Onsens - hot springs are a must as part of your ski experience. The Yukoro Onsen, and Onsen's at Hirafute Prince, Alpen Hotel, and Yamada Onsen Hotel are open to the public. The Onsen at J-First is exclusive to hotel guests and Scot Hotel has promised an Onsen scheduled for completion before start of 2006/07 season.
Onsens are both a must do' in Japan and a tricky experience requiring a degree of respect for local manners. Click for a page on Onsen etiquette.

Our partners, Niseko Ground Services (NGS) will help you to have a great stay on and off the mountain. Intermediate and above skiers and boarders should consider an accompanied Mountain Tour with a trained guide to really get the best lay of the land. Village and ski trail maps are included in your welcome kit and these provide more up-to-date details of available shuttle transfers and bus timetables, especially useful for those staying in self contained accommodation wanting to buy more than is available in town, or travel beyond the boundaries of Hirafu.

The NGS/NPC Welcome Night at Fatty's is an opportunity to meet fellow skiers over a beer and get a good feel for what's hot.

Preserve your Niseko ski memories - Owain Bassett and Fujio operate tours to create your own personalized Powder DVD. You will need to book after arrival. Minimum numbers of may be required, check details in Niseko. Usually your DVD is delivered to your accommodation before you depart otherwise posted to you. Check conditions when you arrive as tours will need to be cancelled or rescheduled in the event of inclement weather.

The NISS - Niseko International Ski School operates the Yuki and Tictac kids clubs - emphasis is on lessons for kids of different ages. Bookings in advance are recommended.

NAC - Niseko Adventure Centre http://www.nac-web.com/e_index.htm has snowshoeing, backcountry and off piste tours. SAS - Scott Adventure Sports http://www.sas-net.com/a.asp?l=e&a=about has Snow Mobile, Snow Rafting and Snow Shoeing activities as well as ski and Board Lessons.