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 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 or alternatively a train ride from nearby Kutchan via Otaru, Sapporo has a number of shopping centres as well as a long outdoor pedestrian walkway-home of the famous Yuki Matsuri (Ice Festival). tours to Sapporo and nearby Otaru are popular particularly in during ice festival time in early February.

Onsens - hot springs are a must as part of your ski experience. The Yukoro Onsen, and Onsen's at Hirafutei Prince, Alpen Hotel, and Yamada Onsen Hotel are open to the public. The Onsen at J-First is exclusive to hotel guests and the Scot Hotel completed their Onsen in October 2006. The Onsen bus is an easy method to get around to some very good Onsens on the Annupuri side of the mountain. Onsens are both a must do in Japan and a tricky experience requiring a degree of respect for local manners. Click here for a page on Onsen etiquette.

Intermediate and above skiers and boarders should consider an accompanied Mountain Tour with a guide to really get the best lay of the land. Consider a Private Guided Powder Tour with Adrian Camp from our office to maximize your powder experience, information can be found at http://www.thepowderguides.com. Village and ski trail maps are widely available in the village.

Preserve your Niseko ski memories - enquire in Japan about creating your own personalized Powder DVD. You will need to book after arrival. Minimum numbers for any departure 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. NSA - Niseko Snowmobile Adventures http://go-nsa.com/ offers backcountry snowmobiling and snowcat tours.