Frequently Asked Questions

Before an escape like this, there are normally a thousand questions running through your mind.  We hope to cover the main ones and help you be best prepared to enjoy your trip in the snow.  If there is ANYTHING you need to know, feel free to contact the manager, who will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.

Q. How do I get to Niseko Annupuri?
A. It's very simple. Fly from your nearest international airport to Tokyo or Osaka then connect to the short flight to Sapporo's Chitos. Some cities have direct flights to Sapporo. As for getting from the airport to the lodge, when we process your booking, we will also make airport shuttle transfers to the lodge for you. After getting your baggage, you head to the Hokkaido Resort Liner counter where they will guide you to the shuttle bus.  When your shuttle arrives at the Annupuri Northern Resort bus stop, we will be there to meet and greet you and escort you to the lodge two blocks away.

Q. Dou you offer discount lift tickets?
A. Yes, we do for all of our guests.  For details, please inquire.

Q. Do day passes include night skiing?
A. Yes, all day tickets include night skiing.

Q. I don't have all my own gear can I hire equipment when I get there?
A. No problem. We have a high-quality hire service that covers everything from skis and boards to outerwear at very reasonable rates. After arriving at the lodge, just let us know your sizes and requirements and the equipment will be delivered and fit for you within 30 minutes.

Q. I have been riding for a while and really want to get into the deep backcountry for some more extreme stuff. Can I do that?
A. Totally. We are hooked up with the best backcountry guides in the region and have a fully functioning Ski and Board School called Niseko Winterlab that offers amazing guided tours and  deep backcountry options again at very reasonable rates!

Q. I would really like to hook my friend, his family together with my family and come up to the lodge. Is that possible?
A. Of course.  The lodge is the perfect holiday spot for two or three families. Mom and Dad hit the slopes, the kids have a blast and with terrain suited to all levels of riders, the options are endless.

Q. I am in the process of some pretty important business. Will I still be contactable at the lodge?
A. Yes! Japan is a high-tech country with amazing communication systems and the lodge features free high-speed broadband Wi-Fi for your own laptop or an in-house computer for you to use.

Q. I have never ridden before. Am I able to get lessons?
A. Whether you are a total beginner or an expert wanting to brush up on technique with a private instructor, we can provide lessons for everyone at reasonable rates via our Niseko Winterlab Ski and Snowboard School.

Q. What if there is NO snow?
A. We guarantee that there will be snow for your trip!

Q. I have heard it's cold over there, but how cold is it and what sort of outerwear do I need?
A. Yes it is cold. At times the temperature gets as low as -15'C. Throw in the wind-chill and it can be the full "Ice Station Zebra". We recommend very good thermal base layers and a perhaps a long sleeved tee under your normal jacket. We also recommend a backpack and a additional layer in reserve.

Q. I am a bit fussy on the food front what will I be eating?
A. There are plenty of Western & Japanese style restaurants, cafes and bars in the Annupuri area for you to choose from.

Q. I have never ridden deep powder before am I going to be able to handle it?
A. Yes.  With a few adjustments to equipment and subtle changes in technique,  powder snow is actually a lot easier to ride than more compact snow.  If powder is not to your liking, there are tons of groomed trails to ride as well.

Q. I was looking at the map and Niseko Annupuri seems like a small area. Will there be enough to keep me busy?
A. Annupuri is part of Niseko United, a network of resorts and trails that is MASSIVE. You can ski over into the other areas quite easily. Altogether there are over 30 trails for you and then there are the back bowls of Annupuri.  We have been riding 30-50 days a year in Niseko for the best part of the last decade and still have not seen it all ... then there is the backcountry!

Q. With all this snow, is there high avalanche danger?
A. Avalanches are a threat outside of the patrolled areas and any guests riding in those areas do so at their own risk. Backcountry guides are the experts in this terrain and we recommend you use one at all times if you go into the deep backcountry. Also, there are avalanche reports posted in at the lifts in all areas.

Q. What happens if I get hurt, do I need travel insurance?
A. There are full medical services close by.  We have all the relevant contacts for doctors and have a full translation service.  Travel insurance is recommended for all guests and we recommend you check that your policy includes snow sports.

Q. What type of power do you have can I charge my computer and camera?
A. Japan's electricity supply is 110V and uses the same plug connections as the USA. The lodge has numerous converter plugs available on request.

Q. If I need cash, how do I get it?
A. We have a number of vehicles on standby, so it's just a matter of driving to the ATM nearby. The lodge also has full credit card facilities.

Q. Do I need to bring towels or linen?
A. No. All towels and linen are provided by the lodge.

Q. Can I go riding at night?
A. Yes!  We have some of the world's best night riding available till 9:00 pm each night.

What do I bring?

• Two pairs of goggles, one with a clear lens for night riding and one with a tint for low visibility (we ride with three pairs so you always have a fresh pair after that total blow out in the deep pow.)
• Your favorite board or skis.
• A helmet for those fast runs through the trees.
• Two sets of thermals and socks.
• Two good beanies.
• Lip Balm.
• Voltaren, Celebrex, Naprosin, Panadol and any other medicines required to ease those sore backs and legs.
• A good jacket and pants rated for -15'C conditions.
• Two neck warmers.
• Laptop to connect to the free Wi-Fi.
• A good backpack for riding.
• Spare set of gloves. 
• Goggle-defogging spray if you can get it.  If not, it is available on the mountain.
• A great attitude and hunger for FUN.

Snow Report

For the latest Annupuri Lodge snow report click here!

Galleries

Check out the latest image and video gallieries from the resort click here!