Snacks and Suitcases

Skiing Niseko with Kids: Best family friendly ski resorts in Japan

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This is the 2nd episode in the Ski Japan Series and it’s all about the snowiest and fluffiest, ski destination in Japan… Niseko!

In this episode of Snacks and Suitcases, host Sally Stanton sits down with long-time Niseko devotee Christie Hampton, who has spent more than 20 winters in Japan’s most famous ski town. If you’re dreaming of that light, dry, ridiculously fluffy Hokkaido powder (that you simply cannot get in Australia), this is your ultimate family guide to skiing Niseko. Plus Christie also shares why the ski resorts in Rusutsu and Furano are also fantastic options.

Christie first visited Niseko decades ago, long before it blew up into the global ski phenomenon it is today. Now, she returns every single Japanese winter with her family. Her kids have been skiing that powder since they were two years old, so she is a bona fide expert!

Sally and Christie cover:

  • Why Niseko continues to win “Best Ski Resort in Japan” year after year
  • What first-timers need to know about weather, gear, goggles and the cold
  • Whether Niseko is comfortable for babies and toddlers
  • Why booking ski school (and pretty much everything possible) early is essential
  • Where to eat, shop and explore beyond the slopes
  • What makes Furano and Rusutsu worth adding to your itinerary
  • Onsens (yes, we talk about mixed onsens!) and the magic of Japanese snow culture
  • Day trip ideas, terrain advice.

    • Christie gives a refreshingly honest, super helpful breakdown of what makes Niseko special and why so many families return year after year. If you’re tossing up whether to make Japan your next snow holiday… this episode will absolutely seal the deal.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Welcome to Niseko: A Family Ski Paradise

    03:01 The Allure of Niseko's Powder Snow

    06:01 Skiing in Hokkaido: Comparing Resorts

    10:37 Christie's Journey: From Visitor to Local

    11:44 Exploring Other Hokkaido Resorts

    15:33 Why Niseko is the Best Ski Area in Japan

    22:01 The Changing Face of Niseko

    25:19 Budget-Friendly Tips for Families

    26:05 Getting Around Niseko: Transportation Tips

    27:57 Activities for Non-Skiers: Food and Onsens

    30:52 Exploring Onsen Culture in Japan

    32:45 Family-Friendly Activities in Niseko

    34:59 Day Trips and Local Attractions

    37:44 Ski School Insights for Kids

    42:02 Winter Weather and Clothing Essentials

    48:04 Packing Tips for a Niseko Trip

    49:42 Shopping and Supermarket Experiences

    52:10 Quickfire Questions about Niseko

     

    Topics  we mentioned

    Furano Ski Resort

    Rusutsu

    Rhythm Japan

    Niseko United

    Grand Hotel Onsen

    Rhythm Rides

    Moiwa Lodge

    Ren Izakaya

    Gyu Bar

     

    Connect

    Thank you so much for listening. Please feel free to reach out with any questions via Instagram and Facebook

     @snacksandsuitcasespodcast @sallynanamis

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    Email: [email protected] 

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    AND... Don't forget your snacks or your skis! 

     

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    Snacks and SuitcasesBy Sally Stanton