Japan’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Higashiyama Niseko Village, opens this winter

By Skier & Snowboarder on 25th August 2020

by Lulu Sheard

British Skiers’ and snowboarders’ will be hoping Covid travel restrictions to Japan will be eased by this winter so they are able to enjoy the country’s legendary powder snow, plus its interesting culture and cuisine.

And as an added incentive, well-heeled skiers and snowboarders looking for high end luxury during their stay will be interested to hear that Ritz-Carlton Reserve is opening Higashiyama Niseko Village on 15 December 2020.

The 50-room resort sits at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri in Niseko Village and offers guests ski-in and ski-out facilities into Niseko’s mountain range which has 2,191 acres of skiable terrain.

Guests can make use of two distinctive restaurants, a comfortable lounge, a spa and onsen, and a fitness centre, while soaking in panoramic views of Mount Yotei and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Niseko’s expanse of fall-line ski terrain from peak to base, the village has been selected to host all four alpine disciplines; slalom, giant slalom, super-giant slalom (super-G) and downhill at the 2030 Winter Olympics.

YTL Hotels’ Niseko Village is also home to three other hotels including a Hilton hotel, the all-suite hotel Hinode Hills, which opened in December 2019, and a row of luxury townhouses.

Nightly rates during the winter season at Higashiyama Niseko Village start from JPY 120,000 (£850 approx).