FAQ’s

The closest international airport to the Niseko Resort Area is New Chitose International Airport (CTS) also referred to as Sapporo airport. The airport is located in Chitose city which is 36km south east of Sapporo city and 120km east of the Niseko Resort Area.

Niseko is in the northern island of Japan Hokkaido. It is approx 2 hours flight from Tokyo or Osaka the airport you have to fly into is Chitose(Sapporo) Airport.

There are buses which connect from the New Chitose airport in Sapporo to Niseko. Freeride backpackers Lodge . The bus is approx 3 hour from the airport to Niseko. Otherwise you can book your own train and it takes about the same time but has many platform changes so it is not ideal with luggage + taxi cost.

Freeride Backpackers Lodge provides free transfers on your arrival and departure. We pick up and drop off from the Hinode Hills in Niseko Village for bus arrival and the Niseko Town train station for train arrivals. Please inform us at least 5 days prior of you arrival time so we can arrange the pick-up. /we do not provide transfers after 10.30pm - 7 am

Freeride Lodge is about 8 minute walk to the closest lift. You can also get a Niseko Uniteld Shuttle(NUS) bus which has a stop virtually in front of the lodge .

Freeride Lodge is located in Niseko Village about 4 kms from Hirafu. 10 minutes on local bus which you can catch from the front door

We have a bar which operates for special events. These will be publisied on our guest notice board in the main lodge.

Yes, but please refrain from bringing these into the bar area on event nights. Refrain from eating in the bedrooms, there is a guest dining room where you can do this. We have a fully equipt kitchen for guest to use so you are welcome to cook up your own meal.

Bus stops are located 20 meters from the lodge front door and operate from 8 am till 22:30pm. Higashiyama Pension Village stop is the closest stop. 

There are local buses called the NUS bus and they are free throughout the Niseko united ski area if you purchase and all mountain pass. Otherwise they range from 200 yen to 500yen. They operate from 8.00am till 22:30. The other option is to get taxis, or hire a car. If you Hire a car you need an international drivers licence.

Niseko Village has a few restaurants in walking distance from the lodge. The Hilton, Green leaf and HInode hills are  located in the Village with a variety of bars and restaurants open for lunch and dinners

Prativo Restaurant is walking distance and offers a great buffet lunch and dinner options focusing on local produce.

Black Diamond  also has a small restuarnt offering Japanese and western food with a pool table

Mandriano Pizza offers amazing pizza they are famous all over Japan for thier cheese and pizza offer lunch and dinner

Milk Kobo is a short stroll the are famousfor  Hokkaido cheese tarts  and ice cram which are a must try open till 5pm

 Snow dog has a small izakaya restaurant(Upa Shiseta) which is a 3 minute walk from the lodge.

Sandwhich container offers a range of sandwhiches and burgers which is located just near Snow Dog 

A number of restaurants in Niseko town provide free transfers to and from the lodge this is a great way to experience some great local food and culture away from the main tourist hub of Hirafu.

Yes you can we have a fully equipped kitchen availbale for guests, we have a large dinning area wher you can chill out and socailize with other guest. We have hotpot equipment which is the ideal sahre meal between friends

No, the lodge has not ensuite room. The lodge has 3 bathrooms, which have bath and shower and separate male and female toilets these are shared between the lodge guest.

We have a 3 bed room ski house which have its own bathroom and kitchen for private rental. 

The closest onsen is located at the Hilton 2 minutes on the Bus. There is also the Yumeguri bus which does the circuit of the onsens and operates till 9.00pm. 

Japan is cash based society, so it pays to get money out at the airport as you will find that most small restaurant, bars  only accept cash. There is a ATM at the Hilton Hotel and there are ATMs in Hirafu area. Also one in Nearby Niseko town or Kutchan. There is also a currency exchange available in Hirafu area in Niseko.

Yes it is. The impressive lift system services all of the Niseko United Ski Area. We also have some of the quickest access to the steepest fall lines in Niseko Gate11!

Niseko is renowned world wide as having one of the largest night ski areas in the world. A truly amazing experience which gives real value for your money when you purchase a lift ticket as you can be skiing or riding for 12 hours a day.

There are a variety of hire places in the area . The one we recommend is Winter First  https://winter1st.com/en/ bookings can be made online and they will come and fit and delivery your rental package to the lodge 

Yes you can and it is a great idea if you are staying a few nights in the city. You can forward your ski gear with this company http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html  at most airports or major hotels to the door of your next hotel. We accepts luggage to arrive at the lodge and can store for a maximum of 2 days prior to your arrival date.

Most people arrive in Japan via one of the two main international airports, Tokyo(HND), Narita(NRT) or Osaka(KIX). Most major airlines such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines, JAL and budget carriers such as Jetstar have regular flights to Tokyo and Osaka. From there you can easily get a domestic flight with Jetstar, AirDo, Skymark, Peach or any of the major airlines to CTS. Please use the website at https://skyticket.com/

The most convenient way is via bus transfer. The journey will take between 3 hours depending on road conditions. Please get the bus to Hinode Hills Niseko Village bus stop.

Other options are JR train this can be a painful experience as there are many platform changes , or private transfers and get a taxi to the lodge.

Below are links to book your bus online:

Resort Liner 

White Liner

Big Runs

After the bus booking, please let us know your estimated arrival time at Hinode Hills bus stop at least 5 days prior to your arrival date. Freeride lodge is appox 8 minutes walk down a gental slope  from the bus stop but we'd be happy to pick you up for free of charge if you let us know in advance.

If your plane arrives after 19:30 your choices are private transfer, car rental or to stay in Chitose (airport) city for the night. The last bus departs the airport at 19:45.

If your plane departs before 11:30am it is possible to catch a train to the airport. The earliest train departs from Kutchan at 6:39am and arrives at the airport around 9:50am. (You will have to take a taxi from the Niseko Village Area to Kutchan Station.)

or please check bus timetables as there are many diffrent options

Skybus has a private transfer option to the airport. 

Staying a night in Sapporo city or Chitose (airport) city . From downtown Sapporo city to Chitose airport the fastest and least expensive way to get to the lodge is by bus.

Please refer to the http://www.new-chitose-airport.jp/en/spend/relax/spa/

Despite Niseko Moiwa’s proximity to the Niseko United Resort a separate lift ticket is required to ski at Niseko Moiwa. But you can access Moiwa from the bowls at Annupuri and though a track form the piste at Annupuri through to Moiwa. Once there you can buy a day or points pass and just use it as you use the lifts.

The Niseko United All Mountain Pass can be used at Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village (formerly Higashiyama) Niseko Grand Hirafu and Hanazono.  For more information and lift ticket prices please visit the Niseko United website.

Mid-December

The Good - No crowds, cheap accommodation and plenty of availability. Night skiing and the free village shuttle bus begin operating during this time. We offer and Intor to the Snow Camp during this period Niseko Beginers Base Camp a 3 night 4 day experience contact us for details.

The Not So Good –Limited off-piste skiing.

A wide selection of accommodation is available at rates lower than Peak Season rates. Places start to fill up for dates around Dec 15 onwards.

Weather & Snow Information

The backcountry gates will not yet be open and off-piste skiing will still be limited on the lower mountain. Large snowfalls can rapidly change the conditions. Night skiing is available from Dec 14th.

Temperatures average - 3°C.

Crowd Information

There are no crowds at this time.

Reservations for restaurants are typically not needed.

Late December to Early March

The Good – Excellent snow conditions. Lots of dry powder. Awesome night skiing. Nightlife has a good party atmosphere.

The Not So Good – Highest prices for accommodation. Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year can book out early. The coldest time of the year.

Highest prices for accommodation. Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year book out early.

6 months to 1 year in advance. Peak periods book out so don’t expect much in the way of last minute deals.

Mid December through early March is typically the snowiest season, with the best snow in late December, January and February. Niseko receives an average of 14 meters of snow per season with most of it coming during this time. There is excellent powder skiing during this time.

Temperatures range between - 2°C and - 11°C in the village and -15°C and -25°C at the peak

The busiest times are during the two weeks around Christmas and New Year. The other busy time is during the Chinese New Year.

While the town is crowded during this time of year, and restaurant reservations are a good idea, the peak time of year can be a great time to visit just for the sheer energy of the town and great skiing conditions.

Here’s a nice little secret … there can be some incredible skiing in March. Sunnier days, fewer crowds and great deals on accommodation, lift passes and ski rentals make it an ideal time to visit Niseko.

Try the night skiing. Many people come to Niseko but fail to experience the thrill of night skiing. Visibility is surprisingly very good even on stormy nights. Dress up warmly though.

Hire a guide to show you the best of what Niseko has to offer. You can choose from in mountain tours to full back country tours get out and discover what this area has to offer

Niseko’s main attraction in winter is the snow.  Most non-skiing activities revolve around snow including snowmobiling, snow shoeing, horse riding and dog sledding cooking classes and cultural activities.  For shopping you will have to travel outside the resort area to either Otaru city or Sapporo city. Just going and checking out the supermarket can be an interesting day out as well. Trains run frequently from Kutchan station and Niseko town station to Otaru and Sapporo cities.

Small bars and restaurants in the Niseko Ski resort  area do NOT accept credit cards or travellers cheques.  Restaurants that do accept credit cards may charge an extra service fee. Ski rental and ski goods stores accept credit cards and lift tickets can be purchased by credit card.

With around 200 places to dine at in the Niseko area there is no shortage of options.  From traditional Japanese to Western style and from fine dining to burger and chips to food vans, there is something to suit all tastes.

During the peak periods of Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year it is recommended to make reservations. Most restaurants have English speaking staff. Outside of these times you generally only need to make a reservation if you have a large group or want to dine at a popular restaurant. Many resturants take a reservation fee on oyr credit card to make a booking

No, Tipping is not customary in Japan and you should not leave a tip at your restaurant table as the wait staff will probably think you forgot your change and will chase after you to return it.

Most 4G phones will work however it is recommended that you check with your service provider before coming to Japan to see if your cell phone will work in Niseko.

Australian and New Zealand UHF-CB/PRS radios are strictly prohibited in Japan as they use the same frequency as Japanese television and radio broadcasts. Possession or use of such radios is illegal and may lead to imprisonment or heavy fines.

Generally it is very easy to get around speaking English only. Most signs and restaurant menus are in English.  Most Japanese have studied English at school but not many can speak it well. Simple written English is generally understood. There will be situations where English is not understood at all.  A simple phrase book and notebook and pen are quite useful to bring.

The average winter temperature in Hirafu Village is -2 degrees. On the mountain temperatures can get as low as - 25°C with wind chill factor. Neck warmers and face masks during skiing are recommended.

Hirafu has a super market or you can venture to Kutchan town is 12km from the Lodge and has 3 supermarkets. Local buses and night buses go frequently from the ski resort to Kutchan. Taxis are also available but it will cost around JPY4,000 one way.

Yes, there are several souvenir shops with a large range of goods. The New Chitose Airport and hotels in Niseko Village/Hirafu area also have souvenir shops. There are a few shops in the Niseko town area which have local crafts as well. If you do not have time for shopping and your main focus is getting fresh tracks you can always checkout www.arcticoriental.com for unique one of a kind designer cushions and soft furnishings made form up cycled Japanese Kimonos and Obis for that unforgettable gift.

Yes, Niseko Physio staff are Australian registered physiotherapists with extensive knowledge of winter sport strains and injuries.

The current Niseko snow forecast, snow depth and weather forecast can be found at snow-forecast.com.