Country Resort Niseko

Mt Yotei was a lovely view, and we liked being a little outside town where it was quiet. The lodge was clean and warm. Having our own driveway made coming and going simple, and the car was useful for the roughly 7 min drive to Hirafu and for getting to Kutchan to shop for groceries. Some stretches were windy and icy, but we were fine driving slowly. The kitchen had plenty of utensils, though it lacked basics like salt, pepper, soy, and oil. Buying those for a 5-7 night stay is a hassle, and they’d probably just get left behind. One bedroom had two single beds but storage for only one person, so one of the kids had to keep their things in a suitcase. Winter clothing takes up a lot of room, so more wardrobe space is needed. The decor was disappointing. There were just six chairs and a table, two sofas, a coffee table, and two cheap plastic stools. After a day on the slopes, a more homey feel would be nice. The price isn’t low, but the furnishings don’t reflect that. The smaller lodges are much more dated and shabby than the premium lodges shown in the Google photos. The reception staff could be warmer. A young English man showed us around our cabin and was lovely and friendly, but the reception team felt pretty cold.

The main drawback was how much sound traveled between floors. We could hear people walking and talking upstairs, which was tough because half our group stayed up late and the rest got up early. We had a few nights with very little sleep. Still, our Snow ❄️ Group had a wonderful stay at Country Resort in Niseko. There was lots of open space and light, it was warm, and we had a good spot for gear, laundry inside, and a decently sized kitchen. Cleaning was also done during our stay. The location worked well, about 6 minutes to Grand Hirafu, 10 to Niseko Village, and 12 to Kutchan. I also loved having a bathtub. @JYoffe

Getting to the main Hirafu area and slopes took about 7 minutes by car, and communication with the team was generally smooth. My friends and I had a great time at Country Resorts. The chalet was spotless, with large windows and a high ceiling, and it had everything we needed: a washing machine, dishwasher, stove, cooking utensils, a rice cooker, and plenty of heaters to keep us warm and dry. I’d recommend it for groups.

The main drawback for me was the out-of-the-way location. There are free shuttle buses, but they only leave every 45 min, so following the timetable can be a bit of a hassle. They did run on time, though. If you don’t mind working around the bus schedule, or have your own transport, this place should suit you. The rooms were clean and comfortable, the house was well stocked, and all the staff were welcoming and friendly. It seems especially good for larger groups.