A firsthand look at what it really costs to ski Niseko and Rusutsu based on personal experience in 2025, plus practical tips on gear rentals, lodging, transportation, and more to help you plan smarter and chase Japow without blowing your budget.
A flexible 5–7 day ski itinerary for Hokkaido, based on real experience in Niseko and Rusutsu. Includes tips on rental gear, lift passes, where to stay, how to plan around the weather, and what to expect on and off the mountain in 2025.
Japow’s alive and well in 2025 — but should you ski Niseko or Rusutsu? I hit both on the same trip, and here’s how the snow, crowds, and vibe really stacked up.
Heard about the crowds in Japan? As incredible as Japow still is, the secret’s out — so I’ve been scouting other corners of Asia that might capture some of that same magic.
From Kyrgyzstan’s powder bowls to Kashmir’s high-altitude steeps, here’s what’s tempting me for 2026 and beyond.