First time on the slopes but from what I could tell, this was the best hotel to start off with. It has a ski-in/ski-out location, with the beginners run and ski lift just behind the hotel - fantastic location and easily accessible to the rest of the mountain. The room was very comfortable and very clean. Tea and a sweet... more

We have spent 11 nights in Hirafutei Prince Hotel and were very happy with everything. It has a ski-in/ski-out location, albeit through a walkway built around the hotel, but still much better than most of the other villas around Grand Hirafu. The beginers run is just behind the hotel, the exit to the ski slopes is at the first floor,... more

If you are looking for a place that is still a bit innocent, with snow that refreshes itself nightly. Then consider Hokkaido and in particular Niseko. About 3 hours south of Sapporo, Niseko and nearby Kutchan play host to a great multi-slope resort. Resort because it does run year round, summer catering to the hot spring lovers (hot springs with... more