You want your ski holiday to be easy, hassle free, comfortable and full of the best ski experiences. That’s why we’re here! No matter your tastes, budget and style, there’s a package to suit you.
Imagine has built up a great reputation along its journey of development around East Asia since 2014. With Imagine companies in Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan, we have a wealth of experience catering to clients of various cultures, languages and preferences.
In Hokkaido, we have a strong team of qualified, multi-lingual ski and snowboard instructors, a range of accommodation options and a thorough knowledge of the island’s must-visit spots and best kept secrets alike.
Niseko is the most famous ski area in Asia and for good reason! Made up of four linked resorts – Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono – there’s something for everyone. Have beginners in your group? Our instructors will start them off on the gentle learner slopes of Annupuri. Throwing down tricks in the park your thing? Head to Hanazono. Fancy some great night skiing and access to an array of classy dining options? Grand Hirafu may be your cup of tea. Niseko Village is often a local’s favourite for sneaking in some early morning fresh tracks. Of course, consistent powder, long groomers and that cosy mid-morning hot drink are to be found no matter where you go. The beauty is that you don’t even have to decide! One pass gives you access to explore all four areas, so you can pick your lines while the kids have fun in their lessons.
To ski in any of the Niseko area resorts, you can choose from any of our available lodges and hotel options in Hirafu, Higashiyama or Annupuri, all within easy reach of the slopes.
While it may not share the fame and brand power of Niseko just yet, for exactly this reason there is a lot to be said for Rusutsu. The relative lack of tourists tends to create a more spacious experience, with plenty of fresh tracks to be had. Speak to any local and you will see their face light up as they recall memories of their best day ever at Rusutsu, shredding soft powder between trees all day long.
Rusutsu won the prestigious World Ski Award’s ‘Japan’s Best Ski Resort’ for three years in a row, from 2017-2019!
Rusutsu is 40 minutes from Niseko, so it is recommended to visit both areas in one holiday if you are feeling adventurous. You can base yourself at one and visit the other, especially if renting a car or taking advantage of any of Imagine’s guiding, lessons or shuttle services.
By Christmas time, Hokkaido resorts are generally fully open, with ample snow coverage. Before this, in early December, it can be a little thin on the ground if the season gets a late start. If you are hunting for the deepest powder days, January, February and early March are your best bet. If you are able to avoid the true peak Chinese New Year period and come during term time, prices and availability will be the most preferable. April is an economical option, if your expectations are not quite as high for snow quality. Some resorts in Hokkaido even stretch the season out until mid-May!
If choosing one of our directly managed and operated ski lodges in Hirafu and Higashiyama, you can be assured of the most personalised trip experience, with Imagine staff and our close partners never too far away to cater to your needs. Hotels more your thing? Allow us to snatch you the best deals on hotels that come highly recommended by us. Sending the kids for lessons with us? Let us put you up in a ski-in-ski-out hotel where the instructor can literally begin the lesson at your doorstep while you kick back in a piste-view buffet restaurant!
Just let us know you if you are looking for a high-end hotel, a classic cosy lodge, or a budget shared room option, and we’ll tell you what’s available.
Imagine will take care of everything from airport pick-up onwards. We will arrange a private transfer, appropriate accommodation for group sizes, meals, lift passes and group ski and snowboard lessons! Trips can be any number of days. Of course, you can also pick and choose which items to include if you don’t require an all-inclusive package.
