If you want to hit the slopes this winter and looking for a family-friendly resort, grab your skis – large and small – and head to Niseko in Japan. This picturesque resort with views of Mount Yotei offers first-rate chalets, English speaking staff and endless pistes full of powder.
STAY

The Vale is a group of glamorous self-catering apartments that provide a Japanese alpine experience like no other. With stunning views of the ski run, your own personal onsen, a swimming pool, and a fine-dining restaurant, this award-winning property is the ultimate in ski-in ski-out luxury. You can choose from a 1.5 bed to three-bedroom chalet, or if you want to spoil yourself splurge on the penthouse apartment. Or if you’re traveling with a large group, you could look at the super chic Annabel chalet that can cater for up to 12 people. It is close to the slopes and restaurants, offers amazing views of Mount Yotei, and has a media and games room for kids.

EAT

If you’ve got a picky eater in your family who is sure to turn their nose up at raw fish, book a table at A BU CHA 2. This lively Japanese izakaya serves a wide range of mouthwatering dishes such as organic grilled chicken with green tea salt, tofu and tuna salad, and salmon butter-corn hot pot. Or if you plan to have a couples night and taking a break from the kids, treat yourself to a meal at Kamimura. Sample menus include Hokkaido mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto, Niseko potato puree with lily bulb and black olive, and grilled local fish Soi with puttanesca sauce. Absolutely divine.

PLAY

If the kids think you’re cool for taking them skiing, up the ante by taking them snowmobiling. You can speed through trails cut through the sprawling golf course at the Green Leaf Hotel. Younger kids can ride adults so it’s an activity everyone can enjoy.

AND WHEN YOU WANT A DAY OFF FROM THE SLOPES

Visit the seaside town of Otaru – a short train ride from Niseko. Take a stroll along the canal adorned with Victorian-style street lamps, discover the arts and crafts at the shopping bazaars, and dad might want to sample some of the town’s famed beer.

Suggested Itineraries

Canadian Heli-Ski Adventure

Whistler & Ski British Columbia

  • Enjoy heli-skiing in the wilderness of Northern British Columbia

  • Witness the snowy landscapes in Canada from above with a helicopter ride

  • Stay in comfortable lodgings with hot tubs and saunas

  • Dine on local cuisine and enjoy après-ski activities

  • Benefit from top-quality equipment and professional heli-ski guides

ideal length 8 nights

Classic Finland

Helsinki Finnish Lapland

  • Discover the highlights of Helsinki on a private guided tour

  • Look for the Northern Lights from your private glass igloo

  • Hit the slopes at the vibrant ski resort of Levi

  • Visit the SnowVillage and enjoy a meal in the ice restaurant

  • Explore the landscape on reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris

ideal length 8 nights

Winter in Whistler

Whistler & Ski British Columbia

  • Enjoy a fun family skiing trip in North America’s best ski destination

  • Glide down the exhilarating slopes of Blackcomb Mountain

  • Easy weary muscles in a soothing hot tub

  • Explore the snowy canopy on a zipline eco-tour

  • Entertain the kids with ski school and cookery classes

ideal length 7 nights
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