Above: Hilton Niseko Village.

Skiiing in Japan: Niseko

** Where: Hokkaido, Japan.
** Why: From skiing to snowboarding and snowshoeing, there are plenty of powder-fueled activities to be found in Niseko on Japan’s northernmost island. Check out the legendary backcountry or take in the view of Mount Yotei from one of the area’s many onsen hot springs.
** Stay: The Hilton Niseko Village (81-136/441-111; doubles from US$205), located at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, is a ski-in, ski-out resort hotel with 506 contemporary rooms.
** Getting There: Niseko is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital city.
** When: The long Niseko ski season runs until early May, while night skiing is open from December to April. In February, nearby Sapporo hosts its annual Sapporo Snow Festival (Feb. 7–13). –Lauren Kelana