april snow in niseko

Tracey McGown writing in the ‘North West News’ provides some good reasons why you shouldn't settle for barely a metre of snow in June [in Australia] when you can have four metres in April.

“Grand Hirafu on the north island of Hokkaido is full of surprises like the Irish pub and a Tex Mex restaurant but it is the snow that will astound you most of all. You only have to mention the name to those who have been before to watch their eyes glaze over.

It is when you start talking to people the true secret of this ski village is revealed - fantastic skiing even now.

Once upon a time Queensland school holidays were in August--slap bang in the middle of the best snow conditions in Australia. Then they changed to late June and September, the most unreliable times for skiing.

Many have already surrendered to the siren song of the Japanese ski fields - on average 12m of snow falls annually and with six weeks holidays to fill in January this market has taken off. There is of course another secret to this winter wonderland destination that many people do not know - the ski season runs until May.”