There’s no reason for the little ones missing out on your Niseko winter adventure when there are family-friendly stays like these. And the best part? Kids under 6 ski for free!
#1 Akatsuki Chalet
What: 5 bedrooms, from JPY 77,000 per night
Why we love it: The chalet offers amazing views of Mount Yōtei towards the east (just think of the sunrises!), and is designed with European flair, heated oak floors and an onsen-style bathroom. There’s also a home entertainment system.
Kid-friendly features: One of the bedrooms has two bunk beds. An additional baby bed can be requested free of charge, while a baby cot is available for rent. Children under 6 ski for free.
#2 Chalet Murasaki
What: 2, 6 or 8 bedrooms, from JPY 38,400 per night
Why we love it: It’s a convenient ski-in-ski-out stay with direct access to slopes not far from the Ace Family Quad Lift. A media room is equipped with Bose sound system, and there’s also a library with books about Japan. Large windows in the chalet overlook the slopes outside.
Kid-friendly features: Two bedrooms have bunk beds. Babysitting services are available at an extra charge, while cots and highchairs can be provided for free. Children under 6 ski for free.
#3 Foxwood
What: 4 bedrooms, from JPY 55,350 per night
Why we love it: The postcard-perfect view of Mount Yōtei goes well with the minimalist interiors of concrete and wood. The chalet is around 1km from the new Banzai ski lift and is located in the Higashiyama area, which is less crowded than Hirafu, but has plenty of dining and shopping options.
Kid-friendly features: One bedroom has a bunk bed for kids. Baby cot, high chairs and a maximum of 2 extra beds can be rented. Children under 6 ski for free.
#4 Gustav’s Hideaway
What: 4 bedrooms, from JPY 78,000 per night
Why we love it: Hirafu’s best attractions and amenities are nearby the house, which has lovely views of Mount Yōtei from the master bedroom and balcony (which has an outdoor Jacuzzi). The nearest lifts are about 1km away.
Kid-friendly features: One of the bedrooms has 3 bunk beds that sleeps 6 children. Baby cots and high chairs can be rented, and babysitting services can be requested at an extra charge. Children under 6 ski for free.
Read also: Family-friendly villas in Koh Samui
#5 Panorama House
What: 6 bedrooms, from JPY 159,000 per night
Why we love it: Panorama House is a chic 6-bedroom pad with a balcony located at the lower edge of Hirafu village, so you get unhindered views of Mount Yōtei. The floors are heated, and there’s a fully equipped kitchen and a media room with a state-of-the-art entertainment system.
Kid-friendly features: The bedroom in the basement level has 2 bunk beds for 4 children. Baby cots, high chairs, baby gates, and baby bathtubs can be rented, and babysitting services can be hired at an extra charge. Children under 6 ski for free.
#6 Silver Dream
What: 5 bedrooms, from JPY 160,000 per night
Why we love it: It’s located in Kabayama, just a little off the busy main Hirafu area, and has floor-to-ceiling glass windows that let in views of the landscape around you, including Niseko’s star mountain. The chalet has a Japanese-style bath and a fully equipped kitchen. Hirafu Village is a 10-minute walk away.
Kid-friendly features: One bedroom has two bunk beds that accommodate 4 kids. Baby cots and high chairs can be rented, and babysitting services are available at an extra charge. Children under 6 ski for free.
#7 AYA Niseko
What: Studio-4.5 bedrooms, from JPY 22,000 per night
Why we love it: This condo-hotel is a ski-in-ski-out retreat with a 24-hour reception and in-house facilities like a kid’s club, spa and gym, all within a short distance from Hirafu’s shopping and dining destinations. Three private family onsens are available for booking by hotel guests, but you should know that the Residence and Penthouse suites come with their own onsens!
Kid-friendly features: Baby cots are available to rent. There’s an in-hotel kids’ club and babysitting services. Children under 6 stay for free.
Read also: How to live your VVIP ski dreams at Hakuchōzan, Niseko