🏔️ The History of Niseko: How Japan’s Powder Paradise Was Discovered

Annupuri mountain, walking steps away form Cove Niseko

Today, Niseko is one of the world’s most famous ski destinations — known for its deep, light powder snow and cosmopolitan charm. But this mountain resort’s story began long before it became a favourite among travellers from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, and beyond.

🌋 Origins of Niseko: A Land Shaped by Nature

Located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, Niseko sits in the shadow of the majestic Mount Yōtei, often called the “Mount Fuji of Hokkaido.”
The area’s name comes from the Ainu language — the Ainu being the Indigenous people of Hokkaido. “Niseko” (ニセコ) is derived from Nisekoan, meaning “a cliff jutting over a riverbank,” a poetic reflection of the region’s natural beauty.

Long before ski lifts and luxury chalets, Niseko was a quiet agricultural and hot spring area. Locals would visit the onsen (hot springs) to enjoy the geothermal waters that flow beneath the volcanic soil.

🎿 The Birth of Skiing in Niseko

Skiing first arrived in Japan in the early 1900s. In 1912, Austrian Major Theodor von Lerch introduced skiing to Japan’s Niigata region, sparking interest nationwide. By the 1920s and 1930s, Hokkaido — with its heavy snowfall and wide-open terrain — became an ideal training ground.

Niseko’s first ski area opened in 1934, when enthusiasts from nearby towns began exploring the slopes of Mount Annupuri. In 1961, the Niseko Kogen Kanko Company installed the first ski lift, laying the foundation for what would later become the Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort.

✈️ From Hidden Gem to Global Destination

For decades, Niseko remained a local favourite among Japanese skiers. The real transformation began in the 1990s, when adventurous Australian skiers and snowboarders began visiting Hokkaido in search of fresh, untouched snow.

They discovered that Niseko offered something truly rare — consistent, ultra-light powder snow, thanks to cold Siberian air sweeping across the Sea of Japan. Word spread quickly through the international ski community, and Niseko’s reputation exploded.

By the early 2000s, foreign investment and tourism transformed the area. Boutique lodges, international restaurants, and luxury chalets like Cove Niseko emerged, blending Japanese alpine charm with world-class comfort.

🌨️ Niseko Today

Today, Niseko is made up of four interconnected resorts — Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri — all offering access to over 2,000 acres of skiable terrain.
The area continues to attract travellers from around the world, not only for skiing and snowboarding, but for onsen bathing, fine dining, hiking, and year-round adventure.

Despite its modern development, Niseko has retained the warmth of a mountain village and the cultural heritage of Hokkaido’s Ainu roots. It’s a place where nature, tradition, and luxury coexist — and where every winter feels magical.

✨ Stay at Cove Niseko

At Cove Niseko, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty and history of this remarkable destination. Wake up to mountain views, explore pristine slopes, and return to refined comfort — a true reflection of Niseko’s evolution from hidden gem to luxury retreat.

👉 Find out more or contact us today to book your stay for the 2025/2026 winter season.

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