Top 5 reasons to visit Niseko in early December!

(updated August 2024)

You will sometimes hear people say that the best time to visit Niseko is in the months of January and February. That is only true if you are a veteran skier travelling the world, always on the lookout for the biggest snowfalls and the best snow conditions imaginable. However in Niseko the early winter season is not to be missed! In early December, you will find a much less crowded resort, save plenty with great early season offers and get to experience many activities that are otherwise hard to book in the heart of winter. 

If you are hesitant in booking a trip to Niseko in early December, fear not! Our team compiled below a list of our five favorite reasons to visit at this time, year after year. Vacation Niseko's local experts will be happy to help you create a discounted early winter package filled with memorable moments.

1) Mild weather and clear skies

The first few weeks of winter in Niseko are characterized by relatively warmer winter weather. Forget about the harsh January and February low temperatures and strong the wind gusts. Early December in Niseko is just cold enough to have snow without having to consider that extra layer that is needed in the depths of winter. This is a great time for families who have not experienced a snowy winter before but would like to try some snow activities for the first time.

In addition, the visibility in early winter is much better than in the peak winter months. This means you have a better chance of taking breathtaking photos of your vacation that include Mt. Yotei in all its glory in the background. It truly ranks among one of the world's most impressive skiing scenes. 

But that great, clear weather doesn't mean that the world-renowned powder snow that makes Niseko famous is nowhere to be found in December. There are still pretty good opportunities for you to enjoy Niseko's renowned snow. Year after year, almost half of the winter's total snowfall is received by the end of December.

2) The town is yours!

The first weeks of December are one of the quietest period in Niseko throughout winter. This means there is a shorter waiting time (or even no queues at all) for the ski lifts! You will be enjoying the entire mountain with minimal fuss. 

On the mountain, the ski school instructors will have much more time for one-on-one interaction. The beginners' learning facilities are also much less crowded. With fewer skiers on the slopes, you'll feel much more at ease when learning skiing, as there is much less people to keep track of! If you are a seasoned skier or snowboarder, you'll also find that the slopes get tracked out way later in the day or even not at all. You can enjoy those fresh tracks until late in the day!

From December 1st onward, you'll find Niseko operating at full steam. This means that most restaurants will be open to welcome the first patrons of the season. Some tables in Niseko are notorious for being almost impossible to get a seat at on peak dates. In early December, there is no worry of that kind to be had. Advance reservations are often not required. This means that if you are travelling with a large number of friends and family members, you'll have much more options, even if you decide at the last minute where you want to spend the evening!

3) Discounts on great properties

To make sure you'll have a great time in Niseko, we have prepared a very competitive discount that will let you experience the best ski resort in Asia at affordable prices. You can find special deals on everything when you visit us in early winter. There are great rebates on luxury accommodation that may be a little out of your budget as soon as 2 weeks later. It is a good chance to experience properties in our Prestige Collection. Our apartments and houses are discounted as well!

Save up to 25% on your accommodation - Vacation Niseko offers a range of accommodation discounts for stays in Early December. Our friendly reservation staff can also help you arrange accommodation, airport transfers and other services to make your trip easy!

4) Early december is not just about skiing!

With a limited number of visitors in resort, you'll find out that trying non-ski activities is really easy! No matter what you'd like to do, you'll find places that are able to let you experience a fun day without requiring a booking to be placed months in advance!

On your next early winter trip to Niseko, you could consider some of these fun-filled activities that take place away from the mountain:

• Experience a traditionnal Japanese onsen: No trip to Niseko is complete without a visit to a Japanese-style hot spring - the onsen. Early winter means you'll find no crowds at the dozen of onsens readily-accessible from Niseko!
• Day tours to neighboring Otaru, Lake Toya and more: Niseko's ideal location make it a great base to explore the amazing scenery and vibrant cultural scene that awaits at Otaru town, Lake Toya and more! Click Check out our day tours where you can find more information about the most easy to reach sightseeing spots around Niseko.
• Professional photoshoot day: Niseko features many professionals photographers that can be there to capture everything, from the children’s first time on skis to the family snowball fight in the woods. 
• Snowtubing and sledding: A fun activity that can be shared by the whole family. No special equipment required, just bring your smile and enjoy the feeling of sliding on the snow!

Snowtubing is a fun activity that can be shared by the whole family.

The Otaru canals are one of the many picturesque destinations you can visit when you base your trip in Niseko!

5) You will be back for more!

One thing is sure, if you visit Niseko in early December to discover the joys of winter, you'll be assuredly back for more! You will have had the chance to familiarize yourself with skiing or snowboarding, know the best spots in town and how to make the most out of your time. On your next visit, you'll be ready to explore the many great side-country terrains and powder snow stashes that keep people coming back year after year. 

Also, returning customers often get access to exclusive deals and discounts - just ask your accommodation provider to see what loyalty programs are available!

Have any questions? Just ask our friendly local experts.