7 Best Ski Resorts in Japan, Where Olympic Slopes Meet Traditional Onsens

"As the snowiest country on Earth, Japan is a premier ski destination. Every winter, cold, dry air from Siberia passes over the warm Sea of Japan, where it picks up moisture and turns areas like the Japanese Alps, where annual snowfall often exceeds 400 inches, into a winter wonderland. And, with nearly 500 resorts packed into a country just slightly smaller than California, Japan is equipped to take full advantage of Mother Nature's bounty."

"The country features some of the deepest snowpack, most immaculate tree runs, and most delicious ski resort food you'll find anywhere on the planet. Not only that, but many of these resorts give you quite the bang for your buck due to their accessibility by public transit (including the legendary bullet trains), and affordable lift tickets, sometimes costing just one-tenth the cost of similar popular US resorts."

"The undisputed epicenter of Japan's mythical "Japow," Niseko United is nestled high in the mountains of Hokkaido, Japan's northern island. You might think of this constellation of four interconnected resorts (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri) as Japan's answer to Aspen, transforming Mount Niseko-Annupuri into a world-class ski destination. While the buzz and international feel mean lift lines can be long during peak season, the sheer quality and consistency of the snowfall here are arguably worth it."

Japan receives massive winter snowfall as cold, dry Siberian air picks up moisture over the warm Sea of Japan and deposits it over ranges like the Japanese Alps, where annual totals often exceed 400 inches. The country contains nearly 500 ski resorts within an area slightly smaller than California, offering deep snowpack, immaculate tree runs, and high-quality resort cuisine. Many resorts provide excellent value through rail accessibility, including bullet trains, and lift tickets that can cost as little as one-tenth of comparable U.S. prices. Niseko United on Hokkaido exemplifies the phenomenon with four interconnected resorts, reliable powder, gate-controlled backcountry, and extensive lift networks.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler