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Social media would lead us to believe there are only
a handful of luxury destinations to vacation this
season. We reveal a handful of hidden holiday spots
to get ahead of the trend.
BY MARK ELLWOOD
travel
trendsetting
wanderlust
Why? Europe's see-and-be-seen ski resorts
struggle with climate change—last season,
it didn't snow in Gstaad until January—but the
unique microclimate in this northernmost
corner of Japan remains unaffected. Japow,
Hokkaido's signature powder snow, is
as plentiful as ever, with more than 50 feet
expected each year.
What? The island of Hokkaido is a winter sports
playland, and the four ski zones in Niseko are a
60-mile drive from the main city, Sapporo (home
of the namesake beer and the origin of miso
ramen, so slurp down a bowl or two in tribute
Niseko's microclimate
provides abundant
powdery snow.
before leaving). The wide-open powder bowls
and pistes are fairly split between all skill levels.
Even better, there are several local hot
springs, which feed the countless onsens, ideal
for apres-ski muscle-soothing.
Where? Higashiyama Niseko Village is an
outpost of the ultra-luxury Ritz-Carlton Reserve
clique, and every element of the 50-room
property has been designed around kachou
fuugetsu—the concept of discovering yourself
through nature. On-staff Higashiyama
Reservists will assist in finding everything from
superb powder to backcountry ski runs.
IF YOU LOVE:
GSTAAD, SWITZERLAND
YOU NEED TO KNOW:
NISEKO, HOKKAIDO
BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M
