An interview with Brave Ski Dad Peter Galante, a American father of three living in Tokyo, with input from his wife Lynn, sons Peter Z, Gabriel, and Leonardo, on family skiing at Niseko, Japan.
If you could only ski at one resort this season with your family, which resort would you choose?
Our family chooses Niseko, Japan with positive votes coming from Dad & Mom, Gabriel (age 11) and Leonardo age (age 7). Twelve-year old Peter Z dissents, and votes for Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. Says dad, “Peter’s never been, but is Jackson Hole dreaming!”
Why family skiing at Niseko, Japan?
- Snow and scenery: Niseko has received an average of over 13 meters (42 feet) of light, dry snow over the last 10 seasons which turns the whole mountain into a winter wonderland.
- Nice and friendly ski instructors (Gabriel)
- Japan and super-cool local residents (Peter Z)
- Snowy trees and good instructors (Leonardo)
Runner up reason: Hot Springs.
“Go from the top of the mountain where the temperature is -10C/14F to hot springs where the temperature is 41C/105.5F in 10 minutes,” shares Peter, adding that “the change in temperature is an incredible feeling, AND the hot spring seems to be a magical elixir that cures all injuries (smile).”
What are the best amenities at Niseko for family skiing?
- Snowmobiling
- Snow tubing area
- Rock climbing
- Night skiing
(For a ski mom’s take on skiing at Hakuba, Japan, follow this link!)
What needs to be improved at Niseko to make it even better for family skiing?
In 2021 the lifts, while good, could have used updating, and that was partially accomplished in 2022!
Added to Hanazono: 10 person gondola and latest POMA (France) 6-seater complete with individual heated leather seats, footrests, and a wind guard.
Some more improvements would be great, and more amenities for the family for non-ski days would be great.
However, most people are taking advantage of the powder every day they can.
Are there any “secrets” are you willing to share about family skiing at Niseko, Japan?
- Powder, powder, powder – on average over 13+ meters or 42 feet.
- You can traverse to the other side of the mountain relatively easy if you are upper intermediate skier. You’ll get to ride the famous 1-seat (pizza box) ski lift!
- Strawberry fields – a famous off-piste section of the mountain which snowboarders love, share both Gabriel and Leonardo.
What your best advice for other families before they ski at Niseko?
Practice off-piste skiing, and get ready for world-class skiing and world-class eating!
What are your favorite places to eat at Niseko?
- Mom and dad choose China Kitchen @ Park Hyatt Niseko (for weekend lunch) and Kamimura for fine dining.
- Peter chooses King Bell.
- Gabriel and Leonardo are united in their love of Italian at the Park Hyatt Niseko.
How about lodging?
The Galante family chooses the Park Hyatt Niseko, for its ski in/ski out convenience. “It’s just five minutes from hotel room to ski lift,” shares Peter. And the hotel offers night skiing until 7pm!
What makes family skiing at Niseko, Japan unique?
- We will say it again: powder, powder, powder – on average over 13+ meters or 42 feet.
- No snow guns needed.
What is your favorite memory of family skiing at Niseko?
- Family run in the deep January powder (mom and dad)
- Skiing fast and breaking 100km / 63mph (Peter Z)
- Skiing with my family (Gabriel)
- Skiing with my local friend, Amedeus (Leonardo)
Do you have any family skiing tips to share with other parents?
In Japan, don’t carry your skis or boards, but ship them with Black Cat delivery (Yamato Delivery).
What is your favorite thing about family skiing?
Skiing together provides some separationfrom our daily routines in our normal lives.
Peter (American), Lynn (Chinese), Peter Z (12), Gabriel (11) and Leonardo (7) live in downtown Tokyo. We take every chance we get to travel.
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