developments

NISEKO’S renaissance as a modern ski area with international appeal has been marked by an impressive array of attractive new buildings. But for sheer opulence, architectural innovation and scale, Odin House – the towering five-storey residence nearing completion in Hirafu’s middle village – has raised the bar dramatically

WHILE the leaves on the trees are yet to sprout, the recommencement of work on The Vale construction site is a sure sign spring is on the way.

Nisade Chairman Jonathan Martin said he was happy to silence the naysayers with the recommencement of the construction.

“This will put to rest the endless and unfortunate

WHILE the leaves on the trees are yet to sprout, the recommencement of work on The Vale construction site is a sure sign spring is on the way. Nisade Chairman Jonathan Martin said he was happy to silence the naysayers with the recommencement of the construction. "This will put to rest the endless and unfortunate rumours that the site is not

AFTER his house in the sun burnt down, he started building them in the snow. Powderlife caught up with the president of Hokkaido Tracks Resort Properties, Simon Robinson.

Could you start off by telling me a bit about yourself and how you came to Niseko?
I came here with my wife and business partner, Joasia, after we

NISEKO Kogen Kanko Co. Ltd., the company managing Grand Hirafu, the largest mountain resort in Niseko, is working on a new development named Irenka Village.

Irenka is an Ainu word meaning Utopia and within their 25 hectare site on the outskirts of Hirafu, Tokyu is planning to develop two hotels and at least 20 condominiums. Plans

IN literal terms, Niseko’s developments may be built on concrete slabs. But metaphorically speaking, they’re sitting atop powder, passion and a unique ski lifestyle enjoyed by Hong Kong entrepreneurs.

With little fanfare, Hong Kong-based entrepreneurs have come to enjoy a prominent place among the developers working in

THE scaffolding has come off of Suiboku, giving everyone in town a chance to see the latest addition to the Upper Village landscape.

West Canada Homes was chief project manager of Suiboku, Niseko Real Estate’s latest development. Its lead designer was the Japan-based company Atelier BNK.

The 10-unit apartment

THE developers of Panorama, which was to be built on a 3825sqm block of land in Upper Hirafu, have cancelled their plans to build, refunded all deposits received and put the site back on the market.

Panorama was designed to be an-all penthouse luxury development, due to include 55 units, day spa, wellness centre and commercial space.

HONG Kong-based developer Above+Beyond Hotels and Resorts is on track to build its flagship resort just down the road from the Ace Family Pair lift in Hirafu.

Projected to be completed by the winter of 2010/11, the resort will feature a total of 102 one, two and three-bedroom suites in the hotel, as well as 22 separate four-bedroom

Powderlife magazine had a chance to speak with Beckett Tucker, the sales director for Above+Beyond Hotels and Resorts, to get his impressions of its flagship Niseko property.

Where is the Above+Beyond team located?
We are all based out of Hong Kong, however, I will be here in Niseko for the next four months. I am working out