First Tracks was the first modern ski apartment in Niseko and to this day, it’s really hard to top this Hirafu classic.
First Tracks is basically as close to ski-in/ski-out accommodation as you can get without having to fork out the bucks you’d usually need to pay for that coveted ski-in/ski-out access. Our team loved our stay in the heart of Hirafu Village.
“Our apartment had huge windows that allowed for abundant light and great views of our new next-door neighbour: the Ace Family Run.”
Design
These days, Niseko is filled with sleek designer chalets and austere ski condos. That’s all very well and good… but sometimes you just want that cosy alpine feeling. Our apartment at First Tracks had huge windows that allowed for abundant light and great views of our new next-door neighbour: the Ace Family Run. Beyond that, the sunshine also helped keep the apartments nice and toasty, with a little help from centralised heating.
This cosy setting gave us the perfect excuse to curl up in front of the Apple TV on the nights we felt too lazy to head out. To add to the homely ambiance, the cupboards were stocked with board games like Scrabble and Monopoly. The slopeside ambiance was made complete by the gentle hum of the ski lifts waiting right outside.
All the bedrooms at First Tracks have split beds which can be set up as kings or two single beds. This allows for great flexibility, regardless of whether you’re travelling as a couple of couples, a family or a group of friends. And really, this setting is ideal for all of these scenarios.
Our two-bedroom apartment had a fully equipped kitchen and with the Seicomart convenience store within a five-minute walk, snacking and cooking at the apartment was easy. The apartments also have full laundry facilities, which is always great, especially if you’re travelling long term like we were.
Location
First off, we really do need to apply the well-worn cliché here: location, location, location! First Tracks is perfectly positioned to offer you direct access to the best Niseko has to offer. The apartments sit in Upper Hirafu Village, with the Ace Family ski run waiting literally in your backyard.
The Family Run is the gentlest slope in Hirafu, so First Tracks is a great choice for families. This also means that ski lessons are accessible right in your backyard. But you shouldn’t write First Tracks off as a “beginners only” option – the Ace Family Lift is high-speed quad, which connects with other lifts linking to all the way up the mountain, without having to walk or catch the shuttle bus.
Next to the unbelievable ski access, we loved having so many great restaurants and pubs within an easy walk. We spent a fun night out at Buddha Bar, a fantastic underground pub where we got to scribble on the walls in between drinks. Lucky for us, our new favourite pub was located just 200 metres from First Tracks. Another cool neighbour was Odin Place, a funky three-floor mall housing shops and restaurants.
Overall, First Tracks is all about accessing all areas. Besides the ski hill access and endless dining options, the Hanazono shuttle bus also stops right next door, so checking out even more slopes was easy. Like the Family Run, Hanazono is a great option for families and first-time skiers.
Final Verdict
First Tracks offers amazing access to the best Niseko has to offer. It was fantastic staying so close to the slopes and we loved having so many dining options right at our fingertips. The apartment felt warm, cosy and welcoming – just what you need after a long day of skiing.
Learn more about First Tracks or contact our team to book your stay. When you book through Powderlife, you’ll have access to our free concierge service. We can help arrange airport transfers, equipment hire, lift passes and lessons for your upcoming trip.