As you know, the Lunar New Year is fast approaching. When the clock moves past midnight on Sunday the 25th, we will moving into the Year of the Ox.  We’re not sure what that means for the burning issues of the day, but we do know what it means for The Chalets at Country Resort - 100% occupancy again!

 

We hope you are some of the lucky ones that will be here for the peak of the season. Snowfall is consistent and the powder is great.  Much like the recent holiday season, we will be in celebration mode.  I can’t tell you any more about it, but we will be sure to let you know in our post-CNY newsletter.  If you are here for the event, feel free to send us your favourite photos and we’ll publish them on our website (normal decency required).  As always, if you are looking for a place for friends or yourself while you are in Niseko, be sure to contact Hayley Richards (hayley.richards@nisekoresortsgroup.com) about our chalets and any vacancies we might have.

As Christmas Eve dawned, there was a rumour on the mountain that St. Nick himself was in Niseko for some killer boarding before his big night.  True to form, our favourite man in the Red Suit made an appearance.  Those guests who were deemed to have been “good” were among the first to receive their gifts which ranged from Toboggans and Japanese games for the children to Japanese Royce chocolates for the adults. While Santa appeared to be his normal portly self on the Chirstmas Eve visit, he must have burned off a few calories in his adventurous night as he was caught on the slopes the next day looking a bit thin.  He assured us in an exclusive interview (see below) that he did indeed sample all the cakes and biscuits that were left out for him and he thanked everyone for their epicurean generousity.

 

Niseko Resorts Group staff hosted a New Year’s Eve party at the Chalets. We had a great turnout with more than 30 in attendance.  We ate and drank from both the local produce and some old international favorites (the French still make great Champagne). Anna, Hayley, Joel and Alex provided music, skiing and snowboarding movie screenings, good cheer and bad dancing for entertainment.  A few of our guests bowed to tradition and created their own fireworks display before the staff shuttled the party goers into town for the torch run and officially sanctioned, professionaly fireworks display on the Grand Hirafu slopes.

This issue we were able to secure a Niseko exclusive with the Jolly Old Soul himself, Santa Claus.  While he didn’t stay with us, we were able to sit down for a quick snack and a glass of Hokkaido’s World Famous Milk before he set off on his journey. As you can see from the picture, he enjoyed our little village so much, he came back for a ski after finishing his big day.

 

 

Ho Ho Ho! That’s Rudolph and Blitzen’s job. They know where all the good little girls and boys are in the world – even if they are on holiday. They specialise in nice not naughty. We saw the lovely chalets from the air and decided to come down for a closer look.

 

 

They look great, especially with all the snow falling.  With all the development over the last 12 months, I almost didn’t recognise it.  Donner and Blitzen assured me it was the Chalets, and Dasher said there were some good little boys and girls staying there. I told Mrs. Claus about the place and she looked it up on the internet (www.nisekoresortsgroup.com).  She’s bugging me to buy one now as she loves how much more fluffy and light the snow is.  It’s always a pleasure visiting the Chalets at Country Resort as there are no chimney’s to go down. My knees just aren’t what they used to be.  Inside it’s just so warm and cozy. Me and Mrs. Claus would be very comfortable and right at home here with all the snow.  The high-speed internet connection could save me loads of time and effort for next year. We’re just on dial up there at the North Pole you know.

 

 

You are correct. I’m off now, but be sure to save a chalet for me. Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!  

We could talk all day about the snow. Sure it was a bit sporadic at the beginning of the season (that’s why it’s the beginning), but now it is in full swing.  We already mentioned the 50 centimetres between Christmas and New Year and it just keeps coming. Here’s what Olle, a recent guest at the Chalets from Sweden had to say. “We work in Norway on the ski slopes and the snow doesn’t compare to what we’ve been getting in Niseko. Definitely worth the trip!”

“We loved the warm houses, thanks alot!” Subin, Singapore

 

“It feels like a little family down here. It’s so nice to share Christmas with everyone.” Brad, Malaysia

 

“To begin with we were worried about staying out here at Country Resort, but it turns out we’ve walked less here than if we had stayed in the village.  We wouldn’t stay in the village again. The shuttle service has been great.”  Patrick, Brisbane