Hilton Niseko Ski Resort, Japan, Opens

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. October 14, 2008

AUGUST 29, 2008. Asia*s first-class ski enthusiasts intent on waking up within footsteps of pristine snow runs have faced long-haul flights, jet lag and relatively high prices for the convenience of stepping out of a premium lobby and sliding off into a powdery piste. That is until now.

On 1st July 2008, Hilton launched the region*s newest premium mountain ski resort, taking on the established destinations in Europe and the Americas, but this time with a Japanese twist including palate-pleasing cuisine and deeply therapeutic thermal spring baths.

Hailed for its location beneath the summit of one of the snowiest places on the planet, the 506-room Hilton Niseko Village on the island of Hokkaido is on the doorstep to 48 km of manicured slopes with 61 ski runs, 38 lifts and gondolas and more than 30 km of challenging off-piste back country. A low pressure weather system from Siberia is responsible for dumping an average 11 metres of unusually dry snow on the region to create perfect long-lasting ski conditions.

Summertime activities include golf, fishing, white water rafting, horse riding and other soft adventure activities.

Relatively unknown outside the ski fraternity, General Manager, Daniel Welk believes it*s only a matter of time before Niseko and Hilton Niseko Village become the buzz word for the international traveller, and particularly the expatriate and local holiday maker from Hong Kong, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Russia and Singapore.

The Niseko region has everything to lure the international traveller: big nature, vibrant villages and an intoxicating combination of historic culture and cuisine. On top of that, we are surrounded by some of the purest snow in the world and an enduring ski season that starts in November and lasts well into April , said Mr Welk.

There is somewhere in the vicinity of a billion people living within a radius of four hours travel time of Hokkaido s major airport and with an infrastructure that runs on time, every time, coupled with champagne snow conditions, this has got to be the one of the best ski areas around. Niskeko is on par with the best of the European and American ski resorts, complete with a unique Japanese mystique , added Mr Welk.

Mr Welk argues that what the Hokkaido region has not had until now is a premium resort operated by a recognized international brand that ensures a seamless experience.

We want our guests to be greeted in their own language at the airport by a Hilton person who can assist them to travel smoothly to the resort. While there, they can order authentic Japanese dishes as well as western cuisine in English at any one of our seven restaurant outlets, and have a ski and snowboard instructor they can easily communicate with.

Hilton Niseko Village Japan comprises 506 rooms and a ski-in, ski-out location only five steps away from the Niseko Gondola at the south base of Niseko Annupuri Mountain. There are seven food and beverage outlets, some offering breathtaking views of the looming Mt Yotei, and a futuristic cabin style bar overlooking a ski piste.

Surrounded by secluded natural beauty and mountainous landscapes that are the source of some of Japan*s purest water, Hilton Niseko Village also features a four room spa boasting massage treatments belonging to the traditional aboriginal people and a Japanese Onsen (hot spring bath) with mineral rich thermal waters.

Activities are not limit ed to winter. The resort has two 18-hole golf courses complementing a wide range of summertime outdoor activities, including mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting, horse riding and a complete program of outdoor activities for guests of all ages and fitness levels.

Opening Packages To celebrate the opening of the year-round mountain resort, Hilton Niseko Village is giving away a Hilton hotel room with every activity purchased (based on a minimum of two people per room with each person purchasing an activity). Starting from JPY *15,000 per person for a minimum twin share, the Niseko Golf Package includes one round of golf, a lavish Hilton buffet breakfast and an ultra-late check out time of

3.00pm.

Meanwhile, the Mountain Escape Package starts from JPY 27,000 per person for a minimum twin share and includes a 45-minute mind, body and spirit treatment at the hotel s Wakka Spa, a lavish breakfast, a sumptuous dinner and an ultra late check out.

Packages are valid through to November 30th 2008. Bookings can be made on www.hilton.com.