Little Steps Reviews: The Ultimate Family Ski Trip With MnK Niseko

Accommodation Options

MnK Niseko’s impressive accommodation portfolio boasts over 100 options, from intimate studio apartments to opulent six-bedroom chalets. Our group’s stay at Chalet Sahama proved ideal for our family-oriented ski holiday. This thoughtfully designed 6-bedroom chalet catered perfectly to our large group’s needs.

 The chalet’s highlights included:

• Spacious Living and Dining Areas: Ideal for post-ski gatherings and group meals.
• Well-Equipped Kitchen: Facilitated easy in-house dining for our sizeable group.
• Dedicated Children’s Play Area: A toy-filled lounge allowed kids to play within adults’ sight.
• Japanese-style bath: Perfect for muscle relaxation, with outdoor access for impromptu snow angel sessions!
• Drying Room: Essential for preparing ski gear for the next day’s adventures.

Personalized Service With MnK

Even before our arrival, MnK's service exceeded our expectations, especially that we were traveling as a group of four families with diverse needs and numerous questions. Check-in and check-out were incredibly convenient, as both could be done directly within the chalet, allowing us to settle in quickly. They thoughtfully arranged extra cots and highchairs for our little ones, ensuring everyone was comfortable from the start.

The team’s friendliness and efficiency shone throughout our stay, swiftly addressing any queries we had about the chalet. Another standout feature was MnK’s complimentary shuttle service, which made getting to the ski fields and heading into Hirafu town for evening meals a breeze—especially valuable for a large group where arranging private transport can be challenging.

Country Resorts also boasts the on-site restaurant EZO, located within easy walking distance of the chalets, where you can enjoy a delicious hotpot. Similarly, The Orchards Resort features Caldera at The Orchards, which serves Japanese cuisine with a French twist.

Winter Activities With MnK

MnK doesn’t just excel in accommodation—they also offer a variety of winter activities for guests aged 3 and up. Their seamless pick-up and drop-off service from the chalet made logistics effortless, especially for unaccompanied kids' activities.

Our 3.5-year-old, Sofie, had a fantastic time at the morning kids' camp with Edventure, enjoying tobogganing, crafts, and snowball fights. It was a great way to keep her entertained while taking a break from skiing. In the afternoon, she had her first-ever ski lesson with one of MnK’s professional instructors with Elevate Snowsports. The private lesson provided one-on-one guidance, making her introduction to skiing both fun and memorable—she especially loved riding the chairlift!

The adults in our group also benefited from MnK’s excellent ski instructors, who were friendly, knowledgeable, and adaptable to our needs. Despite low visibility on the day of our lesson, the instructor paced the session perfectly, building our confidence for exploring the four mountain sections. The door-to-slope service was a huge help, with the team even carrying our skis and gear, making the experience stress-free.

We also tried MnK’s snowshoe tour, ideal for adults and kids aged 6 and up. The team provided snowshoes and guided us through a serene forest to Hangetsu Lake, which was frozen over in winter. After a scenic 40-minute walk, we were treated to hot chocolates and snacks by the lake—a peaceful contrast to the bustling ski activities.

Our stay at MnK Niseko was truly exceptional. The spacious accommodations, attentive service, and family-friendly activities made it a perfect getaway for our large family group. Every detail was thoughtfully handled, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Explore all of MnK's winter activities here!

Little Steps Pro Travel Tips

Planning a family trip to Japan? Be sure to book early! This is especially important when traveling with large groups to ensure everyone’s needs are met and suitable accommodations are available. Niseko gets particularly busy during peak travel periods from December to February, so securing your ski lessons and activities in advance is essential to avoid missing out on your preferred times.

The same goes for dining in Hirafu—many restaurants are cozy and highly sought after, especially for larger groups. Reach out to your chosen venues early to secure reservations and avoid disappointment.

Additionally, always double-check visa requirements when planning your trip to Japan. Entry conditions vary depending on your passport, and the process can take weeks or even months to complete. Be prepared to gather the necessary paperwork well in advance to ensure a smooth trip.

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