Niseko: unless it’s dumping and the famous Japow is present it’s not that exciting! Crystal Mountain has better terrain and it’s a 2 hour drive from my front door. Baker, Stevens and Alpental are more fun as well on a non powder day. Plus we basically had to spend 2x the price on lodging at Niseko vs what we’d have spent in Palisades, Park City or even Whistler.
Whistler: Yeah there’s some really serious terrain but the village has become “rich influencer après playground”. Champagne showers like at Aspen? No thanks; beer and pizza after a bell to bell session sound much better.
Give me a day at Palisades on the Squallywood side any day. Or a deep day at Mount Baker.
Interesting comment about Niseko lodging. I didn't realize it was that pricey, yikes!