Hokkaido, Japan – November 21, 2013: As it gears up to open for white season on 1 December, YTL Hotels’ ultracool ski-in, ski-out Green Leaf Niseko Village is triumphant to be a part of Niseko United. The collective form of the four ski resorts of Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hanazono and Grand Hirafu which flank Mount Annupuri, Niseko United was named ‘Best Ski Resort in Japan’ by the inaugural World Ski Awards in a glitzy awards ceremony held over the weekend of 15-17 November in Kitzbühel, Austria. 

This acknowledgement lends affirmation to a secret ski enthusiasts have known and kept for the past decade - that when it comes to an all-encompassing snow sports experience comprising of perfect powder, low-altitude, variety of activities and affordability, Niseko United ticks all the right boxes.

Located at the heart of Niseko United, the Green Leaf Hotel is heading into its fourth season since the award-winning, New York-based firm Champalimaud Design revamped it. The 200-room hotel features an exquisite balance of traditional and contemporary, perfect for the modern day traveller. From the natural outdoor onsen to the stylish fireplace, the deep leather chesterfields to the ubiquitous Japanese vending machines on each floor, guests may revel in the cultural relevance delivered with a twist.

Guests may wander the hotel and stay connected on complimentary WiFi, unbound by passwords. Rooms are comfortable and practical, equipped with ensuite bathrooms, flatscreen TVs and large windows that highlight and communicate the breathtaking scenery that surrounds. This is echoed by the artwork of renowned Japanese artists Sochiro Tomioka and Emi Shiratori which are displayed throughout the hotel.

The ski-in, ski-out facilities means the mountain is immediately accessible, and The Green Leaf Base Camp offers snow sports services for every level of skier; from mountain passes, ski and snowboard equipment rental, to lessons and activities such as Snowmobile Adventures, Cat Skiing and Snow Rafting.

Dining here is a joy, from contemporary Western and Japanese all-day dining at Goshiki, to warm mulled wine après ski drinks at Tomioka White. Guests may also head 5-minutes down the road to The Crab Shack to partake in a belly-warming feast featuring steaming nabe hotpot and Hokkaido’s renowned snow crabs and hairy crabs.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Japanese ski experience is also the onsen ritual after. Guests join in a bathing tradition that spans centuries, where each person first undresses in a communal dressing room, thoroughly washes and scrubs in separate stalls, then slips into the serene onsen, which at The Green Leaf is the outdoor rock pool filled by a natural volcanic hot spring, overlooking the snow-blanketed boughs of the alpine forest. Alternatively, there is also a spotless indoor bath. If the onsen doesn't appeal, sink into a deep shiatsu massage at the Green Leaf Spa for complete therapeutic relaxation.

For further exploration, an hourly shuttle takes guests to the Hilton Niseko Village, also ferrying guests to the neigbouring towns of Hirafu and Kutchan, allowing the opportunity to shop and sample the laidback mountain nightlife. Private taxis and airport coaches are easily arranged from Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport and many Asian carriers such as Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific and Trans Asia fly direct to Hokkaido from major Asian cities.

The Green Leaf Niseko Village reopens for the 2013/2014 winter season on December 1, 2013. Rates for a double room begin at JPY 20,000 and are bookable through YTL Travel Centre (email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my or call +603 2783 1000). To peruse or all-inclusive packages suited to beginner or intermediate skiers, singles, couples, or families, visit The Green Leaf Hotel website.

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About the World Ski Awards

The inaugural World Ski Awards is a sister event of World Travel Awards, dubbed ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’. This exclusive awards programme is the first ever to acknowledge the finest brands in the global ski hospitality industry in the top 20 ski nations. Voting is conducted by the public and leading professionals working in the ski and tourism industry across the globe, with the view of acknowledging the elite, raising the guest experience and stimulating new demand. 

About Niseko Village Nestled at the south base of Mt. Annupuri, Niseko Village is Japan’s premier year-round mountain resort. Often compared to other world-class ski resorts like Aspen in Colorado and Niseko’s sister city St. Moritz in Switzerland, Niseko Village comprises of the Hilton Niseko Village, the Green Leaf Niseko Village, two resort golf courses including one designed by Arnold Palmer, and the Niseko Village skifield - known the world over for its fluffy, dry powder snow at low-altitude, variety of ski terrains, the world-class Niseko Village Ski Schools and the acclaimed Niseko Kids™ children’s programs.

Plans to further improve the facilities at the 617ha Niseko Village include a stylish shopping and lifestyle street opening winter 2014/15, as well as luxury villas to cater to the growing number of sophisticated travellers looking to experience the sheer magnificence of Niseko Village in winter time. Niseko Village is a member of YTL Hotels.

About YTL Hotels

YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the UK, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world’s best resort in 2003.  In July 2012, the company added Gaya Island Resort, a luxurious resort on the exotic tropical island of Borneo to the fold, while December 2012 saw the unveiling of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the second heritage jewel in the group’s Classic Hotel collection.

With each new experience that it unveils, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad.

Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information. For high-resolution images, please visit www.ytlhotels.com/mediagallery. For reservations and enquiries, please contact the YTL Travel Centre directly in Malaysia, call +60 3 2783 1000 or email travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my