Photographer and content creator Kendall Pasley takes us through her first Niseko trip, from carving through Japow with friends to unwinding at Intuition Niseko.
A photographer, social media strategist, and content creator, Kendall Pasley has built a career around her creative eye and instinct for storytelling. From shooting weddings and events to starring in short films, the multi-faceted creative knows how much a setting shapes the narrative. On her travels, Kendall applies the same principles by seeking out places that have true character and finding the stories behind the destination.
For her first visit to Japan’s world-class ski destination, Kendall arrived with her husband and a close group of friends — keen snowboarders looking beyond the US and Europe for their next ski trip. She checked into Intuition Niseko, an ideal base for good food, great runs, and restorative onsen time in between. Read on for Kendall’s take on experiencing Niseko, from first tracks to late night après-ski.
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Why did you choose to travel to Niseko?
This was my first time visiting Niseko. My friends and I are avid snowboarders and are always chasing the best possible conditions. We’ve snowboarded extensively throughout Europe and have been long-term season pass holders in the United States, so our standards are high. Niseko exceeded every expectation from the snow quality to the town itself. It was, hands down, the best overall ski experience we’ve had.
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What did you love most about your trip with The Luxe Nomad?
There were so many highlights, but the convenience of Intuition Niseko stood out most. Being so close to both the mountain and town made everything effortless, and the complimentary shuttle was a huge bonus. We were seconds from everything, and being able to hop in a van at any time made getting around incredibly easy and stress-free.
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What was the most impressive part of your stay?
I absolutely loved the on-site onsen at Intuition. It was the perfect way to unwind after a full day on the mountain. Another standout was the storage space. I stay in a lot of properties where there’s barely room to unpack, so having ample closet space and a dedicated ski locker made a noticeable difference. It was refreshing to actually feel organised and settled.
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Can you share a few personal tips for those who are planning a trip to Niseko?
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I highly recommend exploring the local food trucks. We loved wandering through town and trying different ones: the variety and quality were incredible. Another must-visit is Bar Gyu. It was easily one of the cosiest spots we found, and entering through a hidden fridge door made the experience even more fun and memorable.
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