Niesko has a few good spots to stay, but for the most part it gotten more expensive to stay there (Thanks Ikon pass). There are some cheap hostels but they are few and fair between. Kutchan is cheaper and not as touristy, plus they have a couple of place to get groceries so you are not eating every meal at the Seciomart (Also eat at the food carts right next to the Seciomart, there is a sandwich cart that is too damn good). Also watch for shady car rental places(the one place was in New Chitose and the other was in Kutchan), I had a lot of trouble with the 3 different rental car my first time over there. If money is not an issue for hotels, I would stay at the Sky Hotel or Park Hyatt, which you will still give you a feel of Japanese culture but it does feel like staying at a Western luxury hotel (Also its easy to sleep 4-5 in a room at these hotels versus a traditional Japanese room of almost equal prices). There is an Ecolodge in Hirafu which was the cheapest of all hotel minus hostels. There are a few small Mom and Pop places which give you more of an authentic feeling of being in Japan and have private onsens in Hirafu, have a super good dinner every night.Catskiing is pretty cheap over there but most place lack real steep terrain, as does most of Hokkaido. Otaru is pretty cool place to visit, lots of good food, and the Sea of Japan is beautiful. Also if you have a car, make sure to venture away from Niesko because the Ikon pass made that place so crowded. It will be interesting to see what the epic pass does to Rusutsu. Feel free to PM, if you have more questions
