When it snows you don't need to duck the ropes to find powder but get a guide to take you backcountry and you will need to order skis. Amazing place: great food in the town down below and amazing skiing. If you want somewhere where English is widely spoken and you can get pizza for dinner go to Niseko. Come here to enjoy and participate in the Japanese culture. Been coming for six years and love the place although unimpressed with the increasing number of Australians wandering around drinking beer from cans in public and swearing loudly in the gondolas. No wonder the rest of the world thinks we are uncultured.
Kitanomine side is my pick for both the best snow and food but it is harder to get first tracks than on the Furano side which has a larger gondola.