Memberships at Niseko AAC

AAC lodges are similar to European chalets or Japanese pensions, except that they are owned by

their members. A manager is employed for the season with responsibility for hospitality and the

operation of the lodge. The lodge configurations comprise several self-contained bedrooms with

ensuite bathrooms plus shared lounge and dining facilities.

AAC Niseko was established as legal entity in 2005 and the ‘Niseko Club’ lodge was acquired in 2007.

The ‘Niseko Club’ lodge is located in the Hirafu Izumikyo 2 area of Niseko. Shuttle bus stop 22 is closest to the lodge.

AAC Niseko is a not-for-profit incorporated association registered with the Consumer Affairs Victoria. The incorporation and rules are similar to other AAC projects and other snowsports clubs.

AAC Niseko has a committee chosen by its members to represent their interests. 

Membership is open to anybody of good character with an interest in snow sports and enjoying the ambience of an alpine lodge environment. Membership is not restricted to Australian residents or citizens (however nearly all the members are Australian residents).

AAC Niseko is registered in Australia and operates in compliance with the requirements of Australian regulators. Unlike almost all other alpine lodge projects in Australia (except Dinner Plain) AAC Niseko enjoys the security of lodge tenure on freehold title, rather than leasehold alpine land. The value of the lodge property has increased from A$600,000 in 2007 to an estimated A$2.5-3 million in 2026.

Membership model is similar to other AAC projects and is based on individual membership. In common with other AAC projects, ‘family membership’ has not been the model adopted because it is often difficult to determine the boundaries (e.g. at what age do children no longer qualify, varying family sizes and different family arrangements). A ‘family membership’ structure would be more complicated, and each membership interest would need to be considerably more expensive. It would also discriminate against single members. There is, however, no restriction on the number of members of a family that may wish to join AAC Niseko. Like the other AAC projects, AAC Niseko is a non-profit club for its members, not a time-share scheme.

No interest or dividends are paid on AAC Niseko memberships. AAC Niseko is not-for-profit and any surplus generated by the project is directed to the repayment of any loans, improvements to the lodge or retained as contingency.

The future value of memberships should reflect the value of the underlying lodge asset. It is not possible or appropriate to predict future changes in the value of membership in the AAC Niseko project, other than to note that membership interests in similar AAC projects have increased over time.

An AAC Niseko member can take two guests at the AAC Niseko rate plus 20%, with further guests at the full guest rate, at the discretion of the booking officer. 

Memberships are sold through the AAC Niseko committee, in common with the practice at other AAC projects. Memberships are traded through the committee because there might be circumstances in which a potential new member was unsuitable. It is also undesirable to create a situation in which debentures in the project might be subject to speculative behaviour.

There is considerable flexibility in these arrangements, with AAC Niseko members able to transfer their membership to other members of their family or sell it to another unrelated person, subject to that person being approved. Alternatively, if requested, AAC Niseko would sell the membership to another unrelated person wishing to join, with the original member paid the value of the membership.

Similar to other AAC projects, an annual subscription is payable.

Details of accommodation rates are available on the pricing page

Accommodation in the Niseko area is becoming increasingly expensive as its reputation grows as the world capital of great powder skiing. Securing a membership means that you have access to this skiing for ongoing budget prices.

Detailed booking information is available through our booking page. Members will make their own travel arrangements to Japan, unbundled to ensure greater choice and transparency.

Priority of booking at the lodge is for AAC Niseko members. There are later booking periods for reciprocal members of the other AAC projects. After these priority-booking periods have ended, remaining vacancies at the lodge are filled on a commercial basis.

Booking priorities for the AAC Niseko lodge are:

1. AAC Niseko members

2. AAC Niseko members’ guests (i.e. including family)

3. Reciprocal AAC project members

4. Reciprocal AAC project members’ guests

5. Commercial guests: some accommodation places are sold commercially to fill any rooms not filled by members and their guests.

As with similar AAC projects, bookings are accepted in order of receipt after the relevant booking period opens.

Booking information and timings are detailed on our booking page

AAC Niseko members enjoy reciprocal booking rights at other AAC projects at Dinner Plain, Falls Creek, Mt Hotham and Perisher Valley. AAC Niseko members pay a reciprocal member rate that is no more than 20 per cent above the rate applying for members of these projects. Details are in the booking information sheet available through our booking page

Membership application forms are available on request to aacniseko@gmail.com.

Additional information about the project is available through the www.aacniseko.com website. Specific questions can be e-mailed to aacniseko@gmail.com. You can also register here to receive further information, news and updates about AAC Niseko, plus follow us on facebook and twitter.