First time having cheese fondue and just so happens my friend found a Swiss alps restaurant while we were skiing in Niseko. Once you arrive at the restaurant you are instantly hit with the scent of cheese so we were very excited to give it a try. All servers are extremely friendly and was helpful with serving size suggestions and recommendations. We wanted the cheese fondue for sure, duct confit and a the tomahawk steak. Our server suggested the lentils as it was her favorite so we decided to give it a try as well. We were pleasantly surprised with how flavorful the lentils was. There was a hint of spiciness to it which was surprising and dont remember seeing it in the description but it was still very good. The duck confit was perfectly cooked, the meat wasnt overly dry or tough but fall off the bone tender. The slight tartness of the sauce helps cut down the richness of the dish. The fondue was the star of the show and everyone and the kids had fun dipping the bread and veggies into the cheese and doing insane cheese pulls. I think we ordered a 3 person portion between 4 adults and 2 children, and with the other foods we ordered, it was definitely a bit too much food. Towards the end of the meal everyone pretty much had enough of the cheese and theres still quite a bit left. Finally the tomahawk steak came and it turned into quite a flare with them serving it table side and cutting it right next to us. we were all stuffed by then from the cheese but still managed to finish the steak. There was quite a bit of meat left on the bone and it became a nice photo/video opportunity to tear right into it barbarian style. If i have a chance I would definitely come back and eat more of the lentils.

+2

Great spot! This is our second time and both time food was great, staff is absolutely lovely and welcoming and the atmosphere is awesome. I recommend duck and steak, but also crepe Suzette and creme brulee (omfg, insane!!!) the best creme brulee ever, thanks to the French chef in the kitchen. So creamy, velvety texture just yummy 🤤🤤 Tiarni recommended it and I must say woah! Overall amazing service and great food.

+3

Delicious cheese fondue right in the heart of Hirafu. We chose the ala carte menu. Fondue was delicious and came with plenty of sides to dip. Nice wine selection. The staff were also very friendly. They will also hang your jackets in another area so the strong cheese smell won’t stay on you!

I originally had a great fondue set for two but after returning from the restaurant 17,000 yen later I was charged another 15,000yen for a no show fee. How could I be a no show if I had the meal and got charged on my credit card? Emailed them and still not getting my deposit back. Be careful if you book in advance with a credit card. It’s subject to fraud and credit card abuse by management. They are refusing to refund my original deposit despite me being at the table on time!

The Alpinist was great! Reasonably priced delicious food and seated instantly without a reservation. The bartender Morgan made one of the best espresso martinis I’ve had in a long time as well as a refreshing chartreuse sour. I’d go back in a heartbeat

+1