Sapporo to Niseko?

What is the best way to get from Sapporo to Niseko (Hirafu Station). Are there any bus or train packages that include transportation and lift tickets? Do I need to book transportation in advance if I am traveling during Yuki Matsuri?

By bus:
About 3 hours by Chuo Bus directly to Hirafu and other ski resorts in Niseko. There are several packages that combine bus with lift tickets:
Round trip by bus plus lift ticket for 3900 to 4900 Yen (reservation required):
http://www.chuo-bus.co.jp/kikan/ski/sap-niseko.html

By train:
About 2.5 hours, 1790 Yen by infrequently running local trains via Otaru. Then you still have to go from Hirafu Station to the ski resort (about 2-3 kilometers to Hirafu). There may be combination tickets like in case of the bus, but I am not sure.

You can travel by bus or JR train. You can find good access information at www.experienceniseko.com on the access page. It should have timetables as well!

If I just want to see snow & onsen in Niseko, not skiing, which part of Niseko should I go?

Any recommendation? for cheap and good place to stay?

Thank u.

I find the town of Hirafu the most interesting place to stay around Niseko:
http://www.japan-guide.com/blog/schauwecker/070228.html