[ETM]

Rusutsu over niseko any day. Being an Aussie myself it shames me to say that the aussies have wrecked niseko. But its true. The only good thing is that they all flock like sheep to the same spot.
I know rusutsu inside out and there are some magic lines there that stay untracked got a long time. That shit just doesnt happen in niseko. Late feb is usually epic.

 

[ETM]

Are there any other places to stay in Rusutsu besides the two big hotels and the two weird looking guest house places?

There is the resort north and south wings and then the tower. Travel lodge which is right near the north wing and onsen. Pension yamada. Lila husset. Pension clydesdale and more I just cant remember them.
If you want to get fancy use google translate and search in japanese.