Lucky last days in Niseko

February 2, 2012

Snowtour by: Miikka Hast

We arrived to Niseko looking at the forecasts and hoping that we would score the world famous deep and light Niseko powder. First it was only snowing little bit and we got a taste of it in the resorts close byt but when our trip was about to end our luck turned back to super mode. For the last two days snowing didn’t stop! First morning it was over half a meter and just kept on puking. The amount of loading snow was ridicilous. It definitely does not snow like this back home. Japan is different and this is why we came to Niseko. Light choker pow up to chest!

Niseko provided lots of good terrain to ride in the four united resorts: Annupuri, Niseko Village (Higashiyama), Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. It was snowing so hard the whole time that couldn’t see the top or nor explore the the deep backcountry but there was tons of terrain to ride inbounds and through the closer backcountry gates. We arrived during the highest tourist peak without knowing it. It was the chinese new year and year of the dragon. There was lots of people and powder hungry Australians but the snowfall took care of the tracks during the day! The snowfall was truly something that we were lucky to experience.

Check the swimming on the video.

All the places were packed and we had no idea where to stay but we managed to find a great and mellow place to stay Pension Bremen, near Niseko Village.
Our powder hunt to Japan was a great success. We never thought that we would find such terrain with so much snow! It was only in our dreams. Japan made those dreams true and more. We got so lucky with the conditions and the people that we met. Japanese people are truly friendly, helpful and nice to spend time with. And the snow… it’s something that every powder lover should get to experience. We are definitely coming back! We got the feeling that we are fortunate and karma was on our side again on this trip. We try and hope to keep it that way.

We are flying back home after checking the neon lights still in Sapporo to see one more japanese thing. Would want to stay longer but new adventures and powder waits.

DEEP BOW AND HUGE DOMO ARIGATO to Japan, it’s people and friends we met and made. We hope to come back soon!

pow count: 23