Misty trees in Rusutsu

January 28, 2012

Snowtour by: Miikka Hast

After exceptionally good conditions in Tokachidake the weather started to come in again. More snow was forecasted all over Hokkaido and we decided to head to Niseko area after checking out Asahidake first. The alpine terrain was out of the question when the approaching fronts would start covering the mountains with new white gold.

We didn’t have a clear plan where to go so we decided to stay half way in Asahikawa and found the best sushi in town! Food in Japan is an experience itself like the light snow. After the great sushi we had our minds set to experience the light Hokkaido powder still before the trip was done. So we headed to Niseko area and hoped for the best.

Niseko was crowded and the snow was only starting to fall. We made a decision to look at smaller places close by and escape the crowds that tracked the little new snow fast. We asked around and heard good stuff about a resort called Rusutsu. 30 minutes south from Niseko we found a resort with good potential. The weather was coming in and the snow was starting to fall. Visibility was quite bad through out the day but we had some good fun in the trees and accumulating new snow.

pow count: 21