First I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and thank you for your continued support by taking the time to drop in and read Niseko Webzine.
Present 1
Just over a weeks ago Christmas looked like it was going to be pretty average in the way of snow conditions here in Niseko. That quickly changed with a snowstorm and the good times have kept falling. Some have reported that Niseko received 3 to 4 meters of snow withing a few days! No matter where you are, this is the start to some epic turns!
The arrival of the snow has also put smiles on the local pension, hotel, lodge owners as they were starting to get a little nervous with the Christmas customers just about to jump on a plane. Now they can relax and look forward to a great winter season.
Some great photos have been taken of the snowfalls, but this one is my favorites. Photo from the Niseko Promotion Board blog – A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words – Nice work Derek.
Present 2
In other big new, Powderlife have reported that Mizuno no Sawa in Higashiyama will be opened to the public for the first time this season.
From the Powderlife article:
AFTER years of tirelessly deliberating with the government, national parks and other affiliated parties, Niseko Village will this season finally open the epic Mizuno no Sawa terrain to the public.
Niseko Village general manager Luke Hurford said the resort would open the run after appropriate snow coverage, and with certain conditions and restrictions.
“If you want to ski or board Mizuno no Sawa you will be allowed access after a 20-minute safety and awareness lecture to give a rundown on the area, dangers, and off-piste safety tips,” he said, adding the area would be governed differently to Niseko United’s backcountry gates system.
“Once you have that understanding and a high enough skill level, one of the ski patrollers will allow a restricted number of skiers and boarders into the area at a particular single entry point.
“This is not a guided tour, but an educational program. After the safety lecture, ski patrol will be there to make sure you enter and exit at the correct points and enjoy the area safely, but will not get in the way of a great ski or ride.”
For continued access throughout the season, skiers and riders can pay ¥2000 for a season pass card once they have attended the safety lecture.
Mizuno no Sawa will only be accessible at certain times of the day, and this will be dependent on the right safety conditions.
Hurford warned that just because the area was open did not mean it was open slather for those who wished to duck ropes instead of entering and exiting correctly.
“It is still very black and white. If you are caught ducking ropes and breaking the rules, the same penalty applies – your pass will be taken,” he said.
Hurford said increased ski patrollers in the area, dynamite blasting, skiers and boarders compacting the slopes, and the public obeying the Niseko Rules should ensure the area is safe to ride this season.
Hurford said the opening of Mizuno no Sawa was a huge step forward for Niseko, adding that success with this project would lead to further terrain expansion at other ski resorts where possible. Article source.
For those of you that come to Niseko on holiday I would highly recommend making your way over to Higashiyama to check it out. The terrain is awesome with plenty of lines for everyone to throw down some pow turns (outside of Mizuno no Sawa as well) and the facilities are excellent.
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