Bombarded by snow for six months of the year, Niseko life means warm shoes, a beanie, and lots of snow shoveling. Niseko’s powder snow is well documented, but as the number of powder seekers continues to grow, are there still first tracks to be had?  Ben guides us towards Niseko-Hirafu’s fluffier areas, and takes a look at a few of the lesser-known powder resorts.  Ben lives in Niseko year-round.

Please note that any views expressed are not necessarily those of Snow Japan.

17th December 2004

Powder Harmony
     

Niseko Hirafu has a new name. Take a deep breath - the resort now has the grandiose title of “Niseko Mountain Resort Grand Hirafu”. This identity change has been brought about by Tokyu Resort Service Co. Ltd., the company that previously ran the Kogen and Hanazono sections of Hirafu. After years of longing, Tokyu has finally secured Hirafu’s left hand side resort by purchasing the Alpen lifts together with its 130 room hotel. As a result, the whole front mountain is now under the control of one lift operator - the first time in Hirafu’s history.

12th December 2003

White Fun

11th July 2003

The Powdery Sheep

31st January 2003 

Avalanche Eyes

27th December 2002

Powder for thought....

5th July 2002

Niseko Magic

29th March 2002

In Between The Turns

6th March 2002

Niseko Local Rules

28th December 2001

Another White Christmas

16th August

Ainu Festival

13th July

2002 Season and Beyond...

8th June 2001

Bears and Bamboo Shoots

1st May 2001

Season Summary

6th April 2001

Powder Patrol

6th March 2001

Slides and Sliding

5th February 2001

Powder Friends

6th January 2001

Dry Spell?

27th November 2000

First Tracks
The start of the season in Niseko

1st November 2000

Powder Heaven
The Niseko season approaches

Please note that the views expressed in Features published on Snow Japan
are not necessarily those of Snow Japan.