mfriedm

You're probably correct that it's the Weiss. I've definitely heard good and bad things about Weiss. It's not too expensive and you get fresh tracks. However, the terrain isn't terribly exciting. Great for some, less for others. If you're seeking some cat skiing excitement, there are definitely other places to go in the area that are more exciting...

It looks like Sports Takiguchi's "new model trial" will be on 3/22 according to the Annupuri ski resort site.

First of all, there is a rental company called "Demo" in the area. Beyond that, many rental companies have two levels of rental gear. Normal level is "mid-range" or normal or regular or whatever. Upper level (powder boards, powder skis, etc.) is called "demo."

No go on squash courts either. I've been searching, too. A buddy of mine priced out building one a while back. There's still no squash courts, so...

This is the new Grand Hirafu Mountain Center. Combined with the new gondola building, you will be able to book rentals, tickets, and eat lunch right at the gondola base - it used to just be a break room and a small-ish restaurant with short hours.

And how jealous you should be! Just added some more photos to the gallery... There's been probably 15cm or more in the last 12 hours.

Good way to wake up in the morning, and it's still coming down! http://www.snowjapanforums.com/index.php/gallery/album/75-niseko-hirafu-new-snow-nov-15/ Winter is here!

Snow has made it to Niseko, that's for sure: http://www.snowjapanforums.com/index.php/gallery/album/75-niseko-hirafu-new-snow-nov-15/

Unfortunately not, Yotei's pretty much on a line with the gondola path, so you can see Yotei out the back window.

Another amazing thing is the difference in the mountain between early season and late season. If you always come to Niseko in early January (like a lot of my Tokyo friends do), then come back in March, you're skiing a totally different place. A lot of the year-round locals say that the summers are better than the winter here, too. It really depends on how much summer infrastructure can be built up in the next few years, particularly to target "low-impact" tourists. A handful of easy gravel mountain biking roads and some easy hiking courses from Hirafu/Hanazono/Higashiyama would do wonders

It's definitely an exciting change! To be fair, I think the most exciting part of it is the road construction going on right now. Power lines really are the bane of views in Japan. But you're right, it's the same gondola end location. A shot of a lone car hanging on the gondola: http://www.snowjapanforums.com/index.php/gallery/image/814-hirafu-gondola-on-the-cable/

For the coming season, it will run as the "Niseko Hirafu Lodge." From there (and for next season), the site's fate is undecided, including whether or not the building will be demolished or not. They put up a sign that says "Niseko Hirafu Lodge" quite recently.

The patrol in Niseko have the right to take your pass, and there is certainly that chance. If you're using gates appropriately and not ducking gates into "no-go" zones, then you're in the clear. I've been lightly scolded by patrol before when I told him I ducked a rope, but that it was into an area that you could get to without ducking ropes. There's lots of "off-piste" in Niseko without violating any rules that would get your pass taken.

Happy to let you take the glory for the forum post! I just added captions to the photos as best I could. Last I spoke with the company, they're planning to do a test-run tomorrow, but that seemed subject to change. One things for sure, the new cars are pretty, and the view from them should be spectacular. If you have other questions about the goings-on of Niseko, this may be a good place to ask though.

A lot of the suggestions thusfar have been for Hirafu or Kutchan-based restaurants, which misses out on the much closer and awesome cuisine in Annupuri. - Del Sole: Japanese guy goes to Europe to learn to make pizza. Returns, blows people's mind. - Rakuichi soba: Meet the master of buckwheat noodles. To quote a funny guide in the area, "This is where Frodo goes to eat soba." Better value for lunch. - Karabina: I think it's run by the son of the guy who runs Rakuichi. Nextdoor, and terrific izakaya style food and chill atmosphere. - Cafe Grove: Good, not too expensive, cafe atmosphere wi