The bits betweeen Hirafu <> Higashiyama and Higashiyama <> Annupuri

[dale#1 1]

Looking at the mountain there are some large areas between these resort areas at Niseko. Are they popular tree ski areas, out of bounds or what?

[uchidad 0]

pretty much if there are not runs on the map, then its out of bounds... ski patrol are getting stricter about it these days, too many punters on the hill thinking they own the place yet have no idea about the avalanche danger in certain areas - which is why its out of bounds...

[Rag-Doll 0]

The local boys will have more to say about this but I think the ground is either too flat (at the annapuri end - but there is fun little area under the gondola) or seriously dangerous (between hirafu and higashiyama)- lots of user friendly off piste stuff is available without getting mixed up with that stuff.

[Fattwins 0]

The New maps are pretty clear what is and isnt out of bounds. Most of the stuff you are talking about is clearly marked as out of bounds. I think that if it isnt marked Out of bounds it is open.

[Yuki's Passion 1]

There are cliff and rock bands between Hirafu and Higashiyama where people have fallen off of and died in the past and been taken down in avalanches as well. DONT GO beyond the Wall just off the super course.

[thursday 1]

And Super can be closed down also. Like March 06 when patrol were serious enough to shout into the face of a ducker.

[Go Native 70]

Niseko has one of the best off-piste policies in Japan. There are huge areas available for off-piste all over the mountain. The out of bounds areas are clearly marked and there is really no excuse for entering them.

[Fattwins 0]

I found a better map a few days ago playing with the net but here is a map that clearly marks the Out of Bounds.

http://www.niseko-hirafu.com/nisekopowderconnection/pdf/trail_map.pdf

[Yuki's Passion 1]

there isnt much roped off at Niseko. If it is, its for a good reason. Ski patrol often closes the peak when its prone to slide, dont go. You will often see people dropping in above Hana 3 and traversing over, dont, its not worth the risk. I'm more worried about people hitting the back bowls to Goshiki as they slide.

 

Looking at that map FT put up you can see clearly whats what. Looking at the area between Higashiyama and Hirafu, just on the right side of the blue boarder on the Hirafu side is a dotted line...That kabe (wall), just to the left of the supercourse, is pretty fun and has a few rocks/mushes that you can hit.