deanrobi 2 Posted December 11, 2009 Author Share Posted December 11, 2009 Now that we look close to moving into a ture winter patten and the possibilities of some good snow falls next week is there any more news on Mizuno no Sawa. Is anyone in the area planning to check this new area out soon? Link to post Share on other sites
deanrobi 2 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Share Posted December 15, 2009 Just recieved the following info: 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. Access to the controversial run has been at the centre of debate for years, but this year's opening will undoubtedly offer 67ha of the best ridable terrain in Niseko. Mizuno no Sawa is located to the skier's right of the Niseko Gondola, marked in yellow as 'Avalanche Control Operation Area' on this season's course map. The much-anticipated run will offer smiles all-round this winter, thanks to its delicious bowl of long, steep and deep terrain, from open walls to tight tree runs, giant mushrooms, fallen trees and natural booters. Despite huge public pressure to open the terrain within Mizuno no Sawa, it has for years been a 'no-go zone', off limits to the public due to avalanche risks and government regulations. 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. Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Does anyone know how this is going to work? Where/when the safety talk happens? Will you need beacons/probes/shovels? Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted December 16, 2009 Share Posted December 16, 2009 I'd think you'd have an option of buying that ticket, and before they take your money, they will assess your skill, then give you the talk, then give you your pass and perhaps a yellow vest to wear. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 OK, who has done it? Please report. Link to post Share on other sites
gerard 6 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Yes. Snowpack must be stabilizing. Have they opened it? GN, what's happening? Link to post Share on other sites
foreversnow 5 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Is it open????? ANYONE??? Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Lots has been closed recently. You have to do the lecture and pay for the pass. And I am not sure I am up to that level yet - getting there though. It is on the Bucket List Link to post Share on other sites
banjobiwan 0 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 i'm going to enquire about in the next few days when i visit NV.... i'm assuming its at NV where they do the lecture right? anyone know? When i get the go ahead i'll be doing a helmet cam run down it! Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I haven't been over there yet myself. Maybe I'll have a go on Monday and let you know what I find out. They aren't exactly advertising much about it though! Luke recently resigned from NV and he was the main source of information about it. As I say I'll see what I can find out. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Damn. Luke seemed to be doing what NV needed. He was in Sapporo when I dropped by. Good luck for future endeavours, Luke. Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 I've called over there a few times in the last couple of weeks and they keep giving me the run around... been really hoping to hit it up but not happening this trip it seems. Link to post Share on other sites
Hokkaidough 4 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Oh dear, lets hope Luke moving on isn't a halt to what he was doing. Link to post Share on other sites
Karnidge 2 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Have they replaced him with someone taking his place or not? Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Quite a lot of tracks in the area yesterday....dunno if they are just from poachers or if its game on? Not much information on what time or place these lectures are going to happen?? Would really like to know. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 May well be on, they're not exactly making it easy to find any informaiton about it though. If you're in the area might be worth giving them a call or dropping in and asking what the deal is. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Easy enough to go into the hotel and ask at reception. Then go get yourself a champagne at the shop. Link to post Share on other sites
Jimmer 2 Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 It's open, a friend was in there yesterday, said it was wicked, but very closely guided by the patrol. Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted January 10, 2010 Share Posted January 10, 2010 Correct, Did the course today, they are on three times a day at the old gondola station at the top of the rope tow. You must ski with the patrol when you enter. First timers get priority over people who have done it before. Maximum 45 people three times a day. It is sick! Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 what if you wanted to have 3 goes in the day? Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 Show up at the end of the lectures, if there is less than 45 people then you are in. Link to post Share on other sites
banjobiwan 0 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 for sure in the next few days i will go, was there a cost involved or just get in first...epic day today...mizo would have been off the hook! Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 2000 yen for the lecture and a card to keep as proof of attendance. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 11, 2010 Share Posted January 11, 2010 valid for how long? Link to post Share on other sites
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