Mike Pow 52 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Whilst everyone would agree that this has been a somewhat different and disappointing start to the season in the Niseko Resort Area it's worth taking a moment to consider what the criteria for measurement are: A poor start to the season with limited snowfall and more than expected rain events in comparison with: 1. previous winters in the Niseko Resort Area? 2. other ski areas in Japan? 3. other ski areas around the world? All measurements taken at village level (friends living in Hirafu and the lower reported snowfall from the Niseko Now reports) up to and including 11 January 2011 Oct 2010 12cm Nov 2010 49cm Dec 2010 241 cm Jan 2011 210 cm Total 512 cm Some will interpret this as the Niseko Propaganda Machine whirring away, but over 5m of snowfall before mid-January with plenty more to come doesn't make for a bad winter in my eyes. Hundreds of resorts around the world would love to get 5m in a season. It's just different. Vive l'difference and enjoy your turns. Link to post Share on other sites
panhead_pete 27 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 Australia would like in 5 years. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 12, 2011 Share Posted January 12, 2011 I don't compare the snow here in Niigata to anywhere other than here in Niigata. Apart from the fact that I haven't skied anywhere else, there's no point. The last week our season at last started, conditions are good now but not as much as we usually would have this time of year as we are playing catch-up. Hopefully will get lots of regular good snowfalls this season from now on. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 But, since only stupid people book before January... And the sasa that was poking out in places this week must be on steroids, never saw it grow 5 meters tall before! Oops, Mammoth Mt this season 823cm, Whistler 740cm Alta 686cm, Jackson Hole 660cm & Grand Targhee 615cm... in case anyone thinks I don't. I was there yesterday, and I'm flying back up tomorrow (and I don't work for, at or in any connection with Niseko, Hokkaido or the ski industry). I'll tell anyone who asks that it's a great place for reliable, high-quality powder skiing in January & February. But the hype machine is indeed alive and well. Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Originally Posted By: Slippery Jim And the sasa that was poking out in places this week must be on steroids, never saw it grow 5 meters tall before! Do you think that 5m of snowfall = 5m of base? Link to post Share on other sites
Nisoko 6 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 For the purposes of trying to make his point, it works. Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 My point is that Niseko is a great place, and doesn't need over-the-top and misleading hype that's only going to raise unrealistic expectations. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Just in the interests of keeping it real the sasa that is remaining is very limited and poses little if any difficulties to ski through. It's hardly unusual for there to still be a little sasa poking through in early Jan. And of course 5m of snowfall does not translate into 5m snowdepth. At village level it translates into a depth currently around 1.6m and Mikes post has nothing to do with over-the-top hype... Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Conditions ranged from very good on monday to excellent on tuesday to exceptionally cold but still very good on wednesday. As GN says, the few blades of sasa are merely decorative and not an obstacle, and I'm glad we all agree that there isn't a 5-meter base (because most of the lifts would be inoperable!) Link to post Share on other sites
kaiser soce 0 Posted January 14, 2011 Share Posted January 14, 2011 Jim, Has anyone claimed there was a 5m base? Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 15, 2011 Share Posted January 15, 2011 It's silly talking about the Niseko propaganda machine. There is none. It propagates itself. It need no propaganda. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 I notice talk of all the gates being open tomorrow for the first time this season. Not quite sure what these 'gates' are, but is that late or normal? Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 There are gates to go to the other side from the top lifts. I find the hike a bit strenuous. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 and it's late. Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Pow 52 Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 As of Thursday 20 January 2011 Niseko Hirafu village level measurements January snowfall - 4.05 m Season snowfall SO FAR - 7.07 m Link to post Share on other sites
Slippery Jim 65 Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 Yep, January has been a terrific month! Link to post Share on other sites
Valve Bounce 0 Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 That's wonderful news. I'll be arriving last day of Feb. First time in Japan. Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Pow 52 Posted February 1, 2011 Author Share Posted February 1, 2011 As of Monday 31 January 2011 Niseko Hirafu village level measurements January snowfall - 6.0 m Season snowfall SO FAR - 9.02 m Link to post Share on other sites
Valve Bounce 0 Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Originally Posted By: MikePow As of Monday 31 January 2011 Niseko Hirafu village level measurements January snowfall - 6.0 m Season snowfall SO FAR - 9.02 m Keep this up man, please keep this up. I'll be there last day of Feb. Link to post Share on other sites
Schneebored 0 Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 Yeah...continuous dumpage is requested please. 10 days until I arrive. Link to post Share on other sites
panhead_pete 27 Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 May I be so presumptuous to pre order some the night of the 9th of Feb then every night for a week after? Thanks in advance. Link to post Share on other sites
Schneebored 0 Posted February 2, 2011 Share Posted February 2, 2011 I can see blue skies on the Niseko webcam. Damn must be a perfect day out there. No wonder it is so quiet on here! Link to post Share on other sites
brit-gob 9 Posted February 3, 2011 Share Posted February 3, 2011 Looks like everywhere has been top the last few. Wish I wasn't sat here working. Link to post Share on other sites
shadowtec 0 Posted February 4, 2011 Share Posted February 4, 2011 Well I landed last night after a day in Tokyo (radio center) and I already want to plan for next years trip before I hit the snow Now it's time to wave up and hit the snow Link to post Share on other sites
sanjo 2 Posted February 5, 2011 Share Posted February 5, 2011 Radio center? Welcome to Japan! Link to post Share on other sites
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