Japan Snow Report - 29th Dec 2010

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It started snowing early this morning in Niseko and hasn't stopped all day! The cover was variable but there were some deep stashes to be found!

Japan Snow Reports - 30th Dec 2010

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It was a gorgeous day in Niseko today! The sun came out (intermittently!) and the tree skiing was magical thanks to some boot deep freshies. ;

It started snowing early this morning in Niseko and hasn't stopped all day! The cover was variable but there were some deep stashes to be found!

Its SNOWING! Niseko is looking very white...but very cold!

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Temperatures were down to -14 degrees this morning. Winds were strong at the top but light down low. Check out footage shot TODAY in Niseko!

Japan Snow Report - 14 Dec 2009

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A bit of warmth in Niseko before we get hit by the storm! Snowfalls on the forecast for the rest of this week. Beginner to intermediate lifts are currently in operation, but hopefully higher slopes will open soon!

Japan Snow Report - 13 Dec 2010

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Lifts in the Niseko area are now operational! Three were spinning in Grand Hirafu and two at Annupuri. Around half a metre of snow has fallen since Thursday so the resort is looking good!
This video provides information on snow resorts across Japan. Check it out for the latest weather and snow conditions from Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Zao Onsen and Appi.

Japan Snow Report - 10 Dec 2010

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Snowed all morning in Niseko... Things are looking good...

Japan Snow Report - 9 Dec 2010

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Light snowfalls throughout the day in Niseko. Winds were light in the village and much stronger at the top of the mountain. Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen and Hakuba also received light snowfalls.

Japan Snow Report - Wed 8 December

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Happy viewing of our second snow report for the season! Things are starting to shape up at each Japanese resort so make sure you tune in everyday to keep up to date.

Japan Snow Report - 7 December 2010

This video provides information on snow resorts across Japan. Check it out for the latest weather and snow conditions from Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Zao Onsen and Appi.

These reports are updated everyday so make sure you keep watching!

The reports are filed from Niseko, a ski resort on Japan’s north Island, Hokkaido. These days, the resort is famous for its incredible and seemingly endless powder days.

Japan Snow Report - The Daily Flake 7 December 2010 from The Daily Flake on Vimeo.

Lessons learned from Niseko Japan

By : http://www.nigelabbott.com

I can't help but think about the Northern winter as it draws close and the epic powder that Niseko Japan is blessed with. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced over 300 sessions of superb powder in the last six seasons there. When you get to ski that much POW, you certainly learn the finer points plus get to test a variety of equipment and powder snow conditions.

I believe there are three key things to consider when challenging yourself in deep POW:

• Rhythm
• Movement
• Equipment

Rhythm is what allows us to dance down the slope. You first need to consider the radius of the turn and this will depend upon the steepness of the slope, the depth of the powder and the speed you want to travel at.

Before you actually throw yourself down a powdery slope, you need to know that you can do a solid short turn. Being able to do consistent short turns down a medium gradient slope with a pole plant and some good leg movement is a must, shorts turns will be for another Blog Post.

Once you have set the radius of the turn in your head, then you need to get ready to start moving.

Movement
The first turn is critical as it will set your rhythm and tempo, I always use a little extension by pushing off from both skis as this gives me the time and torque to rotate my skis easily.

The ultimate goal of course is to be able to extend your legs away from your body as you steer your skis, as you do this the skis will bend and store energy. Once you release the exerted pressure from the skis by relaxing your legs, the energy release from the skis will help them to float to the surface and give you an opportunity to rotate your legs into the next turn (see the image above). We call this extension retraction and it is similar to skiing bumps.

If you are new to powder then I would suggest using a little more bounce, this will help your timing, rhythm and require less effort to turn the skis.

Equipment
This is an interesting area as everyone has different styles, tastes and there are many types of powder.

For the sort of POW that I experienced in Niseko, I loved the K2 Hardside with its all-terrain rocker and 98mm under foot, this gives you plenty of float so you ca really let go, but not too wide where you barely sink at all.

In addition, you don't struggle when you get back onto the piste as they still handle well.
I can't praise K2 enough with their backside range, they are really ahead of the curve and leading the industry. Check this video of some solid powder technique in Niseko, these guys are using some bounce to aid their rhythm.

Amazing Investment in Niseko Japan

Dreamhouse 4 sale in Niseko Japan

Situated around the corner from the new 308 day centre at Hanazono in Niseko and a 10-minute drive to both Hirafu Village and the town of Kutchan, this 5-bedroom home with modern furnishings is in a prime location.

Summer is perfect in Niseko; discover nature’s amazing gift of vivid green scenery, beautiful flowers, delicious produce and pristine water.

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Discover water action with White Water Rafting down the Shiribestu River with friends and family…or ride the newest Cable Wakeboarding system in Japan.

Test your skills on our World Class Golf Course - the championship par 72 course measures 7003 yards and offers an exciting mix of challenging holes with dramatic vistas of the majestic Mt Yotei.

Hike our magnificent walking trails, take a guided eco trek or participate in a number of creative arts and crafts classes at the Hanazono 308 activity centre.

Get your adrenaline pumping at the Bike Park with kilometres of exhilarating trails, a pump track, jump park and skills area, ideal for all ages and ability levels.

Take it to the extreme with the BAGJUMP - try it on a dry run with skis or a snowboard or hit it on your mountain bike.

Suiboku - Nisekos benchmark in luxury property

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Sophisticated styling these 10, 5 bedroom lofts are self-contained with all the modern appliances you can expect.

Crisp frette linens and towels, flat screen TVs, books, magazines, CD players and Ipods with ready to use music.

Suiboku has luxurious Ofuro Spas, a fire place and sunken lounge settings.

Then add in Day Beds, Tatami rooms with futons and you have luxury accommodation that offers the ultimate in relaxation after a day of powder skiing, boarding or summertime golf.

Suiboku offers a dedicated concierge service within the village and will deliver you to lifts without a hassle

It has been an ultimate season for powder over 16 metres has dumped on Mt Annupuri in Niseko.

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Hiking the peak, putting fresh turns in Strawberries and the Annupuri back bowls, so happy I brought my snorkel.

Lifts are subject to wind conditions. With speeds ranging between 20 to 40km/hr. Wind chill should see temperatures down to -12 with a top of 2. Check out skihanzono.com for more info on the 3rd of April crazy fun bag jump mania event and DJ line up After party.

Amazing hike up the peak in Niseko yesterday.

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A change is due for Wednesday and Thursday, which may see some shower activity about the lower runs.
All adventure park activities are 40% off, so try driving your own snowmobile or go snow rafting if you are here.

Gondola Chalets in Niseko. Premium Accommodation, Outstanding Location

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Its name speaks for itself and boasts unrivalled access to Mt Annupuri and the Hirafu Gondola for a day of skiing and riding.

Intercom surveliance, large storage areas, Gondola Chalets have a stylish layout with open kitchen, dining and lounge area.

Niseko Landmark View. Stunning views of Mount Yotei and 2 mins from the lifts

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There are 47, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums with floor to ceiling windows showcasing the beautiful Mt Yotei.

The latest storm cycle delivered over 50cms of fresh to Niseko. Epic snow conditions for spring.

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Light winds.

10cms of fresh overnight in Niseko and the peaks open with fresh pow

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17 are up and running this morning along with the BagJump, Terrain Park and Adventure Park.

We had another dusting overnight in Niseko. A partly sunny day ahead with light snowfalls forecast.

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16 lifts, the bagjump and terrain park are up and running in Hanazono Niseko.

A sensational sunny spring day yesterday and the snow pack is holding up well in Niseko

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There is still over 2 mtrs at the base with over 4 up top. A cloudy day ahead with light winds around 5 to 15 km/hr.

Around the mountain: An excellent cover of snow for March.

A beautiful springtime day in Niseko.

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17 lifts are running and go check out the bag jump its crazy fun and try out that new trick you have been wanting to do.

The snow keeps falling and we had a dusting overnight in Niseko

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15 lifts, the bag jump, adventure park and terrain park are up and running.
Wind chill is down to - 15 degrees with a day time high of - 6.
Moderate winds should be between 15 to 30km/hr. Going back country carry required avalanche beacon, watch for wind drifts and check at lift stations for gate status.

Snow is forecast to continue to fall today and through the night with a chance of some sun tomorrow.

We had quite the snowstorm yesterday in Niseko with 10 to 15cms falling overnight.

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It’s possible that some lifts will be subject to wind conditions today. It's a requirement to have an avalanche beacon in the backcountry, watch for wind drifts and check at lift stations for gate status.

Winds are forecast to progressively drop over the next few days. Check out skihanazono.com for details of the Bag Jump mania event, there are all types of catergories, an after party and plenty of prizes.

Everyone was raving about their fresh lines yesterday in Niseko

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Light winds today increasing into the evening.

Japans First BagJump Event - April 3rd Hanazono Niseko Japan

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BAGJUMP MANIA - Hanazono April 3rd

The categories are below and anyone can participate, lots of prizes and giveaways.

Grommets (15 & under Snowboard or ski) Guys

Grommets (15 & under Snowboard or ski) Girls

Chicks (16 39) Ski

Chicks (16 39) Snowboard

Guys (16 39) Ski

Guys (16 39) Snowboard

Old School Guys (40+)

Old School Girls (40+)

Fun for the whole day and a dance party in the evening at Hanazono Niseko.it is free to enter the comp.

Snow has started to fall and should get heavier as the day continues in Niseko

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Most lifts, the adventure park, bag jump and the terrain park should be up running. Check out www.skihanazono.com

BAGJUMP MANIA in Hanazono Niseko Japan

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BAGJUMP MANIA - Hanazono – April 3rd

The categories are below and anyone can participate, lots of prizes and giveaways.

• Grommets (15 & under Snowboard or ski) – Guys
• Grommets (15 & under Snowboard or ski) – Girls
• Chicks (16 – 39) Ski
• Chicks (16 – 39) Snowboard
• Guys (16 – 39) Ski
• Guys (16 – 39) Snowboard
• Old School Guys (40+)
• Old School Girls (40+)

Fun for the whole day and a dance party in the evening….it is free to enter the comp.

20cms fell overnight here in Niseko at the 308. Epic conditions with yesterday and today’s fresh snow.

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The fun for all bag Jump competition will be held on the 3rd of April with party to follow. You will have to check it out.

westerly winds should be around 20 to 35 km/hr with wind chill seeing temperatures down to -22 and a top of -4 degrees. Most lifts, the adventure park, bag jump and the terrain park should be up running. It's a requirement to have an avalanche beacon in the back-country, check at lift stations for gate status.

Snow showers expected today and tomorrow with a change due Saturday bringing some warmer weather.

Unbelievable spring conditions! 15cms of fresh blanketed Niseko in the white stuff

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The Adventure Park will open with snowmobiling, rafting and more.

Snowfalls are expected over the next few days, which should keep topping up the base nicely.

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Recent Shower activity should give way to cooler temperatures and light snow should develop about the mountain today.

The Hanazono Dream Bowl and Gentemstick event yesterday in Niseko was crazy

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The turnout for the event yesterday in the Hanazono Dream Bowl was fantastic.

Niseko Avalanche Information - Sunday 14th March

Moiwa base 6am: -6℃, moderate snow-storm, 10cm of broken crystal snow.

http://niseko.nadare.info/

Coastal data: WNW19m/s at Benkei cape, W14m/s, 3.1m waves and 1021hPa at Kamui cape.

A strong westerly storm has persisted above 800m and made some snowdrifts slabs of wind-broken particle to develop in leeward slopes. Cornices have also developed in leeward areas above 1000m. Maximum snowdrift depth has reached 100cm in some spots just below ridgeline.

Looking at the weather transition, the cornices and snowdrifts are yet to stabilize.

60cm surface slab avalanche are highly likely to occur in Kozan no sawa (Backbowl), Osawa, Mikaeri no sawa, Higashi-One and the south facing strictly off limits areas. Potential sliding layer is March 12-13th where a weak hoar layer has formed due to temperature difference in the snow accumulation.

The storm should calm down around 11am and the slabs would start to stabilize, however peak gates will be closed all day for the sake of all resort users. Do not duck ropes to step out of bounds.
Gate 1, 4, 5 and 6 are scheduled to open this afternoon. Follow the ski patrol’s instructions.
Most avalanche accidents happen during or just after storms.

Strong winds and snow showers are forecast for today in Niseko

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The practice sessions are on today in the Hanazono Dream Bowl for tomorrows Gemtemstick event.

Amazing pow with local legend Yasu

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Yasuyuki Shimanuki gets some super dry waist deep Powder off Hanazono 2 in Niseko Japan. Niseko is off the Hook with the amount of powder it gets...

Final preparations are underway for the Hanazono Dream Bowl Gentemstick event this weekend in Niseko Japan

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Wind chill should see temperatures down to -14 with a top of 1 degree.

It’s nearly half way through March and the snow pack is holding up well in Hanazono. Around 2mtrs at the base and over 4 mtrs up top.

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Around the mountain: Wind chill should see temperatures down to -16 with a top of -2 degrees.

Snow showers are expected today in Niseko after 2 amazing days on the mountain

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Around the mountain: 17 lifts and the terrain park should be up running with the bag jump scheduled to open around 11am. Winds should be generally light around 10 to 20km/hr. Windchill we see temps down to -17 with a change due on friday giving a good snowfall on the peak.

Nice to see another 20cms fall overnight here in Hanazono Niseko.

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Snow showers are forecast for today with a chance of some sun this afternoon.
Around the mountain: Light winds with wind chill seeing temperatures down to -20 and a top of -4 degrees.

Temperatures are super cold today down to -24 wind chill and we had around 10cms of fresh overnight in Niseko.

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Around the mountain: Most lifts and the terrain park should be up running with the bag jump scheduled to open around 11am. Winds should be generally light around 10 to 20km/hr.

Temps are on the decline in Niseko and we are expecting mostly cloudy days ahead with snow showers forecast through next week.

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It's the Slope Style Pro and the last points gaining event to mark the Terrain Park Series Finalists.

Skiing crazy deep powder in Waterfall Niseko スキー

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Yasuyuki Shimanuki gets some super dry waist deep Powder off Hanazono 2 in Niseko Japan. Niseko is off the Hook with the amount of powder it gets... They say it has the best lift accessible Backcountry Powder on the Globe

Hanazono is picked as one of the 8 best of Asia's ski resorts by CNN...

Here are a selection of resorts around Asia still serving up enough snow to play out any Olympic fantasy..

Whether you’re a diehard snowboarder or a slope-slick skier, Asia’s got plenty of steepness to cover. Below are some handpicked destinations that would make any Olympic committee proud.

http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/none/8-asian-ski-resorts-worth-gondola-ride-340587

It started to dump the fluffy flakes yesterday and we saw 10cms fall overnight with a bit more up top in Niseko

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We should see a partly cloudy day ahead with winds increasing and another fall of snow tonight.
17 lifts, the bag jump and the terrain park will be up and running. Winds should be around 5 to 20km/hr.

The peak was open and untracked for the first part of yesterday and the 360 degree views of Hokkaido were breathtaking

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We had a little top of fresh overnight of 5cms and more snow showers are forecast today.
17 lifts, the bag jump and the terrain park are up n running. Northwesterly winds should be around 10 to 20km/hr.

Another perfect spring morning and we should see a mostly sunny day ahead in Niseko

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The Slope Style Pro is on this weekend so come and register at Fusion or check it out in the Hanazono Terrain Park.

Fantastic spring conditions in Niseko! A beautiful sunny day yesterday and fresh snow to ride today

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15 - 25cms overnight in Hanazono Niseko

Big Fluffy Flakes are now falling in Niseko

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We have light snow and winds forecast with a partly sunny day ahead. 17 lifts are up and running with the bag jump scheduled to open around 11am. We should see a minimum temperature of -12 degrees with a top of -3. Going backcountry have required safety gear, dangers increase leading into spring. We may see a bit of snow here and there over the next few days with some bigger falls hopefully due later next week.

Spring snow conditions yesterday in Niseko however winters coming back. Temperatures and winds have dropped.

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We may see some light snowfalls develope this morning with a possible clearing this afternoon.
16 lifts should be up and running with the bag jump scheduled to open around 11am. We love the Adventure Park and Didn't feel like a ski or board yesterday so checked out Hanazono in Niseko by snowmobile.

A change is due tomorrow which should see temperatures drop and a chance of some light snowfalls into Saturday.

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Things have warmed up a little with temperatures around 2 degrees but just for a day. Around the mountain: An excellent cover of packed snow on the groomed. Adventure Park will open. Lifts are subject to changing wind conditions today, 25 km/hr this morning and gusting to 60 by this afternoon.

A pleasant morning with mild temperatures today and light snow forecast in Niseko

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Winds should be around 5 to 25km/hr throughout the day and increasing into the evening.

Around the mountain: An excellent cover of packed snow on the groomed. Adventure Park, the Bag Jump and Terrain Park should be up and running with most lifts spinning. Wind chill should see temperatures down to -8 with a top of 1 degree.

A pleasant morning with mild temperatures today and light snow forecast in Niseko

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Winds should be around 5 to 25km/hr throughout the day and increasing into the evening.

Around the mountain: An excellent cover of packed snow on the groomed. Adventure Park, the Bag Jump and Terrain Park should be up and running with most lifts spinning. Wind chill should see temperatures down to -8 with a top of 1 degree.

Looks like it could be a great day out in Niseko and we have had 10 to 15cms of fresh snow overnight

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Light snowfalls this morning with a chance of some sun later in the day.
Around the mountain: Adventure Park, the Bag Jump and Terrain Park should be up and running with 17 lifts spinning. Wind chill should see temperatures down to -17 with a top of -1 degree. Going back country ensure you have the knowledge and required avalanche safety gear.