10m worth of faceshots. Image:: SkiJapan.com
Niseko Snow | Ian Talbot
Niseko has retained its reputation as one of the world's snowiest ski areas with snow enthusiasts who appreciate exploring untracked slopes. In December there was hardly a day went by without fresh snow with an average of 20cms a day. SkiJapan.com's mountain guide and Niseko based snow reporter Rod White has been virtually booked solid. He's stated the accumulated snowfall at higher elevations (where he takes many of his more adventurous clients) has almost reached 10 metres.
Here's Rod's latest 'sparrow's report':
06 January 2012 7:30am
Sparrows Report
"Well apart from a very welcome easing of the wind speed overnight, we have a fairly similar day dawning as yesterday with a further 20 + cm here in the village and what would be 20-30 on the mountain since yesterday.
morning.
"Knee to thigh deep powder of superb quality was out there early yesterday and till around midday there was epic riding out there for all to enjoy.
"Then the winds hit maximum force of up to 60k's+ around midday and took out all lifts across the 4 mountain resort bar the short beginner ones at the base of the mountain. Thankfully those high levels of pesky winds have backed off overnight.
"Right now it is dumping and a quick look at the moisture radar movement over the 6 hrs from 6am till midday is tracking very healthy drop rates in this period as well,
"Gates and the peak will be I would think questionable today as the wind loading from the last 24 hrs wil be hazardous, and advice would be to not poach ropes and adhear to patrol and the avalanche report. The link is supplied on this page. There will be plenty of great powder inbounds everywhere...best not to push your luck.
"25 Lifts expected to operate around the resort today with 3 gondolas. Winds are between 5 -25ks and still temps at minus 6 C at base and 12 C under at top so rug up.
"The outlook is for this north west jet stream to continue today, tonight and through tomorrow as well with significant snow . The powder factory is back !
"I'll check back in later today for a wrap of the day as it was here in Niseko and the latest forecast detail so have a great day and please ride wisely."
Whilst it hasn't been the busiest winter at Niseko than in previous years operators such as SkiJapan.com say there has been a surge in late bookings possibly due to the snowfalls and the numerous specials they are offering skiers and boarders contemplating where to go.
A good example is the Free skiing or boarding for Kids under 12 offer from SkiJapan.com throughout March. Plus parents can book for seven and only pay for six at any SkiJapan.com managed property in Niseko.
Snow, lots of it, are why snow riders return to Niseko. It has a well-deserved reputation for light, dry powder and the stats so far reinforce the decision made by the Australian 'pioneers' who realised the resort's potential. They may not be coming in the same numbers as previously but the general feedback from Niseko is nothing has changed the snow is as good as ever.
