Japan Snow Reports - 30th Dec 2010

Click to Play

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!

Japan Snow Report - 29th Dec 2010

Click to Play

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 Report - 28th Dec 2010

Click to Play

No new snow in Niseko overnight so the team went to check out the new zipline at Hanazono! Heavy snowfalls are on the way so hopefully we'll be 'zipping' through the trees again soon.

Japan Snow Report - 23rd Dec 2010

Click to Play

Just a dusting of snow overnight so we decided to head over to Annupuri, one of the four resort areas that make up the Niseko United. Blizzard conditions are forecast for Christmas so we'll be ripping it up by Boxing Day!

Japan Snow Reports - 22nd of Dec 2010

Click to Play

No new snow in Niseko last night so we thought it would be a good chance to explore the resort's bars and restaurants! The Daily Flake team dropped into The Vale Bar and Grill for lunch and a glass of wine (or two!)

Japan Snow Report - 21 Dec 2010

Click to Play

Have a look at how Niseko is going after yesterday's showers! There was some nice dry fresh off piste and the groomed runs were chalky. Not bad at all!

Japan Snow Report - 17th Dec 2010

Click to Play

Sunshine AND snowfalls in Niseko today! Hanazono ski area is now operating all lifts and the cover is in fine form. There's even a few powder fields to play in! Check it out in today's report.

Japan Snow Report - 16 December 2010

Click to Play

It started out clear in Niseko today but by lunch time the flakes were falling! The Hirafu Gondola is now open, along with plenty of terrain for riders of all standards. Snowfalls are also forecast for Niseko tomorrow.

It's SNOWING! Niseko is looking very white...but very cold!

Click to Play

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

Click to Play

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

Click to Play

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

Click to Play

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

Japan Snow Report - 9 Dec 2010

Click to Play

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

Click to Play

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 - The Daily Flake 7 December 2010

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

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.

The Daily Flake is available for viewing on a range of key snow and travel related websites, so it’s easier to find than an Izakaya in Tokyo.

Secret Powder Tips by Nigel Abbott - Leg Power & Core Strength

So how do you get your body to this level, I go to the gym to several times per week to increase my strength and mountain bike regularly to improve my power and endurance.

One thing that I have learned during my 35 year skiing career is that leg power and core strength will ensure you can ski with power and grace, it will also make it so much easier when you hit the slopes for your skiing holiday. This way you can enjoy your skiing from day one without suffering too much fatigue or burnout, which normally occurs from day three onwards.

Core strength is a result of strong stomach, lower back and oblique muscles and is your base from which your legs can extend and retract.

Similar to a dual suspension mountain bike which has a very strong frame (core strength), the wheels (skis) are attached to a suspension system (legs) which allows for independent action to absorb the terrain. This is no different to skiing where your upper and mid section act as the base from which your legs can operate the function of pressure control, that is the movement of extension and retraction.

This image perfectly demonstrates a strong core that has the upper body in an upright position and the legs almost fully extended to drive pressure through to the skis. The upper body is stable and quiet, thus allowing for real power to be exerted with the leg muscles and to resist the forces.
A strong mid section will give you the best chance to keep your upper body quiet for a smooth flow down the hill, which results in graceful skiing. There is no difference when you are skiing powder, you want a quiet upper body so your legs be can extend away from your body and then retracted back under you to suck up the pressure. So how do you get your body to this level, I go to the gym several times per week to increase my strength and mountain bike regularly to improve my power and endurance.

Secret Powder Tips by Nigel Abbott - What is Active Pole Planting?

There are three key skills to a great pole plant.
1. The foundation of a great pole plant starts with the position of your arms, they should be held at least hip height and within the field of vision. Arm positions have varied over the years depending on what is happening with the teaching styles, but if you look at a racer, they are always striving to drive their arms forward....why? Because that is the path of travel.
Arms should be held relaxed and quiet to ensure your upper body remains quiet, this will also give your legs a powerful and stable platform to work from.

This is a fine example of perfect arm positioning, note the effect this has on his upper body.




2. Next is your pole straps and they and should always be worn correctly. Firstly, the hand is inserted through the strap and then you clasp the grip with the strap between your thumb and forefinger. This gives you a swing point or a hinge that allows the pole to be swung out and controlled by your fingers with minimal effort. Try practising this while you are standing still and see how smooth you cam make the action and how far you can reach the pole ahead of you. Remember, the only movement is coming from the wrist.
3. The last skill is related to where you actually plant the tip of the pole into the snow. I always say "plant it into the future", that being somewhere towards your ski tips and in the direction of where your upper body is facing. If you are on steep terrain, then you will be planting well down the slope to aid with turn initiation. It is important that once your hand moves past the point where your pole was inserted into the snow, you don't drop your arm, this will maintain a quiet upper body.
A great pole plant will help you with:

• A quiet upper body.
• A stable platform to initiate your turn.
• Good timing and rhythm with your turns.

One thing that I despise is a lazy pole plant and comes in many forms. It is a good habit and will help your technique immensely if you aim for a perfect pole plant every turn. This is a good example of a quality pole plant in POW.

How to get perfect turn control in Niseko powder.

Controlling your speed through turn radius is something we all desire to achieve. What a great skill if you could do this for every single turn on a steep powder run.

Your turn radius will greatly depend on how much you rotate your skis during the initiation phase, and this is determined by how much you rotate your feet during the pressure release (aka unweighting).

This is a skill that has somewhat diminished with the new genre of carve skis, but still remains a vital skill for all round skiing, especially short turns.

I have always said that the more energy you put into the start of the turn, the easier the completion will be.

To set yourself up for perfect turn control, you need a strong initiation which includes a well timed pole plant and your eyes and upper body focused on where you want your skis to travel.
Next you need to visualise the skis travel path, try skiing down a medium pitch slope and visualise where you want your ski tips to go.
I always picture my tips tracking a nice round arc through the powder snow, coming out of the snow and then diving back in and being whipped around.
This image perfectly demonstrates Christie Dowling focusing in on the path she wants her skis to track while maintaining excellent upper and lower body separation.

This is great example of where turn completion and preparation are at one.
One thing I have seen quite regularly in Niseko, which really spoils the silhouette, is the lack of commitment with pole planting in powder. The swing is there but no plant into the snow, it makes the turn look incomplete and you loose that extra drive into the next turn.

From this, there are three key things to remember:

1. Good preparation = pole plant and upper body focus
2. Strong foot rotation during pressure release
3. Visualise the desired path you want your tips to take

Secret tip that I have shared while skiing the deep POW in Niseko

By Nigel Abbott

I want to teach you a secret tip that I have shared with many people while skiing the deep POW in Niseko (apart from using a pair of K2 Hardsides).

As you complete your steering through the last phase of the turn - push your feet forward.

You won't get caught backwards as long as you have turned the skis enough, as you can see from this image I am centered over my feet even though my feet are being driven forward.
So why use this action?

• Having your feet forward during the last phase of the turn gives you extra power due to energy being exerted through the heels of your feet.
• When the powder is variable or broken, this action stops your weight shifting forward.
• It also aids the tips coming to the surface ready for the next turn.

This is an action that allows you to ski with power and finesse in all powder conditions.

Stay tuned for more of my secret tips.

Skiing Powder Snow - Lessons learned from Niseko Japan.

By Nigel Abbott

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.

Niseko - Building online Brand awareness and engagement with Video Marketing

http://www.nigelabbott.com/

I quite often get asked the question of how to improve online awareness and engagement with a Brand.

Well, we all know that content is king and the first thing you need to make sure is that your content has clarity of message, distinction of idea and purpose.

An effective strategy we used to put Niseko (Japanese ski area) on the global ski resort stage was to focus in on its unique features and natural attributes. It was evident that Powder Snow, Japanese Culture and Onsens (Hot Springs) were the reason why someone would visit and video was the tool of choice to create engaging stories around these selling points.

The segments we produced were high quality, entertaining, met the key points above and dressed up with sophisticated brand graphics.

We then heavily syndicated these video segments to build awareness and entice consumers back to the website where we could provide incentives to purchase. Our videos became so popular that we started to see visitors from as far as Northern Europe come to experience the amazing powder and culture.

Last winter we achieved several million views of our videos and our strategy was so effective was that our presenters became mini celebrities.

.: Video Marketing and V-Commerce embraced by Brand M...

.: Video Marketing and V-Commerce embraced by Brand M...: "In Q2 of 2010, Brightcove and TubeMogul conducted a survey of more than 300 brand managers representing major consumer and B2B organization..."

Cocoroya kimono shop in Niseko Japan

Cocoroya offers its visitors a unique opportunity to experience the Japanese kimono tradition. The store is located in Kutchan, a small town close to Niseko on Japan’s north island of Hokkaido. Inside you will find beautiful Japanese kimono’s for sale as well as authentic souvenirs for yourself or as presents for loved ones.

Board the Deep powder storms from Siberia in Niseko

The Niseko area is known for some of the best off-piste powder skiing in the world. No other destination receives such consistently perfect powder. Niseko is a geographical magnet for weather systems delivering snow storms from the Siberian Peninsula and after filling with moisture on their way across the Sea of Japan these massive fronts collide and Hanazono in Niseko is the first place in their path dumping up to 16 metres of snow in a season... The water content of the snow is usually around 8% creating extremely light n fluffy powder snow....

Niseko Powder Japan snowboarding ニセコ

Snow boarding in back country Niseko Japan

With a Niseko United lift pass, you get access to 4 linked areas that share a common pass -- Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri. Visitors can explore over 50 km of runs serviced by 43 lifts, the longest run a spectacular 5.6 km. The area offers 1,000 vertical metres of consistent deep powder and immaculately groomed runs for Beginners (30%), Intermediate (40%) and Advanced (30%).

It is no surprise that Niseko has become Japan's most acclaimed ski resort for the International guest. The blend of accommodation, restaurants, culture and activities suit all tastes, add in the breathtaking scenery, champagne powder, high tech facilities, constant upgrades and you have a perfect formula to attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjkIj8xRNSY

Niseko Cycle Week is almost upon us again!

Niseko Cycle Week 2010

Now’s the time to start sweetening up the boss for some time off, getting up at dawn for secret training rides, and making up for eleven indulgent months in preparation for one of the year’s biggest events – the weeklong celebration of all things Niseko and bicycle-related that’s simply known round here as Cycle Week.

For those of you who don’t know it, NCW is as light-hearted as it is deadly earnest. The serious cyclists among us get veeeery serious while the rest of us bumble around giggling at our own ineptitude. But we still get out there and turn up for some of the fun events that range from long, timed road rides thru Bike-To-Work and social events, to MTB huckarounds. It really doesn’t matter what you get involved in – so long as you’re involved somehow.

This year will also see Hokkaido’s biggest pro cycling race roll into Niseko as the Tour de Hokkaido visits town on September 18. If you haven’t experienced the power of 200+ pro riders at race pace then definitely make sure you check this out. They truly motor!

Soooo. Do what you feel you must: train, or moan about your lack thereof, but get yourself registered for this year’s Niseko Cycle Week. They’ll also be looking for volunteers soon, and for any generous local companies it’s a great way to get your company name out in front of people! Check it out at:www.nisekocycleweek.com

See you there… (I’ll be the one walking his bike up the hills!)

Amazing house 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.

Click here to view Video of Hanazono Dreamhouse 4 sale in Niseko Japan

YTL's Niseko Village hotel undergoes renovation

YTL Hotel Group's multi-billion Yen master plan is redefining alpine luxury in Niseko, Japan. The award-winning New York based firm Champalimaud Design is orchestrating the renovation of the 200-room Green Leaf Niseko Village, slated for completion in time for the ski season end of 2010, and to be unveiled as 'The Green Leaf Niseko Village, a YTL Lifestyle Resort'. The renovation of the ski-in, ski-out Green Leaf is the first of YTL's multi-phased redevelopment plan for Niseko Village and will re-open its doors to guests on 1st December, 2010.

Renowned for creating distinctive interiors that reflect their unique setting, Champalimaud Design has worked its style magic on some of the world's leading hotels including London's Berkeley and Dorchester hotels to the highly acclaimed redesign of the suites at The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, in Manhattan. 'Niseko is now recognized as a highly desirable international destination', says President and Principal Designer Alexandra Champalimaud, 'and this is a wonderful opportunity to transform a property with an unparalleled location, therapeutic natural onsen and Mt. Yotei views into a modern social space attractive to a youthful and global clientele.'

The Green Leaf Niseko Village proudly houses an extensive collection of original artwork by celebrated Japanese artist Soichiro Tomioka (1922-1994). Tomioka's life long study and portrayal of crisp forested winter landscapes is broadly represented in the collection with each guestroom, boasting an original work of its own. Paying homage to his aesthetic, Champalimaud Design has created guestrooms which communicate serenely with the surrounding environment. Traditional elements of European mountain chic are made more contemporary and overlaid with elements of Japanese aesthetic.

Unobstructed views of Hokkaido's majestic Mt. Yotei can be seen from the elegant corner suites and guestrooms. The Green Leaf Niseko Village will reopen with eight Corner Suites comprised of a parlor room, 40" flat panel television, wet bar, powder room, and accommodation for a family of four. In addition, 25 deluxe guestrooms will offer king beds, 32" flat panel television and accommodation for three. For families traveling with children, these deluxe guestrooms have been designed to connect to triple rooms for added space. All 200 rooms will include plush bedding, fine linens, quality amenities, multi-language television programming and wireless Internet.

Sharing in the YTL belief that wellbeing is the principal ingredient in a balanced contemporary accommodation; each room is at its core a practical, restful and peaceful place. Throughout the hotel, whether seated in front of the fireplaces in the living room lobby lounge, or at a fireside dinner enjoying the diverse menu in the completely redesigned main restaurant, the Green Leaf Niseko Village is designed to meet the needs and expectations of a cosmopolitan and discerning clientele. Furthermore, the hotel is a prime year-round mountain lodge with an array of seasonally changing landscapes for activities ranging from powder skiing to two 18-hole championship golf courses, one of which was designed by Arnold Palmer.

The Green Leaf Niseko Village can cater to every fitness level and to every desired extreme sensation in a myriad of activities; paragliding, trekking, trails for horseback riding, kayaking and river rafting, tennis and much more. This multi-faceted destination promises unrivalled accessibility to the benefits of the finest resort destination in Japan. No matter which pursuit occupies your day, the intimate forested onsen - a therapeutic natural volcanic hot spring, is the perfect place to soak away tension and time. A vast menu of different traditional therapeutic massages, manicures and pedicures are offered in the adjacent spa.

During the White Season, begin your day in our purpose designed skier services building which features a full equipment rental counter, fireplace and multi-purpose lounge with cinema display screen. On the roof of the skier services building, and unlike any other accommodation in Niseko, guests may enjoy a scenic moment, lunch and mugs of beer on our open air rooftop Beer Garden and Grill, accessible directly from the ski slopes.

The sophisticated facilities and contemporary comforts of the Green Leaf Niseko Village are accessible through Sapporo's International Chitose Airport - Niseko's getaway to greater Asia, with direct flights from Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Singapore, to name a few.

Niseko Freedom Inn Specials Discounts & Offers | Freedom Inn | Hanazono

Special Discounts and Offers
Freedom Inn offers great savings on its already low rates with special discounts so that your Niseko holiday can be enjoyed stress-free. Check-out the below programs and tune into this space for more to come!

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
15% off of published accommodation rates for 2010-2011 winter bookings made and fully paid by September 1, 2010. First 20 people receive a FREE 1-day lift pass!

CORPORATE AFFILIATE DISCOUNT
10% off of accommodation, lift tickets, lessons, rentals and more for registered corporate partners and their employees with no black-out dates

FREEDOM INN REFERRAL POINTS
Receive 3,500 Freedom Points for introducing new guests to the Freedom Inn. Each introduction of a new staying guest equals a free lift ticket; 5 new introductions can be converted into a free night!



http://www.freedom-inn.jp/en/content/special-discounts-and-offers

Niseko Powder TV : Wild Bills restaurant review

Click to Play

Samara Tanton samples some of the amazing Tex Mex food & cocktails at the famous Wild Bills restaurant in Niseko Japan...

Niseko : Powder TV goes Kendo

Click to Play

Training Kendo & using a Katana are all part of the daily training ritual that these students go through with their 83 yr old Master. Close by is Niseko which has awesome deep powder snow with a long season. Niseko (; -chou) is a town and ski resort located in Abuta District, Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, Japan. Niseko is widely regarded as the best ski resort in Japan for three main reasons: weather, size and infrastructure.

Around the world, people have come to rely on smartphones.

Via: Cell Phones

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

Click to Play

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

Click to Play

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.

Click to Play

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.

Premium Accommodation, Outstanding Location in Niseko

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.

Check the Video out now

http://www.skihanazono.com/global/en/hanazono-tv/video/3410632