There are two activities taking up everyone's time in Niseko at present...riding and digging! It hasn't stopped snowing since Friday afternoon, bringing us up to 2 metres of snow around the lower slopes. It was one of the deepest days of the season so far out there, with the drifts in amongst the trees sitting at waist deep or higher. Winds were moderate to strong and temperatures were down to -12 degrees.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.01.31
The storm is starting to settle down, however the avalanche risk remains still very high.
Extremely hazardous conditions in Annupuri Osawa, Kozan no Sawa, Fujiwara no sawa and Higashi-One.
This storm has developed 250cm of snowdrifts in some leeward slopes above 850m in the past 48hours.
Possibility of a thick slide from Jan 29th or 28th layer is to be highly considered today.
Extreme caution is required especially in slopes with heavy/thick/consistent/uniform slabs which would transfer stimulation throughout the entire slab in a split second and trigger a large surface slab avalanche. Knolls and slopes around/under cornices are all time dangerous.
Gates opening is yet to be decided, please respect the ski patrol’s decisions.
Most avalanche accidents occur during or just after storms.
Coastal data: W11m/s 1.6m waves.
Annupuri peak 6am: WSW8m/s, -16.5℃.
45cm of overnight snowfall at the base.
Stormen har bedarrat men lavinrisken är fortsatt mycket hög. Extremt riskabelt vid Annapuri Osawa, Kozan no Sawa, Fujiwara no sawa och Higashi-One. De senaste 48 timmarnas storm har medfört att det ligger 250cm ny snö i drivor i vissa backar i lä över 850m. Risken för ett snöskred från gårdagens snölager, samt från lagret i förrgår, är mycket stor idag och måste tas i beaktande. Utomordentligt stor försiktighet krävs speciellt i backar med tjocka/jämna/uniforma snöplattor eftersom de kan släppa vid minsta retning, vilket inom loppet av en tiondels sekund kan resultera i en stor ytlavin. Kullar och backar i närheten av och under hängdrivor är alltid farliga. Grindarnas öppnande eller icke öppnande är ännu inte fastställt - vänligen respektera skidpatrullens beslut. De flesta lavinolyckor sker under, eller precis efter, en storm. Vid kusten: V 11m/s och 1.6m vågor. Annapuris topp 06.00: VSV 8m/s, -16.5?. 45cm snö har fallit under natten, i dalen.
Extremely hazardous conditions in Annupuri Osawa, Kozan no Sawa, Fujiwara no sawa and Higashi-One.
This storm has developed 250cm of snowdrifts in some leeward slopes above 850m in the past 48hours.
Possibility of a thick slide from Jan 29th or 28th layer is to be highly considered today.
Extreme caution is required especially in slopes with heavy/thick/consistent/uniform slabs which would transfer stimulation throughout the entire slab in a split second and trigger a large surface slab avalanche. Knolls and slopes around/under cornices are all time dangerous.
Gates opening is yet to be decided, please respect the ski patrol’s decisions.
Most avalanche accidents occur during or just after storms.
Coastal data: W11m/s 1.6m waves.
Annupuri peak 6am: WSW8m/s, -16.5℃.
45cm of overnight snowfall at the base.
Stormen har bedarrat men lavinrisken är fortsatt mycket hög. Extremt riskabelt vid Annapuri Osawa, Kozan no Sawa, Fujiwara no sawa och Higashi-One. De senaste 48 timmarnas storm har medfört att det ligger 250cm ny snö i drivor i vissa backar i lä över 850m. Risken för ett snöskred från gårdagens snölager, samt från lagret i förrgår, är mycket stor idag och måste tas i beaktande. Utomordentligt stor försiktighet krävs speciellt i backar med tjocka/jämna/uniforma snöplattor eftersom de kan släppa vid minsta retning, vilket inom loppet av en tiondels sekund kan resultera i en stor ytlavin. Kullar och backar i närheten av och under hängdrivor är alltid farliga. Grindarnas öppnande eller icke öppnande är ännu inte fastställt - vänligen respektera skidpatrullens beslut. De flesta lavinolyckor sker under, eller precis efter, en storm. Vid kusten: V 11m/s och 1.6m vågor. Annapuris topp 06.00: VSV 8m/s, -16.5?. 45cm snö har fallit under natten, i dalen.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
40cm of snow fell on Friday night in Niseko and today conditions were deep and dry. Snowfalls should continue into Monday!
Up until Friday afternoon we hadn't had a lot of snowfall this week in Niseko, so we had to make our fun somewhere on-piste! Check out this weekly wrap including some terrain park footage from Hanazono and Grand Hirafu. Up to 40cm of snow fell on Friday night and today conditions were deep and dry. Snowfalls should continue into Monday!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 27th Jan 2011
A spectacular sunny day! You could see for miles and miles. Temperatures managed to stay down around -10 degrees up high and winds were light. We should be back to snowy conditions by tomorrow afternoon!
Japan Snow Report - 28th Jan 2011
Good news! Just as we started uploading today's report, snow started to fall heavily here in Niseko. It was overcast and the light was very flat out there today. Temperatures were down to -10 degrees and there was next to no wind.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 25th Jan 2011
No new snow last night! So it was the first day in over three weeks that we've had no freshies to shred. So instead we hit the Hanazono Terrain Park. Winds were light and temperatures were down to -10 at the top. Heavier falls forecast for Friday!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 24th Jan 2011
A gorgeous blue sky day in Niseko! Perfect for exploring the mountain and checking out our resident volcano, Mt Yotei. Only a dusting last night so conditions were a bit lumpy and bumpy, but it was still worth putting in the turns. Light to moderate snowfalls and cold temperatures are forecast for Niseko this week.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 22th Jan 2011
It's been a week of non stop snowfall in Niseko! Strong winds and low visibility have also been a feature but that hasn't stopped skiers and boarders enjoying the amazing snow cover. We may see heavier snowfalls again on Sunday.
Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.01.22
Current Official Snow Depths:
Grand Hirafu:
Top - 340
Bottom - 180
Niseko Village:
Top - 290
Bottom - 185
Annupuri:
Top - 240
Bottom - 200
Grand Hirafu:
Top - 340
Bottom - 180
Niseko Village:
Top - 290
Bottom - 185
Annupuri:
Top - 240
Bottom - 200
Annupuri peak 6am: -14℃, W8m/s. 15cm of overnight snowfall.
W to WNW wind that was blowing at around 20m/s above 1000m yesterday morning has calmed down and is stagnating around 10m/s this morning. Although the snowfall amount varies on the slope orientation in 800m or lower areas, the overall condition seems to be in good shape. The snow condition is variable in slopes above 1000m, where wind-affected hard-pack, hard slabs and soft fresh snow can be found in the same slope. A relatively shallow surface slab avalanche risks is still to be considered in leeward steep slopes above 1000m. Personally evaluate the risks you’re taking before dropping into a slope. Be especially careful of the snow conditions in leeward gullies’ walls, around developed cornices and slopes with sudden gradient shift. Carelessly dropping into places like the Backbowl, many people dropping in the same slope all at once or traversing all the way underneath cornices have to be avoided unless you’re trying to deliberately cause an accident. All gates are scheduled to open this morning including Peak gates 2 & 3 at 10am. Seek for the ski patrol’s instructions at the gates.
W to WNW wind that was blowing at around 20m/s above 1000m yesterday morning has calmed down and is stagnating around 10m/s this morning. Although the snowfall amount varies on the slope orientation in 800m or lower areas, the overall condition seems to be in good shape. The snow condition is variable in slopes above 1000m, where wind-affected hard-pack, hard slabs and soft fresh snow can be found in the same slope. A relatively shallow surface slab avalanche risks is still to be considered in leeward steep slopes above 1000m. Personally evaluate the risks you’re taking before dropping into a slope. Be especially careful of the snow conditions in leeward gullies’ walls, around developed cornices and slopes with sudden gradient shift. Carelessly dropping into places like the Backbowl, many people dropping in the same slope all at once or traversing all the way underneath cornices have to be avoided unless you’re trying to deliberately cause an accident. All gates are scheduled to open this morning including Peak gates 2 & 3 at 10am. Seek for the ski patrol’s instructions at the gates.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 21th Jan 2011
It was windy, cold and low visibility today but the conditions were epic! 20cm of fresh snow and plenty of super sweet turns to be had in the trees. Snowfalls should get heavier over the weekend and then we may even see some clear sky next week!
Japan Snow Report - 20th Jan 2011
A real mixed bag today! Winds were strong this morning so some lifts were on hold and the higher ones were running at slow speeds. Then the wind dropped slightly and the sun came out! But no matter what the conditions you can still have a great day in Niseko, check out today's report for some tips on skiing and riding when it's windy.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 19th Jan 2011
5cm of snow on the ground this morning - just enough to cover our tracks from yesterday. Some of the more popular runs were pretty bumpy, but there were still plenty of fresh lines to be found around the resort. Consistent snowfalls are forecast from now until at least the weekend!
How to Tackle Steep Decents on a Mountain Bike.
We are using our standard methodology -- attitude, speed/line and actions.
Our attitude will determine the speed and line we take; and those combined will determine the actions we need make to execute the maneuver.
You need to study the terrain to ascertain the line you will take and to ensure in this situation has a good finishing area to roll out.
If it's your first time, then I suggest a slower speed through the maneuver, which is how I will tackle this.
Our attitude will determine the speed and line we take; and those combined will determine the actions we need make to execute the maneuver.
You need to study the terrain to ascertain the line you will take and to ensure in this situation has a good finishing area to roll out.
If it's your first time, then I suggest a slower speed through the maneuver, which is how I will tackle this.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 18th Jan 2011
30cm of fresh snow on the ground and the winds had died down - a vast improvement on yesterday! The forecast is for snow to continue this week with heavier falls scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. The powder-fest continues!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Japan Snow Report - Sunday Special 16 Jan 2011
We woke up to 30cm of fresh snow this morning and slightly warmer temperatures. A mild minus 8 degrees C out on the mountain today! Winds had picked up and visibility was quite low, but it was awesome riding out there anyway. Today's video is a Sunday Special including a two day forecast and some of the best footage from last week. Enjoy!
Japan Snow Report - 13th Dec 2011
Just another day in paradise! We woke up to blue sky and 30cm of fresh snow on the ground in Hirafu. The sunshine didn't last long but the light dry powder stayed around alllllll day long. Still very cold here in Niseko and it's set to get even colder. More snow on the way too!
Japan Snow Report - 14th Jan 2010
Today was virtually a carbon copy of yesterday....just colder! Temperatures were down to minus 17 degrees C and they are expected to drop further this evening. Snow is forecast across over the next couple of days so it's another white weekend in Niseko!
Kamonohashi the Mountain Warrior of Niseko
Kamonohashi is a very brave and talented Tasmanian platypus; these distinct mammals are unique to Australia.At a very young age, after learning about the warriors of Japan, Kamonohashi decided that this was his path and the way to fulfill his dream of becoming a guardian of nature. After saying goodbye to his family in Australia, Kamo took the long journey to Japan to begin his martial arts study and training.Years of dedication and preparation made him a fine example of a great warrior. On completion of his studies; Kamo was presented with a magic staff in recognition of his excellence and his future responsibility of protecting nature. He was sent to Niseko to oversee the mountains, the animals and the children that play there. This is how he came to love the beautiful white winters and develop his skills to become an amazing skier and snowboarder.
Japan Snow Report - Weekly Wrap 15th January 2011
What a day! 30cm of fresh snow overnight and the Anupurri back bowls were literally overflowing with powder. It's the perfect end to a very cold and snowy week in Niseko. Check out our weekly wrap, including some of the best footage from the last few days. Enjoy!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.01.15
No notable snowfall and development of snowdrifts could be observed in the past 12 hours and the general avalanche risk is moderate.
The snow is shallow and fast, remain in control and beware of hitting trees.
80cm thick slides from Jan 10th layer are still to be considered in knolls and steep slopes. Always keep the risk of avalanches in mind and avoid stopping in the middle of a slope or at the bottom of a gully.
Gates 2 (Annupuri), 4 (Fujiwara) and 6 (Moiwa) will open when ready, however peak hike will be restricted for another while. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions.
Mountain base 6am: -10℃, 15cm of new crystal snow and no development of snowdrifts.
The snow is in very good condition.
The wind at the coast remained below 12m/s and waves below 2m.
The wind is forecasted to pick up by noon, beware of sudden weather changes.
Keep in mind that outside the gates is uncontrolled and unsupervised backcountry area.
Be prepared.
Have a nice day.
http://niseko.nadare.info/
The snow is shallow and fast, remain in control and beware of hitting trees.
80cm thick slides from Jan 10th layer are still to be considered in knolls and steep slopes. Always keep the risk of avalanches in mind and avoid stopping in the middle of a slope or at the bottom of a gully.
Gates 2 (Annupuri), 4 (Fujiwara) and 6 (Moiwa) will open when ready, however peak hike will be restricted for another while. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions.
Mountain base 6am: -10℃, 15cm of new crystal snow and no development of snowdrifts.
The snow is in very good condition.
The wind at the coast remained below 12m/s and waves below 2m.
The wind is forecasted to pick up by noon, beware of sudden weather changes.
Keep in mind that outside the gates is uncontrolled and unsupervised backcountry area.
Be prepared.
Have a nice day.
http://niseko.nadare.info/
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Japan Snow Report -12th Jan 2011
Another minus 14 degree day in Niseko! But those who braved the cold and sniffed out some fresh were rewarded with deep dry stashes. Moderate to heavy falls on the way for Wednesday night, check in with us tomorrow to find out how much has fallen!
Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.01.12
Annupuri 800m at 6am: -14℃ and slight overnight snowfall.
The winter weather pattern weakened and the wind has calmed down. The overall condition hasn’t changed much since yesterday.
Avalanche hazard is still not to be underestimated, especially in typical avalanche terrain in higher altitude.
Yesterday evening’s snowfall will consist a notable layer in the future snow accumulation and should be observed attentively in combination with today’s and the next few days weather transition.
Overgrown snowdrifts in south facing gully terrain, open steep faces or slopes with sudden gradient shift, such as the slopes under cornices in Higashi-One, are still very unstable and should not be stimulated. Traversing across those slopes is like deliberately causing a slide.
Avalanche risk is still to be highly considered today, carefully choose your touring route in all elevations.
Gate 1(L-ji), 4 (Fujiwara), 6 (Moiwa) and 7 (Ee-sawa) are scheduled to open at 9:30am.
Please follow the ski-patrol’s instructions.
The winter weather pattern weakened and the wind has calmed down. The overall condition hasn’t changed much since yesterday.
Avalanche hazard is still not to be underestimated, especially in typical avalanche terrain in higher altitude.
Yesterday evening’s snowfall will consist a notable layer in the future snow accumulation and should be observed attentively in combination with today’s and the next few days weather transition.
Overgrown snowdrifts in south facing gully terrain, open steep faces or slopes with sudden gradient shift, such as the slopes under cornices in Higashi-One, are still very unstable and should not be stimulated. Traversing across those slopes is like deliberately causing a slide.
Avalanche risk is still to be highly considered today, carefully choose your touring route in all elevations.
Gate 1(L-ji), 4 (Fujiwara), 6 (Moiwa) and 7 (Ee-sawa) are scheduled to open at 9:30am.
Please follow the ski-patrol’s instructions.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 11th Jan 2011
Another day of playing in the powder! 20cm fell overnight in Niseko and then we had light - moderate snowfalls during the day. The snowdepth at the top of Grand Hirafu is now 300cm! Moderate snowfalls forecast for tomorrow and more freeeeeeezing cold temperatures on the way. ;
Monday, January 10, 2011
Niseko Snow Report - 10th January 2011
Trust us! We did see the sun today! For about five minutes....Still fantastic skiing and boarding conditions with 20cm of fresh to play with in Niseko. Three backcountry gates are open but it's still a good idea to head out there with caution. More snow on the way!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
2 metres of snow in 48 hours in Niseko -- Jan 2011
It just keeps getting better! Another 50cm (at least!) fell in Niseko on Thursday night. Today was still windy and low visibility but if you were in the trees down low you could go go go! Further snowfalls are on the forecast for Niseko so it's don't pack those powder skis or board away just yet!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 6th Jan 2011
Woah! An incredible powder day in Niseko. Waist to face deep powder as far as you could see....and ski! Further snowfalls are forecast over the next week - great news!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 5th Jan 2011
A crazy weather day in Niseko! It started out foggy, then the wind picked up and snow started to fall! Snowfalls are forecast to get heavier over the coming days and we should see it continue allllll week.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Japan Snow Report - 3rd of Jan 2011
Surprisingly good conditions in Niseko today! 10 cm fell last night and it really freshened up the cover. Tomorrow should be clear and then snowfalls forecast from Wednesday!
Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.01.03 Monday
Report of the avalanche accident on January 1st.
Although unconfirmed, the starting zone is seen to be the top of the Backbowl sidewall (NW ridge from the summit) around 1250m elevation. The crown could not be identified but the avalanche type would have been a shallow surface slab avalanche. The victim has been found unconscious and CPA in the bowl at 950m at 10am on the 2nd Jan, 60cm under the surface and roughly 500m from the estimated starting zone. Although there was no clear signs of debris, sasa bamboo were unnaturally thick in the potential track area at 1100m, probably due to the avalanche scraping snow blocks off the slope. A mixed team of Hokkaido Police and Niseko ski patrollers did the search and rescue operation on the 2nd. One ski was found at 9:45am, followed by beacon search and identified the victim. He has been dug out and taken to Sapporo hospital by the police helicopter. The estimated causes of the avalanche are: 1. Skiing stimulation made unstable snowdrifts (developed by strong 25-30m/s ENE wind) collapse. 2. Sliding of depth hoar layer that formed and developed above 1200m area due to sun reflection effect.
According to the companion, the accident would have happened at 11:10am on the 1st Jan. 300m of altitude difference between the start and rescued point.
The whole slope seemed to have composed a big slab with partial hard-packed snowdrifts of windblown snow.
The cause of the accident would be that this person tried to ski Backbowl’s sidewall without considering the poor weather and strong wind consequences. No matter the amount of snow, avalanches happen in the right conditions.
We would like to offer all our sincere condolences to the victim and his family.
All access gates are kept closed due to insufficient snow; do not duck ropes to seek fresh lines. Mountain base 6am: -4℃, light snowfall and no notable development of snowdrifts. The snow in the trees seems good.
Although unconfirmed, the starting zone is seen to be the top of the Backbowl sidewall (NW ridge from the summit) around 1250m elevation. The crown could not be identified but the avalanche type would have been a shallow surface slab avalanche. The victim has been found unconscious and CPA in the bowl at 950m at 10am on the 2nd Jan, 60cm under the surface and roughly 500m from the estimated starting zone. Although there was no clear signs of debris, sasa bamboo were unnaturally thick in the potential track area at 1100m, probably due to the avalanche scraping snow blocks off the slope. A mixed team of Hokkaido Police and Niseko ski patrollers did the search and rescue operation on the 2nd. One ski was found at 9:45am, followed by beacon search and identified the victim. He has been dug out and taken to Sapporo hospital by the police helicopter. The estimated causes of the avalanche are: 1. Skiing stimulation made unstable snowdrifts (developed by strong 25-30m/s ENE wind) collapse. 2. Sliding of depth hoar layer that formed and developed above 1200m area due to sun reflection effect.
According to the companion, the accident would have happened at 11:10am on the 1st Jan. 300m of altitude difference between the start and rescued point.
The whole slope seemed to have composed a big slab with partial hard-packed snowdrifts of windblown snow.
The cause of the accident would be that this person tried to ski Backbowl’s sidewall without considering the poor weather and strong wind consequences. No matter the amount of snow, avalanches happen in the right conditions.
We would like to offer all our sincere condolences to the victim and his family.
All access gates are kept closed due to insufficient snow; do not duck ropes to seek fresh lines. Mountain base 6am: -4℃, light snowfall and no notable development of snowdrifts. The snow in the trees seems good.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Japan Snow Report - Sunday Special 2 Jan 2011
WELCOME TO 2011! We hope you enjoy this compilation of the best shots of last week, including a two day forecast. Just some very light snowfalls at Niseko over the last 48 hours. Tune in tomorrow for a full snow report!
Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.01.02 Sunday
800m at 6am: Temp. -7.9℃, Wind NNE6m/s. Very light overnight snowfall. Yesterday’s strong N - NE wind has now calmed down in all elevations.
There has been no notable snowfall in the last couple of days and the snow-pack is settling and stabilizing. The surface in high altitude has been scraped off by the strong wind, resulting in an uneven wind-rippled surface in many areas. The snow is super hard-packed in those slopes, and only small broken pieces of thin crust would come off the surface even when stimulated forcibly.
The general avalanche risk is low.
Soft and fresh snow is hard to find anywhere and the general condition is not suitable for pleasant skiing. Bushes are still yet to be covered and creeks aren’t fully buried yet. Remain in control and beware of hidden traps and holes.
There has been no notable snowfall in the last couple of days and the snow-pack is settling and stabilizing. The surface in high altitude has been scraped off by the strong wind, resulting in an uneven wind-rippled surface in many areas. The snow is super hard-packed in those slopes, and only small broken pieces of thin crust would come off the surface even when stimulated forcibly.
The general avalanche risk is low.
Soft and fresh snow is hard to find anywhere and the general condition is not suitable for pleasant skiing. Bushes are still yet to be covered and creeks aren’t fully buried yet. Remain in control and beware of hidden traps and holes.
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