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.

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

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.

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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.

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

Gondola Chalets in Niseko its a 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.

Start Your Day at Hanazono in Niseko Japan

Start Your Day at Hanazono

Start your day’s adventure (click on the image to view the video) in complete comfort by taking the Hanazono Bus - We have improved the bus service for this winter to ensure you are close to a pick up or drop off. The route covers the Hirafu and Izumikyo areas with a service every 30 mins. Click here to download the bus map.

Take advantage of Hanazono's Free Overnight Equipment Storage – When taking the bus you can leave your equipment overnight at 308 or get our team at Demo to wax your board or skis for the next day of adventure. Use the spacious changing rooms and lockers to get ready and then treat yourself to a Lavazza coffee and muffin from the 308 Café.

Great Food, Great Style - The outstanding 308 restaurant dishes up the famous Kani Ramen plus other sumptuous local treats to tempt the taste buds and satisfy the hungriest of alpine appetites.

What's New

Improved access between Hanazono & Hirafu - It is now easier to circulate between Hanazono and Hirafu. Newly completed earthworks on Parallel will ensure a smooth run into Hanazono and a new link lift at the top of Hanazono 2 to avoid a climb to access the Holiday trail. Entertainment & Activities - 308 continues to feature daily entertainment at lunchtime and Après with DJ’s, live music and movies. We will be showing the latest Warren Miller movie "Children of Winter" and the Teton Gravity Research movie "re:Session". Happy hour every day from 3 to 5pm - beer, wine and shots. Click here for our Event Calendar.

Kamonohashi Show - Kamanohashi is excited to present his new show, featuring: dancing, singing, games, prizes and fun for the kids. Don't tet them miss out, the show is on every Tuesday and Saturday at 1pm.

Café 1 at Hanazono 1 Lift - Need a quick coffee, hot chocolate or a snack? We have made it easy for you to take time out to fuel up with the introduction of Café 1 at the base of Hanazono 1 lift. 100yen Hot Chocolate daily from 8.30am to 10am.

NISS Snowsports School - We Love Kids, kids are our specialty and NISS operates Kids Centres at both Hirafu and Hanazono which boasts 2 dedicated outdoor learning areas, 2 indoor facilities and 4 magic carpets. Take advantage of Hanazono's excellent new 308 kids facility and group class sizes. Contact niss@harmonyresorts.com for all enquiries and bookings.

DEMO Equipment Hire - Rent your equipment with us from Hirafu and we will drop it off to your accommodation or rent from Hanazono 308 and we will wax your board or skis free of charge. This season we are offering the new range of K2 Backside skis for the off piste / back country enthusiast. Contact demo@harmonyresorts.com for all enquiries and bookings.

Hanazono Adventure Park - Fun for the Family
• Snow tubing and tobogganing on dedicated areas, no walking with our Magic Carpets!
• Snowmobiling, riding your very own snowmobile through nature.
• Snow rafting, a fun experience being whizzed around in a rubber raft behind a snowmobile.
• Snow-shoeing – take a guided nature walk with one of our local experts.

Hanazono Stomping Ground – Hokkaido’s No.1 for Terrain Parks & Half Pipe

Hanazono has 4 awesome Terrain Parks and Hokkaido’s only FIS Competition Half Pipe. Check the latest SG video by clicking on the image.
• Competition FIS Half Pipe
• Hano Park – 2 big lines for the intermediate and advanced rider, a spacious park with great music pumping all day.
• Jib Park – lots of boxes and rails to hit after Hano Park.
• New beginners Park – plenty of beginner rails and boxes to get you started.
• New Stairway to Heaven Easy Line – finish you perfect powder run by hitting the easy line.

Digital World - Hanazono TV


Best Winter of Your Life - We are running an exciting campaign to find the Japanese face of Hanazono, click on the image to learn more.





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HTV continues to deliver quality video content to keep you updated on:
• Events & activities
• The most accurate daily snow report & weather conditions - starts December 5 • Products and services
• Skiing & boarding tips skihanazono.com

Summer 2010

Stay tuned as we unveil what's in store for Hanazono during the summer of 2010. Mountain Bike Park, Golf, Water Sports, Summer Tubing, Bag Jump, Events, Euro Bungee, Climbing and more. Hanazono 308 will be open for the summer so you can relax, enjoy the sun or indulge in the delicous treats from the cafe.

Huge amounts of Snow Blanket Niseko 15th January

Wow.. I have had my warm up work out with the shovel! I couldn't find the car this morning as blizzard conditions absolutely dumped on Niseko delivering over 60cms of light snow here at the base with plenty more up top.