Super dry n fluffy power snow with Strawberry's in Niseko

Learn to Ski or Snowboard in Australia for $1

Melbourne (VIC), Australia - The Snow Australia Club, operated by the Australian Ski Areas Association (ASSA), is launching a program to learn to ski or snowboard across Australia for only AU $1.

Mt. Hotham

The one day package includes the use of beginner lifts and a beginner lesson for skiing or snowboarding and will be redeemable at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn Snowfields, Mount Buller, Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Baw Baw. Lake Mountain will also participate in the one dollar promotion offering something special for people who do not wish to ski or snowboard, including resort entry (value AU$40 per vehicle) and a cross-country ski lesson package including a 90 minute lesson, all day ski rental and a trail pass.

The program requires registration at www.snow-australia.com between August 21 and August 27. You then have from September 12 to 18 to redeem your voucher at the resort of your choice.

ASSA officials acknowledge that the program is designed to combat growing competition resulting from a flood of marketing from New Zealand’s ski resorts in Australia.

Snow Australia Snow Report - July 12th 2011 from Charlotte Pass

Today we are here at Charlotte Pass where the wild weather has come to an end and brought on the beautiful sunshine..

WHOLE MOUNTAIN TO OPEN AT HOTHAM THIS WEEKEND!

Hotham Alpine Resort has more great news to report with a further 31cm of snow falling overnight, bringing our three day snowfall total to 64cm so far with still more snow in the forecast!

As a result of this perfect alpine weather including snowladen blizzards, Blue Ribbon Chairlift will open tomorrow and as of Saturday, the whole mountain will be open with Gotcha, Keogh’s and Orchard chairlifts all set to see some action too.

Skiers and boarders will have reason to celebrate as these four lifts didn’t open after mid August in 2010.

The Basin Rail Park will be open this weekend with the first event of the A la Carte in the Park series that night, The Cheese and Crackered Rail Jam. Cobungra Platter Beginner lift at Dinner Plain also opened today.

The average natural snowdepth is currently 98cm - looking good for riding on a solid metre base by the weekend! Hotham’s grooming team has been hard at work to get the whole mountain open so early.

Early openings of Heavenly Valley Chairlift will also start this Saturday with the lift spinning from 7.30am for first tracks. This program is no extra cost with a valid lift pass and operates from Wednesday – Sunday each week (snow and weather dependent).

Don’t forget you can celebrate and ride Fri, Sat, Sun OR Sat, Sun, Mon THIS WEEKEND ONLY (8-11 July 2011) for $199 when you join the Snow Rewards Club for $49.

Hotham’s famous sparkling sunset tours will also be back in operation from tomorrow night. Bookings essential at Guest Services for this truly memorable snow experience which sees guests travel to the summit of Mt Hotham in a heated Kassbohrer Kat to enjoy the sunset with drinks and nibbles.

Grab your snowchains at the new Hotham Sports Store in Harrietville on your way up to Hotham. Snowchain hire is FREE when two or more people hire skis/boots/poles OR snowboard/boots for any number of days. It’s the ONLY one stop shop off-mountain on the way to the mountain to get chains, lift tickets, resort entry, equipment hire and clothing.

There are also some awesome accommodation package deals starting at $340 per person for 2 nights accommodation, 2 day lift tickets and breakfast… Call the team at Hotham Holidays on 1800 HOTHAM or email holidays@hotham.com.au Ask about last minute deals on accommodation only or lift/hire packages for your next snow holiday. Book today and SAVE!

For further information visit www.hotham.com.au.

Snow Australia Snow Report - July 7th 2011 from Hotham

Good Morning & Welcome to the daily snow report brought to you by Snow Australia. I hope you enjoy this gorgeous Hotham view as much as I do. We have been royally spoiled as I am sure you are aware. It hasn't stopped snowing yet & the forecast keep saying snow till after the weekend. Most of our resorts have had up to 30 centimeters of snow over the last 24 hours. Today, steady dumping down to 900 meters & our natural average snow depth is now 98 centimeters, Meter party this afternoon perhaps?

More reason to celebrate, as Heavenly Valley opened up yesterday treating all powder hounds to steep freshies.

Actually there is great skiing in all the resorts, in fact lets have a look at what's going on in the Alps, like Falls Creek turning 11 lifts & the place to be is obviously newly opened Scotts & Ruined Castle. 9 lifts keeping Buller happy & the Bourke Street terrain park is open if jibbing is preferred to powder. Baw Baw is assessing their lifts & terrain daily & is hopefully up & running very soon.

Its is looking deep in New South Wales, where Charlotte's Pass is spinning 4 lifts & intermediates could give their legs a work out on Pulpits T-bar. Selwyn Snowfields showing off with 7 on the spin. Supertrail is a treat in Thredbo where they are turning 10 out of 14 lifts & if you are keen on socialising head over to the Gunbarrel Express at 11 am for a tour around the hill. Perisher, heaps of freshies of course. They have 44 lifts turning & I hear Guthega is where to get your tree skiing on.

It is cold in the Alps with overnight temperatures dropping to -3.9 degrees & we should feel a top of -- 4 during the day. My advice is 2-3 runs followed by a cappuccino, 2-3 more runs followed by hot chocolate & after lunch have a few last leg burners followed by glue-wein...

Don't forget to join our Snow Australia Club for some great prizes and promotions, why not "like-us" on Facebook and keep checking in to the website as we always have lots of great packages on offer.

My name is Mimmi & we are in Hotham...wish you were here?

Snow Australia Snow Report - June 23rd 2011

Hi I'm Samara Tanton and welcome to 150 years of skiing and the daily snow report brought to you by Snow Australia.

Continual snow falls over the last few days have seen over 35cm in the latest storm cycle here at Falls Creek with 8cm falling overnight. 4 lifts are running with more set to open for the weekend including the terrain park.

Looking around the resorts:

Charlotte Pass has had 5cm of snowfall over the last 24 hours to add to a solid base.

Perisher received a further 5cm with 11 lifts running, including the terrain park.

Mt Selwyn copped a whopping 20cm over the past day and has 4 lifts running to show for it.

Thredbo received a solid dusting of 5cm and is currently operating 7 lifts plus terrain park.

Hotham received 4cm over the last 24 hours, has 5 lifts running and the terrain park is open for business.

Lake Mountain has a solid base and all trails are open for business.

Mt Baw Baw had a 1cm dusting and has 3 lifts running.

Mt Buller also copped a 1cm dusting in the last 24 hours to add to its solid base, they're currently running 6 lifts and the terrain park is open.

Don't forget to join our Snow Australia Club for some great prizes and promotions, like-us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to the website as we have loads of great packages on offer.

Snow Australia Snow Report - 15th June 2011

http://www.snow-australia.com Checkout our latest Snow report coming direct from Hotham Alpine resort with all the latest up to date conditions on Perisher, Falls Creek, Mt Buller, Mt Selwyn Snowfields, Thredbo Resort, Mt Baw Baw, Charlotte Pass and Lake Mountain..

Snow Australia Snow Report - 13th June 2011

Welcome to 150 years of skiing and the Daily Snow Report brought to you by Snow Australia. We are here at Falls Creek and what a fantastic start to the season!! Glenn McGrath kicked it off up here with some snowball cricket and in and out snow flurries have kept everyone smiling!
Head up to falls today for reduced lift tickets and some of best snow conditions seen for the opening long weekend in a decade - $49 Adults, and only 24 bucks for kids.
4 lifts are up and running with top to bottom skiing on Wombats Ramble run and Main Street for intermediates. Pete's Train and Mouse Trap are great lifts for beginners and for the kids in ski school. Over 43cm base in those snowmaking areas.
Get aerial on the Snow Bungy - open today from 12 to 2pm or take a FREE scenic chair ride and you might catch up with McGrath.
Now lets take a look at whats happening around the resorts..
In Victoria its looking good.. All resorts are offering lifts for skiing, boarding, xc skiing or tobogganing. Possible snow flurries are forecast for today with Hotham, Buller and Baw Baw also expecting 4 lifts to turn. There is a good groomed snow cover on open runs.
To NSW now.. A chance of snow today with Perisher and Thredbo seeing 6 lifts.
Selwyn expects New Chum and Township chairlifts to spin for skiing and boarding.
We look forward to Charlottes pass opening on the 24th June.
Don't forget to join our Snow Australia Club for some great prizes and promotions, like us on our Facebook page and stay tuned to the website as we have loads of great packages on offer!
Samara Tanton reporting to you from Falls Creek.

Snow Australia - 150 Years of Skiing Part 1

http://www.snow-australia.com Skiing in Australia is 150 years old, it is very much part of our heritage. The story of Australia's 150 years of skiing heritage is entirely intertwined with the Kiandra ski club, the longest continuously running ski club in the world. With skiings inherently European flavour this historical fact often comes as a surprise, a surprise that underpins Australia's love of the snow, its sophisticated resorts and its international success in competitive snow sport.

When was the last time you had a real Australian winter?

REDISCOVER FRIENDSHIP

Good times. Great Mates. No one does winter like Australians so the best place for a winter holiday is right here in your backyard.

REDISCOVER ADVENTURE

Enjoy a winter adventure right here in your backyard. Spectacular scenery and amazing snowboard fun for all plus the unique spirit of Australia’s own mountains.

REDISCOVER EXCITEMENT

Nothing beats the excitement of skiing or boarding on Australia’s own mountains.

Spectacular scenery and amazing people make an Aussie winter holiday one you’ll never forget.

From first time families to experienced powder hounds, Australia has the snow experience for you. With eight resorts across two states -Victoria and NSW -you're sure to find the perfect destination for your snow holiday.

For amazing offers, great package deals, tips and info for all the snow resorts in VIC and NSW, visit snow-australia.com

Discover snow-australia.com today and rediscover friendship.

A small relief effort in Japan after the Tsunami

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This is a small relief effort for the survivors of Japan's 2011 magnitude 9.0 quake that triggered massive tsunamis destroying much of the coast of northern Honshu.

Two Australian's living in Niseko Hokkaido loaded a van and drove to the most affected areas to deliver food, water and basic supplies. The rest of the nation was crippled by fuel shortages and aid was subsequently stalled. ;

This is a small relief effort.

Japan Snow Report - The Daily Flake 3 March 2011 FINAL REPORT

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It's our final snow report for the season but make sure you check in with us tomorrow because we'll be posting a wrap up of the season. And it has been an awesome one!

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

These 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. ;

Skiing and Boarding at Mt Hotham in Victoria Australia

http://www.mthotham.com.au At Hotham you have 320 hectares of awesome terrain and snow to enjoy serviced by 13 lifts. With the summit at 1861m Hotham gains the best natural snowfalls in Victoria. Take your pick from tree runs, natural half-pipes, gullies, bowls, intermediate cruisers, powder pockets and the extreme zone. Head up the hill and experience the Powder Capital of Australia!

Japan Snow Report - 23rd Feb 2011

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There's a change in the air! Winds have picked up and clouds were crossing the sky in Niseko today. Temperatures were still quite mild but the good news is that snow is on the way!

Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.02.23

Grand Hirafu: Top - 395 Bottom - 200 Niseko Village: Top - 390 Bottom - 200Annupuri: Top - 350 Bottom - 220

All gates scheduled to open this morning, peak gates 2 & 3 at 9:30. Seek for ski patrol’s advice at the gates. Annupuri peak 6am: -8℃ and SSW13m/s wind. The southerly wind that started blowing from yesterday is slowly picking up. There is no new snowfall and the slopes are tracked out. Sun-exposed slopes surface are re-frozen during early morning and are in a difficult condition for skiing. Be careful and remain in control. The temperature is forecasted to rise above 0℃ at the base of the mountain again today. Beware also of glide-cracks (crevasses) that are hardly noticeable from above. There have been few reports of avalanches occurring from Feb 18th layer (1000m NE and NW slopes of Mt. Yotei). The surface snow density and weight is increasing due to the sun-effect and high temperature. Similar conditions avalanches are still to be considered, especially in south facing steep faces and other slopes where distinctive snow-layers are still present.

Japan Snow Report - 21st Feb 2010

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We are back in Niseko and it's good to be home! Looks like we'll have blue sky for the next few days and then snowfalls on Thursday.

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, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - The Tour de Flake wrap up with Luke Kneller

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We've had an awesome time during The Tour de Flake but unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Luke Kneller wraps up some of the trip highlights for us. Check it out!

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, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - GEIBI GORGE and HIRAIZUMI special

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We took a slight detour today to go and visit Geibi Gorge and the Buddhist shrines and temples of Hiraizumi. Both of these areas offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan. The perfect way to mix some culture in with your ski holiday! Next stop on the tour is Alts and we will be reporting from there tomorrow.

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, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - 15th Feb 2011 SPECIAL REPORT FROM APPI

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Stop two of the Tour de Flake! We have had a great time in Appi, which is located on Japan's main island - Honshu. Next stop, Alts!

Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.02.15 Tuesday

Annupuri base 6am: -10℃, clear sky and no overnight snowfall. The Sea of Japan is calm and no snowclouds are present. A moderate 10m/s NW wind is persisting at the peak, making some snowdrifts of windblown snow develop in leeward slopes. Although some tracks are remaining, the slopes are mostly recovered and the snow in the trees is in good condition. Peak gates are scheduled to open as soon as ready (9:30 – 10:00). Do not duck ropes to step out of bounds. According to the snowfall transition, the snowdrifts development is slow and the general avalanche risk is low. However, cornices may collapse at anytime especially around this time of the season, and if anyone get caught in it, the damage can be fatal. Better not remain underneath cornices on purpose and stay away from gully bottoms. The freedom of out of bounds riding is protected by the Niseko Rules, however safety is not guaranteed at all. Stay alarmed; be aware of all risks involved in riding the backcountry. Collisions, slipdrops, crevasses, avalanches and more…
Have a nice day.

http://niseko.nadare.info/

Japan Snow Report - 11th Feb 2011

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We're on our way to Tohoku on the main island in Japan, for the 'Tour de Flake'! ! Our next report will be on Monday, so in the meantime, check out some of the best footage we've captured so far this season.

Japan Snow Report - 10th Feb 2011

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The day started out perfectly clear, but the clouds came over at lunch time and by the afternoon the flakes were falling heavily! It should continue to snow lightly over the coming days and temperatures will be chilly. Check out today's report to find out how easy it is get get around Niseko by bus!

Japan Snow Report 9th Feb 2011

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A clear and calm day in Niseko! Perfect for hiking into the back bowls or the up the peak. If you took the proper safety precautions of course! The groomed runs were also in pristine condition. Temperatures were around -11 degrees on the mountain today.

Japan Snow Report - 7th Feb 2011

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It started snowing last night and continued throughout today, heavily at times! The cover of fresh was quite thin this morning off-piste, however conditions improved as the snow kept falling. Snowfalls are forecast to continue this week!

Niseko 6th Feb 2011 SUNDAY SPECIAL

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Check out some of the best footage we shot last week, plus a two day forecast! It was fine and partly cloudy sky today, but snow is on the way for Niseko, we'll let you know when the flakes start to fall. Keep watching!

Japan Snow Report - 3rd February 2011 HIKING THE PEAK

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What do you do on a stunning blue sky day in Niseko? Hike the peak! The Mt. Annupuri Peak sits at 1308m above sea level and offers incredible riding opportunities for advanced skiers and boarders who are experienced in the backcountry. Check out today's...

Japan Snow Report - 2nd Feb 2011

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We woke up to around 10cm of fresh snow this morning and then the sun came out! There are literally football fields full of powder out there at present in Niseko, and it looks like we'll be exploring it all under blue sky this week. Today winds were next to non existent and temperatures were down to -10 degrees.

Japan Snow Report - 1st Feb 2011

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Another brilliant day in this wintry, powdery paradise called Niseko! 45cm fell last night and we saw light falls along with intermittent sunshine during the day. Winds were strong up high and temperatures were down to -14 degrees.

Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.02.11

Annupuri peak 6am: W13.4m/s, -12.1℃. Annupuri 800m: W6.7m/s, -9.4℃. The strong storm seems to have finally settled down. However, yesterday’s strong westerly wind & snow have made more snowdrifts and cornices to develop in leeward steep slopes. Intermittent wind made slight differences in the density within the snow pack and weak unstable layers are randomly present within the slabs. These layers would stabilize with time, however unpredictable knife-edge conditions will remain for a little while. Typical avalanche terrains, such as the Backbowl, Osawa, Mikaeri and Higashi-One are still in extremely hazardous conditions. Deep fissure occurrences observed yesterday in 800m steep slopes seems to have settled now, however caution is still required in steep slopes in all elevations. Heavy loads of fresh snow within a short period of time is a typical cause of an avalanche.
Gate 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at noon and other gates slightly earlier. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions. DO NOT traverse across slopes under cornices today. The conditions are very sketchy; better not take it too easily. Think twice about the possible risks you’re taking, consequences can be huge. Be safe!

Japan Snow Report - 31st Jan 2011

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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.

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.

40cm of snow fell on Friday night in Niseko and today conditions were deep and dry. Snowfalls should continue into Monday!

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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!

Japan Snow Report - 27th Jan 2011

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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

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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.

Japan Snow Report - 25th Jan 2011

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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!

Japan Snow Report - 24th Jan 2011

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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.

Japan Snow Report - 22th Jan 2011

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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

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.

http://niseko.nadare.info/

Japan Snow Report - 21th Jan 2011

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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

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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.

Japan Snow Report - 19th Jan 2011

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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.

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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.

Japan Snow Report - 18th Jan 2011

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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!

15 Days of straight snow, an average of 25cm a day = perfect Niseko powder!

Japan Snow Report - Sunday Special 16 Jan 2011

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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/

Japan Snow Report -12th Jan 2011

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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.

http://niseko.nadare.info/

Japan Snow Report - 11th Jan 2011

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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. ;

Niseko Snow Report - 10th January 2011

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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!

2 metres of snow in 48 hours in Niseko -- Jan 2011

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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!

Japan Snow Report - 6th Jan 2011

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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!

Japan Snow Report - 5th Jan 2011

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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.

Japan Snow Report - 3rd of Jan 2011

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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.

http://niseko.nadare.info/

Japan Snow Report - Sunday Special 2 Jan 2011

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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.

http://niseko.nadare.info/?eid=1068338