Niseko Japan : Ultimate Summer Getaway

By James Richardson

Hirafu (above) is considered the best place for powder

The Powder doesn't get any better than it does at Higashiyama

Niseko is a small town located in Abuta District in Shiribeshi, Hokkaidō - yet it's Japans top ski resort. Because of its northern location, the weather steams (which originates from Siberia where a sudden surge of moisture from the Sea of Japan slams into the peaks of Niseko), producing some of the best volumes of lightest and driest powder in the world.

Niseko is divided into three regions, Hirafu, Annapuri and Higashiyama. These regions differ in terrain and the quality of snow they receive. Here's just a few examples:

Hirafu

Hirafu is considered the best place for powder, with knee deep snow all throughout Niseko (some people go ahead and compare the lace with entire Japan). After a good blizzard or snow fall, people just rush to ride the elevator for the first run at the snowy slope!

The terrains offer a number of different courses, with varying tree density and gradient for skiers from beginners to advanced. It is also a great place for snowboard lovers - with a big half-pipe, one-make and table-top jumps along with natural quarter pipes and hits everywhere.

Because of the high quality of snow, Hirafu hosts a number of snow sports event and is the major tourist attraction in Niseko.

• Max Elevation: 1200 meters

• Min. Elevation: 300 meters

• Number of Courses: 34

• Longest Run: 5600 meters

• Min/Max Temperature: -2/-5

• Min/Max Snow Depth (cm): 180/330

Annupuri

Unlike the Hirafu region, Annupuri offers less challenging courses and is suitable for novice and intermediate skiers and boarders (definitely where I fall). The quality of snow at Annupuri is similar to Hirafu but if you are a snow freak, you will find more quantity in Hirafu than in Annupuri. Sadly, the night life of Annupuri is somewhat dull - because there isn’t much to do at all, unlike Hirafu which is as lively at night as it is at day time. Some terrain and snow facts regarding Annupuri are:

• Max. Elevation: 1156 meters

• Min. Elevation: 400 meters

• Number of Courses: 13

• Longest Run: 3500metres

• Beginner: 30%   Intermediate: 50%   Advanced: 20%

• Snow-Boarding: Table top

• Min/Max Temp: -3/-7

• Min/Max Snow Depth (cm): 165/ 248

Higashiyama

Even the pros agree - "Powder doesn't get any better than this". Right up until the end of the day, the snow at Higashiyama is great quality. With the longest 4.5km exciting mogul run around, and a great snow park for boarders, this is without doubt an excellent all-round resort. Although Higashiyama does provide good snow and the best place for front valley skiing, it is a less popular region of the Niseko (there seems to be no real reason why). So if you are able to find good place for yourself, be assured that no one will disturb you. Some facts for this place are:

• Max. Elevation: 1170 meters

• Min. Elevation: 280 meters

• Number of Courses: 12

• Longest Run: 4500 meters

• Beginner: 30%   Intermediate: 40%   Advanced: 30%

• Snow Boarding: Table top; One make Wave

• Min/Max Temp:  -2/-5

• Min/Max Snow Depth (cm): 380/400
  
  

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  James Richardson is a Melbourne writer who writes for snowlife.com.au - a privately run snow culture website based in Melbourne, Australia. If you have any suggestions, enquiries or issues please feel free to visit www.snowlife.com.au for more information.

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