The Daily Flake, which produces daily video snow reports from around Japan, is giving its viewers the chance to win a ‘Flakin’ good snow package’. By simply checking out two Daily Flake video reports , you can check out the latest report on our website , you could win the following awesome snow package:

• Your choice of a brand new set of Armada AR6 skis or Stepchild ‘Powder sucks’ snowboard (donated by Rhythm Snow Sports Japan)
• A brand spanking new outwear jacket and pair of pants, generously provided by the crew at The North Face
• Two very stylish Merino Ts from Mons Royale

Prize value is $1,800 AUD (approx)

Here’s how to enter
All you need to do is check out two Daily Flake reports, and outline what you liked about them! To do this, simply go to:

www.japansnowreports.com/competition

This comp closes on Friday 19 February, and is open to everyone world-wide… so what are you waiting for? Get Flaking: www.japansnowreports.com/competition

READ THE AVALANCHE REPORT and also check our backcountry pages for some great info.

On a sadder note someone died on Shiribetsu-dake yesterday, the smaller Youteizan looking mountain out by Rusutsu Ski Resort. A south facing slope slid on the mountain when a group of eight were skiing out there.

Enjoy today, but be careful!

Shiribetsudake on the left, Youteizan on the right on a summer night 2009

The first Niseko Winter Music Festival takes place on 15-17 January. Organised by the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Artistic Director Richard Tognetti, it features members of the Orchestra with Japan’s famous harpist Naoko Yoshino and the Youtei Taiko Serve Association Drummers. There are video introductions to the Festival in English and Japanese, as well as the full program lists and booking details at aco.com.au/japan2010

By completing a 20 minute lecture and paying the 2000yen fee you can be guided through the area by the Niseko Village Ski Patrol. After completing the initial lecture and guided run you can return as many times as you like to be guided through the area at set times daily.

If you are new to riding backcountry this is a great introduction to the dangers of the backcountry and avalanches in the well monitored area. As you are guided through Mizuno no Sawa not only are known dangers such as cracks and cornices pointed out but you are also given great advice on how to safely ride such areas. Advice such as riding avalanche prone bowls one at a time and then waiting in safe areas on ridges while watching you buddies enjoy the ride is given. All in all it is well worth it if you are confident in powder and are thinking about venturing out a bit or are just keen to be one of the first to be allowed in the area after years of closure.

While it is not necessary to have a transceiver, probe and shovel to ride in Mizuno no Sawa it is always good to be carry these 3 things when venturing into uncontrolled areas such as the areas accessed from the gates that lead you outside of the Niseko United Ski Area boundaries as shown on the Niseko local rules map.

While out at Niseko Village you could also check out Burton Mountain Festival @ NV which has been on since the 9th and runs until the 16th.

fresh lines to be had out in Mizuno no Sawa

Burton kick-off party
Free admission fee *Food and drinks at fee.
Date/ January 9, 2010 20:00 – 24:00
Venue/ Ezo Pub at Hilton Niseko Village 2F
Details/ Toast 20:00
Keison Live 20:30
DJ Darbs 22:00

LTR
Burton’s LTR?Learn to Ride?program is designed to make learning to snowboard fun and
easy by combining proven teaching methodologies with beginner-specific equipment.
-Instructors/ Niseko village Snow School instructors

Ride with Burton Riders
Enjoy snowboarding with the Burton riders!
Time/ 13:00 – 15:00
Capacity/ A group of 6 will be escorted by 2 Burton riders
Special groups/ Groups for ladies and kids will be offered on 10th and 16th
Condition/ Must be competent with linking turns

Create your own board contest
Create the one and only board in the world!
Create your original board design on a piece of paper provided at Ezo pub. The winners will get their design printed on a board and will be give it to them!
Date/ January 9 – 16, 15:00 -18:00

Morning gondola
Before the ski slope opening time, you can enjoy the first track snowboard!
Date/ January 11th (Mon), 14th (Thu), 16th (Sat)
Time/ 8:00 – 8:30

Photo session
Let the pro photographer take your pictures!
Date/ January 13th (Wed), 16th (Sat)
Time/ 9:00 – 11:00
Exhibition/ Those images take by the photographers will be displayed at Ezo Pub in Hilton
Niseko Village. You will have the chance to purchase your favorite images!

On snow party  @ Back Diamond Lodge
Free admission fee *Food and drinks at fee.
Date & Time/ January 13th 16:00 – 21:00
Venue/ Black Diamond Lodge
DJ/ Fat Jon
BBQ in snow

Burton Closing Party
Free admission fee *Food and drinks at fee.
Date & Time/ January 16th 20:00 – 24:00
Venue/ Hilton Niseko Village 2 F Ezo Pub
Contents/ “The B”, Burton latest movie show
DJs/ Darbs & Fat Jon

You can also try out the 2010 Burton boards from the 9th to the 17th.

You could also check out Sapporo Teine website, it is only in Japanese but by clicking on some of the links you will find some information you will be able to understand, Gambatte [please do your best].

Hello Everyone,

As the winter season is just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming season. Do you have the skills and knowledge to ensure a safe season? Please join us on Friday October 30 when we will be hosting an informational avalanche presentation in Niseko at Yuki Bar featuring the award winning documnetary “The Fine Line”, a ski and snowboard film produced by the Rocky Mountain Sherpas. The movie highlights Canada’s worst ever avalanche disaster and the steps that have been taken since then to increase awareness, reduce risk and prevent similar disasters. Guest speaker Tomoaki Fujimura will also give a brief speech about avalanche safety techniques practiced in Canada and Japan. Tomoaki has spent the past 11 years in Canada working as a member of the ski patrol at several resorts, continually working to improve his understanding of snow science and is currently touring Japan to promote awareness of the hazards associated with backcountry skiing.

Doors open at 7:00pm with the presentation beginning at 7:30. There will be a 500Yen entrance fee and copies of the DVD available from 2000Yen (regular 4935Yen). All proceeds from the event will be donated to avalanche control groups in Japan and Canada.
Please show your support and join us for this event. Thanks.