We are really digging this little segment filmed in central Hokkaido. Got everything from super sick riding, good tunes, to a bit of Japan, Head Love… otsukare sama deshita! For some photos of the area check below the vimeo We are really digging this little segment filmed in central Hokkaido. Got everything from super sick riding, good tunes, to a bit of Japan, Head Love… otsukare sama deshita! For some photos of the area check below the vimeo
A great video from the Rocky Mountain Sherpas showing the cycle of water, it really makes you aware of how dangerous snow is as it is just water. Check the avalanche at the end to get a check and be careful out there. The backcountry is looking good now as is most of the mountain. We recommend also watching the Fine Line teaser and if at all possible the whole thing.
This Thursday the 23th December there will be a Nadare [avalanche] meeting at the Niseko Moiwa Center . The meeting will start at 19:00, it is also being broadcast live via the nisekoLive USTREAM Channel, so you don't really need to leave the warmth of your home.
After days of huge snowfall all around the Niseko area avalanche risk is very high. Don't let the great bluebird morning and hopefully day get in the way of good judgment. 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.
After many years of Niseko Village conducting avalanche studies in Mizuno no Sawa, the area to the skiers right of the Niseko Village Gondola, it has finally been opened to the public. 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.
When getting ready for winter it is great to know that you are prepared. If you have watched The Fine Line movie you will know that the minimum to go backcountry anywhere is a probe, a shovel, and a beacon (and obviously a back pack to carry them in). Below is another a clip from the Fine Line to remind you of the dangers of riding backcountry and especially the Niseko backcountry with the amount of snow we get here. If you manage to pick up a copy of The Fine Line you will also get the 4 training videos which will prove invaluable in combination with backcountry training. more soon...
Friday nights seminar by Tomoaki Fujimura really got people thinking about backcountry safety. Tomoaki delivered a great presentation of his knowledge on how snow pack is formed and how this in turn can be read to predict the dangers of riding in the backcountry no matter where you are in the world. This presentation was followed by the showing of The Fine Line movie, well worth a watch if you get the chance, check out the teaser below. This DVD comes with 4 additional training videos and all money raised goes back to the cause of making people aware of the dangers.
