Snow Time » backcountry

Be careful today – Avalanche Risk is HIGH

Niseko Snow — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:44:39 +0000

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.

Enjoy today, but be careful!

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

Mizuno no Sawa Backcountry Experience

Niseko Snow — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:06:36 +0000

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.

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

Probe, Shovel, Beacon, Back Pack and the Niseko Backcountry

Niseko Snow — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:47:22 +0000

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…

A Revolution in Avalanche Awareness

Niseko Snow — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:39:54 +0000

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. Good work to everybody involved.