And then it snowed....

The winter of 08/09 is hardly in full swing here in Japan, but today was the first day to wake to a foot of fresh in the back yard. Last night as I rode my bike home from work at 9.30pm I cursed the snow flakes and the cold, nothing had really settled and as I hurried home I dismissed the elements as nothing more than a pain in the arse. However this morning when I looked out the window and saw the blanket of powder smothering roof tops and mountains it was a different story. Snow changes the mood of the landscape and as the hills turn white thoughts turn to snowboarding skiing and powder. Here in Hokkaido snow falls are part of everyday life but there is still something magical about that first snowfall, I missed the first one in Niseko but Im glad I was here in Sapporo to enjoy last nights offerings.Niseko Hirafu is scheduled to open this weekend and with this recent snowfall things will be looking good for opening day. And if your in town for opening day don't forget Wild Bills opening night for your apres ski delights

Sapporo city street after first snowfall

north Sapporo park under first snow 2008