Niseko Shred Dayz
Our first couple of shred days in Niseko has taken place at Annapuri and Moiwa ski areas, right up street from the rental house. The snow was already good, but we've been lucky (so far) to receive some additional centimeters of fresh during the evening. This translates into early gondola rides for some speed laps through the knee-deep pow, followed by accessing the backcountry through a number of designated gates. One beautiful aspect of the gondola ride is the vending options as you walk up to the lift station...hot coffee in a can for the lift ride? Why not?
Over the past couple of years, Japanese ski areas have completely embraced the fact that snowboarders and skiers want to ride trees and backcountry areas. Less than a decade ago, it was still frowned upon to leave the groomed runs in search of fresh snow through the trees and off piste. This old school way of thinking has changed so visitors and locals alike can enjoy more of the mountain, but they ask that you don't duck ropes and use the gates. Fine by us.
After a few hours of hiking, riding and shooting, we find ourselves at one of the numerous on-hill restaurants. I mention this because the food selection and ordering process is somewhat unique. You look over this big picture board of noodle based meals, cross reference the assigned number to each plate, put you money in the machine, then deliver the ticket to the cook. Five minutes later you got yourself a tasty bowl of udon noodle with tempura...make sure you bus your table though, common courtesy.
After these tasty afternoon treats, we've been hot lapping a few more choice areas, getting back to the house, chilling out for a minute, then heading back up for some night riding. Another great thing about Niseko is the ample amount of lighted ski trails and chairlifts running well into the evening. We like that. Blotto
Factoid: The Niseko area is comprised of seven ski resorts accessible by one lift ticket, totaling 2191 kms of skiable terrain, not including backcountry.
