People you NEED to go! Waist deep powder everyday! After a few face plants learning how to ride the stuff it all comes together and its then on! I have meet some accomadation owners whilst there who I have become good mates with sharing plenty of good nights in my 14 day stay. Any questions I would be all too happy to answer them. Remember, you must go there at least once!

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Andrew

K2 Slayblade.2010, Rome Anthem 165. 2009, Ride Antic 160. 2010, K2 Riader Boots, Burton Mission & Burton Cartels

Truly a magical place when the pow is on. And that's very often, that's what I love about the place.

However, its certainly very busy even off-piste compared to other Japanese resorts.

The place is extream! After riding there I honestly couldn't go back to Perisher or them places, not so for the over priced lift tickets, the costly park entry fees and not too mention the crap snow conditions. I have truly been spolied by Niseko Pow! The first two days I was on my arse more them on my feet learing how to actually ride it correctly, once i worked it out it was on! The Pow is like a drug, once you have it you need more and more. As for the crowds, the first week we were there we had about a 5-10 min wait at all lifts, the second week there was never a wait at any of them! Maybe we just went at the right time? Also did Rustusu (spelling) Only on piste all day due to a warm spell, but it was the best on piste I had ever been on. So will I go to Niseko next year? Does a bear shit in the woods? 10 months till it all starts again!

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Andrew

K2 Slayblade.2010, Rome Anthem 165. 2009, Ride Antic 160. 2010, K2 Riader Boots, Burton Mission & Burton Cartels

When were you there Roo?

I was just there in Feb! And totally agree with you. The groomers are quite boring, but all the trees and backcountry is soooo much fun.

It snowed 9 days straight for us. Just a beautiful place.

I wrote this Travelling in Japan Guide when I got home, so feel free to add to that.

Also wrote up about the Sapporo Snow Festival - did you manage to get there?

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07 Burton Jeremy Jones 159, 08 Burton Missions (Camo), Electric EG1's

I was there from Feb 20 to March 6. I just love the place! My partner doesn't go off piste so it was good for both of us, she could go straight down and I would duck off into the trees and meet her at the bottom. And on other day's us boy's would head out in the morning hunting the fresh all day, we even walked for 3 hours to inbetween Annupuri & Mowia but back inland quite allot. There was that much snow that we needed to use our shovels to dig a hole where we could strap in!

I went on an Inski tour which had about 15 people on it with all different levels of riding and sking, we all got on like a house on fire and egged each other on through the days to perform better. We all hung out almost all of the time, and our lodge owner (The Chad) from slowlife Niseko actually lives in the next suburb over from me, so we have plenty of catch ups to come.

I broke two fingers in a small avalanche on the 1st of March. It was extreamly scary but lucky it was just below my neck when it stoped, so there was no need to use transponders or my avalung, just the shovels. All in all I have a great time and can't wait to go back!

Because we had Alan from Inski as our informal guide, he took us to places that only the locals know about. One of the places is called Jacksons, it takes about 1 hour to traverse to the drop in point, but the run is close to 20klm long ending near the Kutchan golf course! Before we set off we had organised one of the guy's to meet us so we could get back to Niseko.

Did you go into the Annupuri Bowl? How insane is that if you walk to the peak and drop in on the fresh. I have truly been spolid by Jappow! Are you going back next year?

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Andrew

K2 Slayblade.2010, Rome Anthem 165. 2009, Ride Antic 160. 2010, K2 Riader Boots, Burton Mission & Burton Cartels