The storm that's moving in at the moment looks like it's going to be a big one. A once every few years type event. Last time we had one of those we got 2 metres in 48 hours. I just hope it clears by the weekend so we can get out and enjoy it!
AND, just hearing this now. On the news they're saying that Tokachidake is about to erupt. Maybe not a major eruption, but definitely something is rumbling. Mad stuff going on in Hokkaido!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
After my trip last season I am glued to this thread....it is almost a physical pain to read and look at this in the full knowledge that this year (and next) we cannot be there.
2016-17 season....the plans are already being made...
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@MagSeven, not only Tokachidake but also Zao (Yamagata/Miyagi) and AizuBandai (Fukushima)......some years ago the ski resorts on the flanks of Iwate-san were closed for a season because of gas seeping out from some of its fissures. After the eruption of Ontake-san (Nagano) people are naturally very nervous and the authorities cautious. Stay safe up there....this storm looks similar to that of 18yrs ago (?) which caused lots of damage.
Just booked again today! Was going to go to the Alps but looking poor out there. I'll be out on the 7th for 10 days, can't wait to get back to the White room!
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Following this thread intently. Thanks for the regular updates chaps.
That's a point @Mac46, I'm sure the powers that be are acting a lot more cautiously after the Ontake eruption this year.
The storm is starting to hit over in Eastern Hokkaido, winds and heavy snow. Schools closed, public transport cancelled etc. We had thunder and lightning with some wet snow last night, but things are relatively calm now. Looks like it will start to get worse from this afternoon.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Had a lot of rain in niseko that basically wiped out Monday's powder at base..think the peak got a huge amount though. Storms rolled in now... did manage to get first day of skiing but lifts were obviously pretty limited.
My Y400 coop gloves broke already. Livid.
After all it is free
After all it is free
@Timmaah, 400yen? wow! huge loss 100yen shops might be better!
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
Any good guide & instructor recommendations please for Niseko? Just booked for the end of Feb.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Been a snowy week at Kiroro. High winds some days shutting the top lifts but no rain thankfully.
Day 25: Monday 15 December 2014
50 cm in the past 24hrs at the base of Kiroro (570m asl)
Central Hokkaido missed out on most of the big snowfall that hit this week. We were at Kamui Ski Links on Saturday, which was decent enough, but still needs a lot more snow. The refurbished gondola opened for the first time and is a big improvement - a lot faster than before, and with refurbished cabins with racks for fat skis.
Some of the off piste was accessible with a layer of fresh snow, but with a lot of sasa slalom around the bamboo leaves.
The backside chair opened up for the first time. The views to the east over to Asahidake were pretty special.
We stayed in Sounkyo overnight and were thinking of hitting Kurodake today. But the wind was wayyy too strong. It was really unpleasant even in the gorge, so I dread to think how it would've been up on the mountain. This is a shot from the base of the ropeway, we didn't even bother getting out the car!
Windy blizzards are in the forecast for the next few days. We are off work now until January and will be sticking around Hokkaido skiing lots, so expect regular updates!
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Thanks for the updates.
Nerys & I have binned our central Hokkaido trip
Next time.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Probably not a bad call @Mike Pow! We were at Mt Racey today, and there hadn't been more than a dusting of new snow overnight. The pistes were nice and fast, fun for cranking some big turns on, but definitely no powder to be found.
They had started to build the terrain park, with a few rails and a kicker, so I spent most of my time there. The hard landings were an incentive not to fall!
By the sounds of it, it's been snowing heavily in the Sapporo hills, and up in Asahikawa today. We are heading to Teine tomorrow, where the bowls are now mostly accessible. Then we'll be in Rusutsu for 3 days over Christmas which should have very decent snow by now.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Looks great.
Dumping at Kiroro today.
Knee deep on the groomers
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
As expected, a good day today at Teine. Deep snow, about 30cm or more, and bowls 1-3 were accessible but with a fair few branches still poking through the snow.
More snow has been falling further south. Rusutsu had about 40cm and more expected overnight. Which is good, as we're heading there tomorrow!
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Great. Look forward to hearing how Rusutsu is.
Thinking of Christmas Day turns there.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Niseko has been pretty crazy, been snowing non stop for the last few days..had some good turns out in annupuri and with another 40cm dumping overnight it should be good. Was at moiwa last Saturday but they need easily another 1.5m base..too many trees popping up on the side country over to skiers right of the quad
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Thanks to everyone providing the content, good prep for my forthcoming trip in February. Currently debating whether to stay in Niseko or Hakuba - anyone have strong opinions towards Hakuba? Will be skiing for 6 days, accommodation options are also becoming increasingly limited at this stage but found a good deal for the Hilton in Niseko and a guest house in Hakuba through Air Bnb.
Just to add, assume with shuttle buses and taxis Niseko Village isn't the end of the world? Would be looking to eat out somewhere in town most nights.
Thanks
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Day 32: Monday 22 December 2014
20 cm in the past 24hrs at the base of Kiroro (570m asl)
Last edited by After all it is free on Fri 26-12-14 0:38; edited 1 time in total
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@Alans deep bath, sorry I haven't done Hakuba so can't really offer any experience there. But staying at Niseko Village wouldn't be too bad if you had a rented car or were happy to take the shuttle buses from the Hilton to Hirafu. There is also a bit of new development at Village with a few more dining options etc I believe.
Rusutsu was deep yesterday. The snow was slightly thick and heavy so it got slow in places, but lots of fun. It needs more though, but it's still snowing and doesn't look like stopping. Will look out for you on the hill today Mike!
Deep
Still needs more snow to cover sasa and branches.
Merry Christmas!
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Looks great.
Merry Christmas.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
60cm dump overnight here today Sadly the snow was bit heavy..or was that cause of the amount of snow? Anyway.. still snowing but should clear up over next few days so imagine the peak gates should open just in time before New years
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@MagSeven, thanks, all booked!
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
Another incredible day at Rusutsu. Bottomless powder, faceshots and the East Mtn/Isola area was really quiet. Probably got 40cm last night on top of what we already had. We've decided to stay another night so looking forward to another deep day tomorrow as it's still dumping!!
Mrs MagSeven this morning
View over Lake Toya when the sun came out briefly on Christmas Day
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
SWeet. We're headed over today (Saturday).
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@Mike Pow, shame we missed you. I kept my eyes open but didn't spot you.
Great conditions again at Rusutsu today. Not too much new snow overnight, but still a nice top up on top of yesterdays deep powder. Really glad we stuck around for another day!
Confidence levels were pretty high with the deep soft landings so we were hitting some bigger drops.
There was some upside action too
Back home now, and heading over to Mount Racey tomorrow. Seems like we've had good snow around here over Christmas, so hoping more of the off piste there will be accessible.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Fabulous.
Next time.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Day 35: Thursday 25 December 2014
5 cm in the past 24hrs at the base of Kiroro (570m asl)
Day 10 of the Royal Variety Performance
Christmas Day Special
Went to Mount Racey for a quick afternoon/evening session yesterday (Sunday). There was a bit of new snow so conditions on piste were great. Off piste was a little heavy as the temperatures have risen a bit. Not much new snow overnight here, but I think Teine got bit. So we're heading there today.
We were treated to a beautiful sunset at Mount Racey yesterday to cap off a fun afternoon.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Gorgeous.
Sapporo Kokusai for us today (Monday).
Sunny. Pistes were great. Fringes were packed. Off piste was thick, but still a few great stashes.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
100yen shops might be better!
Sadly the snow was bit heavy..or was that cause of the amount of snow? Anyway.. still snowing but should clear up over next few days so imagine the peak gates should open just in time before New years
