OK, So It appears that I have the opportunity to go to Niseko for a couple of days next Season.
The question is when?
I'm thinking early season.
So any SH got the lowdown on what the coverage and snowfall is like in mide December?
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
January.
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?
Early season will be quieter but you will miss out on the deep powder Niseko is so amazing for - Jan and Feb are the best months to visit in my opinion!
Never been but the consensus seems to be first week after the Australian holidays finish (usually start of Feb time) to avoid peak crowds and good chance of deep powder.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
February.
After all it is free
After all it is free
great post. I'm looking at heading out in mid December also. Last season's snowfall in December looked great, but it's unclear on what the base was like that earlier on.
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.
have a look at the www.ski.com.au forum - loads of Japan info on there
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
First snowfall (Hatsu Yuki) normally settles on Mt An'nupuri (the central peak of Niseko United) the last week of October / first week of November.
Niseko Grand Hirafu attempts to open on the last weekend in November to coincide with a national holiday.
More often than not there is uploading and downloading at this time, with skiing on the upper mountain only.
The snow machine kicks in at the start of December bringing an average of 3.5 m for the month.
By mid-December, all of Niseko United is normally open top to bottom, although much of the off-piste is still unskiable as the sasa grass (bamboo) hasn't fully filled in.
By month's end, there is normally a deep enough base for everything to be skiable, including the hike to 'The Peak'.
Some winters the above is a couple of weeks earlier.
A few winters the above is a couple of weeks later.
Niseko, Rusutsu and Kiroro have different weather patterns so if one resort is struggling the other(s) could be going off.
But if the snow has arrived early and in quantity, mid-December can be a great time to visit as it's prior to the big Christmas rush, and accommodation is cheaper and the slopes less crowded.
The Ikon Pass announced this morning that they will be adding NISEKO UNITED to its pass for the upcoming 2018/19 winter season.
That brings the Ikon Pass offering to 33 destinations across 3 continents, and must be very welcome news for Thredbo based Ikon Pass holders.
"Japan’s mountains are a longtime bucket list destination for skiers and riders, and we are so excited to open up this part of the world to Ikon Pass holders, providing the opportunity to immerse themselves into the Japanese culture and snow."
- Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer of Alterra Mountain Company
The Ikon Pass offers 7 days at Niseko United
The Ikon Base Pass offers 5 days at Niseko United with blackouts
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