Before this thread, i wouldn't have believed that you could ski so much powder in one area in a season.
Amazing.
May have to do Japan soon!
Really enjoying the reports.
Warm and sunny here in Cardiff, t shirt weather in March - v strange but lovely!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Thanks for reading imorris.
It is an amazing island.
Heard it's warm back home, but get the skis ready.
I'm back on 18 April and due some spring turns in the Beacons
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?
DAY 92 : WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2012
360Niseko reported 0 cm of new snow in Hirafu village
The third bluebird day in a row at Kiroro this week.
With no new snow overnight and warm sunshine hitting the snow pack from dawn the snow was heavier than yesterday. BUt once you hit the north and west facing aspects it was like skiing icing sugar.
Ian M skiing 'Bell Tower' at Kiroro
Ian M skiing 'Hangman' at Kiroro
As we boarded our first gondola to the top of Kiroro, Japanese freeskiing legend Takeshi Kodama was in the gondola behind us with his touring partner.
When we got to the top station Ian M & I headed down whilst Kodama and his partner headed up, touring to the summit of Yoichidake.
Yoichidake at 1,488m and 300m higher than the top of the gondola station is the highest of the peaks surrounding the resort.
Around mid-day we stopped to admire Kodama's tracks on the N face of Yoichidake and watch other skiers ski his line. But definitely not his turn shape.
Tracks in the N Face of Yoichidake
Ian M admiring Takeshi Kodama's line on the N Face of Yoichidake
Takeshi Kodama's line on the N Face of Yoichidake
Unknown skier making 5 turns to every one of Takeshi Kodama's on the N Face of Yoichidake
Ian M skiing 'Hangman' at Kiroro
The snow was good for any month, doubly so for the end of March.
DAY 93 : THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2012
360Niseko reported 0 cm of new snow in Hirafu village
Just 80 cm (31") total for the month but raw stats don't always give the full picture of what's under your skis or board.
Although there have been 10 grey, mild, and overcast days this month, the other 21 days have given us mid-January powder, classic Spring groomed runs in the sunshine, and best of all sunny, powder days for the ages.
And all with no lift lines or the hustle and bustle in the village of December, January and February.
It's been snowing very lightly but continuously all day here at MQ in Higashiyama and in the past two hours or so it's been coming down properly.
There's a good 5 cm and counting on my deck and if this keeps up tomorrow's turns could be good.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
DAY 96 : SUNDAY 01 APRIL 2012
6 cm of new snow on my deck at MQ (Mike's Quarters) in Higashiyama.
360Niseko have done a great job providing a consistent daily snowfall report throughout the winter but they're done until next season so it's my measurements from now until I leave Hokkaido on the 17th April.
My measurements are at a different snow site from 360Niseko but at approximately the same altitude.
Spent a couple of hours skiing Grand Hirafu this morning with Ian M, local photographer Glen Claydon and his wife Sachiko.
The sun was out, the slopes were quiet and there was between a micron and 10 cm of dry powder on top of a melt freeze crust.
When it was good it was very, very good. And when it was bad it was bloody hard work.
Glen and Sachiko on the Hirafu gondola
Glen riding Tetsu at Grand Hirafu
Sachiko skiing Tetsu at Grand Hirafu
Been trying to snow all day. Hopefully I'll be shovelling tomorrow morning.
2 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ (Mike's Quarters) in Higashiyama.
A second morning at Grand Hirafu with Ian M, and much better conditions on the groomed runs today.
Yesterday's layer of grey crunch had been tilled with the new snow in the past 24 hrs to give a far better glide.
We skied laps of the Hirafu gondola with the odd foray into the trees where the light, dry, new snow had blown around to make for some very smooth patches. Just not enough of them unfortunately.
I've been skiing on Movement Jam skis since February of 2011 - Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Hokkaido, Norway, Sweden, Wales - and this winter I've felt that the combination of the oversized slalom profile (136-85-117 in a 173 cm length) and the loss of about 5kg in bodyweight has kept me higher in the powder than I prefer.
So today I demoed a pair of 2010 Head i Supershape Magnum skis in a 170 cm length with a profile of 121-71-109 to see how they went in tricky, mixed snow conditions on and off the groomed runs.
They have great edge grip through the length of the ski and carving is effortless. But I knew they would be with a turning radius of 13.5 m
I was more interested in how they pivotted. They didn't disappoint.
It's been snowing on and off all day with a fair bit of wind, so we're heading to Kiroro tomorrow to ski the groomed and hopefully a bit of powder.
If they go well there, then the rental binding and riser plate are coming off and the Dynafit TLT vertical FT bindings which I have on the Jams are going on.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
DAY 98 : TUESDAY 03 APRIL 2012
7 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ (Mike's Quarters) in Higashiyama.
And snowing when Ian M & I left for Kiroro.
The base area at Kiroro is 570 m and this additional altitude in comparison with the Niseko Resort Area means that Spring springs a little later there.
And the skill of the grooming team doesn't hurt either!
The wind was howling up high and the upper lifts were on wind hold but there was more than enough terrain for us to play in down low.
The groomed runs were fabulously smooth with a coating of hero snow on top.
After a few laps we ducked into the trees and were very pleasantly surprised to find knee deep light powder on a solid base. With none of the crunch of previous days.
Ian M skiing 'Walk in the Woods' at Kiroro
It snowed the whole time we were there and throughout the day right up to about 3pm.
Went in to Niseko Pizza for a bite to eat at 5pm and it was spotting with rain.
Came out at 7pm and Noah was starting on his Ark.
The farmer's will be delirious at least.
It's supposed to turn to snow around midnight and the witching hour can't come soon enough.
My only solace is I woke up at 5am one morning at the start of April in Park City, Utah to what I thought was the neighbours leaving their shower on. I thought inconsiderate Fitzwilliams. Went to the bathroom and on the way back opened the front door to check the weather only to see a torrent of water running don my steps and the rain hammering down.
I thought, end of season.
Went back to bed and woke at 8 am to see sleet.
It turned to snow at 9 am
Went up the mountain at 11 am for shits and giggles and skied this at 3.30 pm
Yours truly skiing a closed race course at Park City, Utah in April 2004 (Tom Wilson North captured the moment)
Here's hoping.
After all it is free
After all it is free
DAY 99 : WEDNESDAY 04 APRIL 2012
4 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
It absolutely tipped down with rain overnight.
I was woken from my slumber at 2am it was drumming so heavily on the roof of my cabin.
The rain stopped around 5am and the snow started at 7. And it didn't stop until 6 this evening.
It was wild, wild, wild out there today.
The wind was howling blowing the light snow all over the place, and it kept most of the Niseko Resort Area closed for the day.
Who knows how the rain has affected the slopes, but if the area around my cabin is any indication then very little effect at all.
The sky is clear at the moment and the temperature is dropping.
The wind is still gusting wildly out there but that's forecast to decrease overnight.
Spring is on hold.
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.
DAY 100 : THURSDAY 05 APRIL 2012
16 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
THE RETURN OF THE NERI
Nerys enjoyed her time on Fantasy Island so much in February that she's come back for more - the Jedi Mind tick I did on her didn't hurt either
Her timing is impeccable.
Light powder shovelled off the deck this morning, the wind dying down, and bluebird skies to greet her arrival.
An easy drive to and from Chitose and a chilled night back at MQ recharging after the flight.
DAY 101 : FRIDAY 06 APRIL 2012
6 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
Good Friday? Great Friday.
Nerys' first day on snow for this trip and 10th day in total, and where better to start it off than where she made her first turns, Kiroro
Within 15 minutes of leaving the car park we were on snow and that's going through the rental process.
Managed to get Nerys in the same boots as last time - the Head Edge + 8.5 which were comfortable, warm, and which hadn't given her any problems - and the same ski - 152 cm Vist Cross Over Lady with a 124-77-110 profile and a 11m turning radius.
All that she'd learned on her first trip cam back in the first couple of runs and then we spent the rest of the day working on the Hokkaido drift and full body balancing.
Nerys skiing the Yoichi #1-B Course (green run) at Kiroro
Nerys enjoying a salmon, salmon roe and rice bowl for lunch at Kiroro
A fantastic first day back on snow for Nerys after a two month lay off, and it was dumping when we left.
Tomorrow could be even better.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Mike, those shots look epic. I must ski Japan...
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Thanks AndAnotherThing. A trip here is worth every penny.
DAY 102 : SATURDAY 07 APRIL 2012
14 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
THE RETURN OF THE NERI
Nerys' second day on snow for this trip and 11th day in total, and she continued on from where she left off yesterday afternoon.
On the second lap of the Yoichi #1-B Course Nerys got a little too much Hokkaido drift and got to know this young Japanese skier better than she expected. Or he expected for that matter. Thankfully both skied away smiling.
Nerys skiing the Yoichi #1-B Course (green run) at Kiroro
After that we spent as much time off the groomed runs and in the trees as we could. Nerys really got a handle on patience at the start of the turn in unconsolidated snow, subtle balance transference between each leg, and looking further ahead to choose better paths through the trees.
Nerys skiing beside the Yoichi #1-B Course (green run) at Kiroro
After a couple of laps on the Yoichi #1-A Course we ducked into the trees skier's right. The powder had warmed up but was creamy and consistent and Nerys nailed it.
Not the jump at the end of it though.
"I'm ready for my close up Mr. DeMille"
Nerys skiing the Center-B Course (red run) at Kiroro
Nerys made significant strides today relaxing in the fall line, balancing with the mountain and staying long in the leg as she pivotted and edged her skis through the curve of the turn.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Looks amazing. Must. Ski. Japan.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Thanks. Heartily. Recommended.
DAY 104 : MONDAY 09 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
A skiff overnight, but grey, misty and miserable all day. A good day to kick back and recharge the batteries.
Snow forecast for later this evening and sunshine for tomorrow.
Here's hoping.
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?
DAY 105 : TUESDAY 10 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
THE RETURN OF THE NERI
Nerys' fourth day on snow for this trip and 13th day in total.
The sun was up early, us a little later.
Kiroro was deserted and the courses were in great shape until mid-afternoon.
Nerys skiing the Yoichi #1-A Course (red run) at Kiroro
Nerys skiing the Yoichi #1-A Course (red run) at Kiroro
Today was the second day of the Spring season at Kiroro and the second day of the Spring Season Pass (Mate). 11,700 yen for unlimited skiing until closing day on Sunday 06 May.
With a Spring day rate of 3,200 yen and Nerys on Hokkaido for another six days we had to get one. It would have been rude not to.
Her first winter skiing, her second ski trip, her first seasons pass.
Mike, Nerys' skiing is really coming on and spring conditions look great. Top quality rental equipment by the looks of things too :8
Thanks for a seasons worth of pictures and video!
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Mike Pow,^ ^ ^ exactly so. This thread has been brilliant fun to follow. And as for that last photo - the smile really says it all! Congratulations to Nerys on becoming a super-gnarly skier so quickly!
Mike, Nerys' skiing is really coming on and spring conditions look great. Top quality rental equipment by the looks of things too :8
Thanks for a seasons worth of pictures and video!
Thanks for the props for Nerys. She's chuffed.
Full on Spring conditions now and so much fun letting the skis go in the sunshine.
Great rental equpiment at Kiroro. Wide selection of piste and powder skis.
Thanks for reading and watching.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Pedantica wrote:
Mike Pow,^ ^ ^ exactly so. This thread has been brilliant fun to follow. And as for that last photo - the smile really says it all! Congratulations to Nerys on becoming a super-gnarly skier so quickly!
Cheers. Thanks for following the thread and the many comments.
Nerys is loving your assessment of her and she's so happy finding skiing.
Already booked in for December 2012
After all it is free
After all it is free
DAY 106 : WEDNESDAY 11 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
A grey and misty start to the day in the Niseko Resort Area, with rain not far behind.
We don't ski in the rain, so a day trip to the port town of Iwanai was in order.
First stop the base area of the closed Niseko Iwanai ski resort. Still top to bottom coverage and a great day day out bootpacking or skinning to the summit of Iwanai-dake.
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.
DAY 107 : THURSDAY 12 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
THE RETURN OF THE NERI
Nerys' fifth day on snow for this trip and 14th day in total.
Another gloriously sunny Spring day at Kiroro with Nerys.
Nerys skiing the Nagamine #2-A Course (red run) at Kiroro
Nerys skiing the Nagamine #2-A Course (red run) at Kiroro
A quick stop for a can of coffee at the Nagamine lodge and then Nerys' first time on the steeper and longer Nagamine #2-B Course (red run). She nailed it.
Nerys skiing the Nagamine #2-B Course (red run)
Big strides for Nerys today. Well actually lots of little steps as she deftly and progressively 'walked' down the mountain skiing parallel more consisently through the curve of the turn(s) even on the steeper sections of red runs.
Disciplined yet relaxed and far more dynamic.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Textbook Nerys. Good work, you must be a natural as this can't be all Mike!
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Cheers johnniebalfour.
Nerys has great feet and she's the one moving them.
DAY 108 : FRIDAY 13 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
Friday the 13th, keep Nerys off the slopes!
Only kidding. A grey and misty start to the day in the Niseko Resort Area, so Nerys and I took a drive over to the Lake Toya area. Thankfully the weather improved as we got nearer.
First stop The Windsor Hotel, host to the dignitaries and their spouses for the 2008 G8 Summit.
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.
DAY 109 : SATURDAY 14 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
THE RETURN OF THE NERI
Nerys' sixth day on snow for this trip and 15th day in total.
Another sunny Spring day at Kiroro.
The Vist skis Nerys had been using to date were out so we demoed the 2012/13 K2 Superglide in a 153cm.
The 127-80-109 profile is a little wider than the Vist in the shovel and waist by 3mm and combined with the ealy rise rocker made things much easier when the snow changed to a slurpy consistency down low.
I also tried Nerys with a longer set of poles - 115 cm instead of 110 cm - which enabled her to stand taller when she felt the slope below her with the downhill hand.
Nerys was sporting her Spring collection for the first time and there was a spring in her step as she negotiated the green, red and black runs.
Nerys skiing the Asari Dynamic Course (red run) at Kiroro
Lap 2 on the Asari Dynamic Course (red run) at Kiroro
A quick stop at the top gondola station for a coffee and then we were back at it
Another great day of Spring skiing on Hokkaido and another day of progress for Nerys.
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
DAY 110 : SUNDAY 15 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
THE RETURN OF THE NERI
Nerys' seventh and final day on snow for this trip and 16th day in total.
Back to Kiroro and the Spring Season Pass (Mate) paid for.
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
Our last full day on Hokkaido so no skiing today.
Packing and cleaning my cabin was the order of the day, but we did manage a quick drive on the Niseko Panorama Line (Rt 66) to Moiwa ski area, Chisenupuri ski area, Yukichichibu Onsen and Goshiki Onsen. Setting the scene for Nerys' next visit!
Great coffee, tea & cake in a very chilled setting with views of Mt Yotei.
Some very cool touches in the cafe exemplified by this front door to dining table conversion
DAY 112 : TUESDAY 17 APRIL 2012
0 cm of new snow on the deck at MQ in Higashiyama.
4.30 am start for New Chitose airport.
Ian M kindly drove Nerys and I to the airport and it was fitting that the person who picked me up on what was my best winter professionally and personally dropped me back safe & sound.
Thanks for being such a big part of my winter Ian. Already looking forward to opening day in November.
The progression Nerys has shown has exceeded my wildest expectations (hopes!!!) and she can't wait to return to Hokkaido in mid-December for more turns. Deep powder ones hopefully!
Thanks to everyone I skied with and who patiently waited for me to get photos and video clips of them.
And thanks for reading, watching and commenting.
SNOWFALL
From the day I arrived on Hokkaido last December 28th until today, 9.7 m (382") of snow has fallen at village level in the Niseko Resort Area.
Add in the November and December totals and the snowfall at village level to date is a massive 15.66 m (617").
There could well be more snowfall to come up high before the lifts stop turning but doubtful that any will stick in town to add to this total. Hope I'm proven wrong!
This has been the second snowiest winter in the six seasons I've been collecting data on the Niseko Resort Area, the 2009/10 winter dropped 15.8 m (622").
As a point of reference the average for those six winters is 13.86 m (546") with a SD of 1.61 m (63").
The 'driest' winter was 2008/09 with 12.13 m (478").
Maybe 2012/13 is the winter to visit / revisit Hokkaido.
WEDNESDAY 25 APRIL 2012
It's looking cold, wet, and stormy out of my window this morning.
Pecipitation is never a problem in this part of South Wales we just need an Arctic front to head south.
With any luck I may get late April turns or even May turns for the first time in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Last edited by You know it makes sense. on Wed 25-04-12 11:57; edited 1 time in total
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Mike Pow, a great thread, thank you so much. Have an excellent summer!
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Mike Pow, great thread, it was the one you did last year that inspired me to goto Japan this year, and I'm glad to say it lived up to all expectations!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Pedantica wrote:
Mike Pow, a great thread, thank you so much. Have an excellent summer!
Thanks Pedantica. You too.
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?
kitenski wrote:
Mike Pow, great thread, it was the one you did last year that inspired me to goto Japan this year, and I'm glad to say it lived up to all expectations!
Thanks for sharing that kitenski. That's made my day.
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
