Conditions Report
This report is from Thursday, January 16
This is it.
This is why we came here.
JaPOW.
After a dryish (by Japan’s standards) start to our time here, Ullr turned the taps on a couple of days ago, and it’s not stopped.
- Related: Niseko United, Japan, Report: Great Conditions and Excellent Skiing at a Bucket List Destination
14″ has been reported in the last couple of days. It’s skiing more than double that.
The upper lifts were closed yesterday, so today, we went high and searched for two days’ worth of powder.
We didn’t have to look far.
As soon as we skied off the Ace Pair Lift #4 and down the face, it was over boot-high and over the knees as we got further into the trees. Face shots were frequent.
We went back up for a do-over.
We ventured across the mountain from Hanazono to Annupuri. Grand Hirafu seemed to have the most snow. But it was awesome everywhere.
The powder was light, fluffy, and dry. I’d use the C word, but Steamboat has that trademarked, so I can’t.
The temperatures were about right, the wind was light, and it snowed all day.
We explored gates G1, G2, G7, and G9. These zones (and the other gates) are where to find the goods. Steeper, deeper, and more trees. The warning signs at each entrance do a good job of keeping traffic to a minimum. Avalanche risk today was low. We found almost waist-high, untouched powder all day long. Now and again, after skiing with carefree abandon, we’d stop and look around and think, “WTF are we?” hoping we hadn’t entered a terrain trap and would need to hike out! Luckily, everything funnels down to the same place anyway.
We stopped at Bear Café for a quick coffee and brownie. This small, cute wooden hut on the mountain had a warming stove in the middle. It served freshly made hot dogs, fish and chips, and similar fare. Thanks to the complimentary breakfast at the fantastic Owashi Lodge, where we’re based for two weeks, we didn’t need lunch.
Today was one of those days you remember forever. I don’t think I’ve heard so much hooting, hollering, and shouts of pure delight from skiers around me.
And the forecast says tomorrow will be even better. Wow.
This trip came about because Ikon Pass offers days at Niseko, and I started looking at flights, just in case. I’m glad I did. I can see this becoming an annual powder pilgrimage.
Thank you, Ikon Pass.
Thank you, Japan.
Thank you, Ullr.
Current Conditions
Forecast
Photos
