Charity bazaar in Niseko

Apr 11, 2011 

I went to the Charity bazaar in Niseko Civic Center last weekend.Look at those many people comming to the bazaar!

In addition to the bazaar, there were lots of stores opened by local people, live music,fortune-telling, massage, and yoga classes.

I was glad to see Mr.Arimura, a photographer, whose works you can see in the NPB website.He sold picture postcards for raising money.

I saw this event was not only good for charity but helpful for local people to get to know.
I bought a bagel from one of the stores, which is a newly opening cafe near my house. I’ve already been a fan of their bagels!

Busy winter season has gone and lots of people are getting away from Niseko recently. People remain here tend to feel kind of lonly these days, so this was a good oppotunity to join people together.

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Uncategorized |  Tag: Comment: 0

Not just powder, but sherbet-like “showder”

Apr 07, 2011 

We have been blessed with beautiful weather for the past couple of days in Niseko. With Mt. Yotei and the peak of Annupuri unobscured by clouds, this is the best time for spring skiing! Today, one of my neighbors was in the Hirafu #1 parking lot when I pulled up. She said, “I’m going out to go training!” so I followed her up the mountain.

When riding on the King No.4 lift, it was so windy around the peak that we felt like we were going to blow away! Instead, we took the King No.3 lift up and skied down Jumbo over and over again.

The conditions, she said, make a sound like pouring sugar, and is nice and soft. The sherbert-like corn snow is called “showder” among Niseko locals.

It may not be powder, but “showder” is fun to ski as well! These are prime spring skiing conditions – come try spring skiing on Niseko’s corn snow!

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Mountains, Out there..., Uncategorized |  Tag: Comment: 0

FIS Snowboard Cross

Apr 06, 2011 

Niseko HANAZONO Resort hosted two FIS (Fédération Internationale de Ski) Snowboard-Cross competitions last weekend.

Snowboard Cross is a four-man race, all riders aiming to be the first to cross the finish line of a course peppered with obstacles such as jumps, rollers, steep banks, step-ups, and more.
Snowboard Cross has been an official Olympic event since the Torino Olympics in 2006. Click to read more…

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Mountains, Out there..., events |  Tag: Comment: 0

21th SUPER BUMPS NISEKO CUP

Apr 04, 2011 

NISEKO FREESTYLE SESSION “SUPER BUMPS NISEKO CUP” is known as a steppingstone to success for young mogul skiers going for Worldcups or Plympic games, as well as a showcase of any mogul-bums from around the country.We had the 21th Super Bumps Niseko Cup yesterday(April 3).

Contrary to the weather forcast that said it would snow all day, we got some sunshine in the morning and even blue sky around noon!
Then look at those dynamic air tricks toward Mt.Yotei!!!

Beautiful skiers against blue sky! This is one of the best part of spring skiing!!!

Snow was getting softer in the afternoon, landing sites were deeply carved, then many skiers fell to the ground after the tricks. Games had to be seen to the finish line for the dual mogul competition.It must have been a really tough day for participants!
I’m sure some Olympicans will appear from these copmetitors for Sochi or later.

In-between the copmetition, some competitors and others, especially young skiers, ran as exhibitions for charity. It was really moving!!!!

Thank you all the staffs and atheletes for such a great event and performances. See you next year, and till then, enjoy workout for each!

I heard the course would open for public for some days. Please come to try the bumping run along the King2 chairlift.

Spring is the best season for bumping!!!

Posted by: natsu  |  category: Mountains, Out there..., events |  Tag: Comment: 0