Snow Report

Well it is the last day of 2007!!

The snow gods gave us a little taste this morning with a few cm's of the white stuff over night. Still not nearly enough to make up the last week however! We can only keep the fingers crossed and hope the new year will bring smiles to everyones faces with plenty of nipple deep days!

Have a safe and happy new years everyone!! See you in 2008!

Snow Report

Another very average day to be in Niseko! The weather pattern in the last week is almost what you expect in Australia! We hope the low pressure system will move over today/tonight and the puke fest of powder will begin!
It is almost time to get outside and start doing the snow dance, sacrifice a lamb or a virgin! The lamb will be easier to find!! just do what ever it is you have to do to make it snow!

How Are You Spending Your New Years?

Got nothing to do on New Years Eve?? Check this stuff out to get you off the couch!

Hirafu NYE Countdown On Mountain
outside of the kogen hotel from 10pm

Higashiyama NYE countdown
just before midnight at the after cafe and bar

Annupuri NYE free night skiing & fireworks
9 to 11:30pm skiing is free!! no day pass required!
then hang out around the annual annupuri bonfire and take in the fire works!

Sapporo Countdown Party
want to get out of niseko? go speak to shinji @ ixsm travel and get on board the Sapporo countdown party! experience real Japanese nightlife!! You will never be the same!

Snow Report

Well we are into the last few days of 2007!!!!
Today was warm with light rain during the day! Another great day to let the body recover and hang out with friends in a cafe!
After a great start to the season, the last week has really been a let down! Today we had the first day of rain during the official season! This year the warm patch has been a little earlier then the last few years, so we hope that it will be all for the rest of the season!

Snow Report

Another average day on the hill!! The last week without snow is starting to take its toll on everyone in town. The powder skis and boards will be replaced with park set up for sure over the weekend.
One plus is Annupuri gate number 2 is also officially opening today which will offer up some nice terrain. However becareful of avi activity with the warm conditions of the last few days!

Niskeo TV

Snow Report

The mountain is like a rock at the moment down low with only minimal soft stuff up high. A lot of the area is starting to look like an egg cartoon! Should keep the groomers busy if we get snow again! We can only hope it gets here before the new year influx of visitors!

Snow Report

Better to spend the day with friends and family today. Not much point getting up for todays conditions. Take the skis and boards and get them edged and waxed, with warmer conditions expected in the next few days you may need it! Try BonTak to get the job done! His skills with tuning will have anyone's edges busting the ice layer and bases faster then when your equipment was new!

Merry Christmas from Niseko

Everyone from Niseko Webzine wishes you a Merry Christmas from Niseko!

Mt Yotei basking in the Christmas sun!

Snow Report

A day to get a little adventurous! You will need to get away from the main trails today to find anything worth getting excited about! If you have the back country gear its time to bust it out and get out there!

Snow Report

It had snowed about 10 to 15cm during the day.
Myself and our crew took a turn and headed to Moiwa for the day! On a sunday it seemed we where the only ones on the mountain and the snow conditions were still untracked! Great value as well, a 4 hour ticket will set you back about 2500yen or 25 ozzie bucks!!
Do yourself a favor and check it out when your in Niseko!

Niseko TV

Stay Healthy In Niseko

If you will be joining us here in Niseko this season it is worth getting a flu shot well in advance of your arrival in this powder heaven!! During the last few months Japan and especially Hokkaido have been under a flu epidemic!

The strain of the flu can have a crippling effect to anyone that is infected. Unfortunately the temperatures that are required to produce that perfect powder can also intensify the effects of the flu virus. The flu virus can be easily transported between carriers if your one to partake in a few beers after your body is at its weakest after a day on the mountain. So don't be left in the apartment while your friends are neck deep in powder, get a flu shot!

Niseko Keeping In Touch With The World

A major problem in Niseko or Japan while you are on holiday is the lack of options for keeping in touch with friends, family or business associates at home country or in Japan.

Pre-paid phones in the last few years have had very strict purchasing regulation applied to them to restrict there use in illegal activities, making it impossible for a foreigner to purchase. We all know that rental phones are never the most cost effective option, but now things are looking up!

With the introduction of the 3G network throughout the world, another option has become available to visitors to Niseko and Japan. So if you are planning experiencing the Niseko powder or on business in Japan and would like to have the safety and convenience of being able to call friends, family or business associates, check with your chosen mobile phone provider to see if your phone is 3G compatible and will work while in Japan.

You just never know when you will need to make a phone call from the chair lift to let everyone know how deep and perfect your Niseko powder experience is!

Niseko Webzine Town Map

The Niseko Webzine Town Map is now under construction, you can view our progress on the town as we update the information by clicking on the map on the right side of the webzine.

News From Niseko Webzine

For your viewing pleasure you can see the conditions live on the mountain thanks to the web cams. You can also get our snow report by licking on the "Niseko Webzine Snow Report" under the link section on the right hand side of the Webzine.

Niseko TV

What Will Happen To Niseko?

Over recent years Niseko has been promoted and received increasing media coverage of the powder snow the area. This has brought along a massive influx of investment to the area. Within the last 12 months the Hanazono area, Higashiyama resort, who also recently announced that the hotel will be part of the Hilton Group and Moiwa have all been purchased by massive international corporations with plans to develop the current structure.

What will this do to Niseko?

After all Niseko is still a relatively small tourist destination compared to other world wide ski destinations, can it handle what lies in the future? Will the locals be happy with what Niseko will transform into, many of them are starting to sell up and move! Some are cashing in on the increasing value of their properties, can not blame them for that, others are just disgusted on what their sleepy paradise has turned into!

It is pleasing to see the local business owners that rely on tourism and investment joining forces with Aoki-san who has formed the Niseko Tourist Board. The Niseko Tourist Boards main roll will be to promote Niseko as a destination and ensure domestic and internationally owned companies reinvest funds back into the community to help cover expenses the local community have incurred due to the rapid increase of tourist numbers, also to invest in increasing town infrastructure, also to handle the tourist numbers Niseko is receiving.

Aoki-san, we wish you luck and thank you for taking the first steps in ensuring Niseko will become a sustainable tourist destination!

Only time will tell what the future holds for Niseko. We hope the people involved have more than YEN as their best interest, otherwise the bubble will burst and another fantastic part of the world will be slayed by the corporate world!

Increasing Security Warning for International Airports

If you have been to Japan in the past you would have appreciated how efficient clearing customs is at any airport compared to our home countries, for those of you that use Brisbane International Airport you know what I mean!

Well it is hoped that this efficiency will continue, however travelers this year will experience an extra security feature that may cause inconvenient delays to your travel plans.

The Japanese Government have introduced new anti terrorism laws that will come into effect in late November. The news laws will consist of every foreigner entering into Japan will be photographed, fingerprinted and interviewed.

It is has not been made clear at this point what the “interview” will consist of, however anyone refusing to cooperate will be denied entry according to Japanese Immigration.

We suggest you contact your flight carrier to make sure you sufficient time to clear customs and transfer if needed to the domestic terminal and be able to make your domestic flights.

The Japanese Government have strssed that anyone who does not wish to cooperate will be denied entry to the country! PLEASE DON’T antagonise Japan airport officials during the screening process!! If you would like to voice your opinions on this matter the safest time would be when you are departing Japan.

Niseko Map

We are currently working on creating a map of the village utilizing Google Maps.

We will be covering all restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and of course the mountain. You will be able to find reviews, sample menus and our recommendations and a few snaps of the meals before they are devoured!!

Stay tuned for the launch of our Niseko Map!

Niseko United Is Open

Niseko United rolled out the red carpet on opening day!

30 to 40 centimeters of light fresh dry powder awaited anyone wanting to walk down the red carpet this morning. It was great to see the locals out on the mountain and the new seasonal staff getting a taste of what is about to come!

The local mascot, Jagatakun, was also hanging out at seicomart and celebrating the opening of the season. Those that were lucky to witness the traditional drumming ceremony will no doubt be blessed with face shots for the rest of the season!

Welcome To Niseko Webzine

Hi and welcome to the first issue of Niseko Webzine!

We are planning on providing you with an interactive (i hope) webzine with video footage and photo's from around the town and on the resort, news, events, parties, REAL snow conditions, information on places to eat and enjoy a drink and places you should avoid!!
Well we hope you enjoy what you see and hope to have you back to read the Niseko Webzine soon.

Tomorrow is the opening of the resort! I am sure we will have our first publication of the Niseko Webzine online soon!

Niseko Webzine