Snow To Reduce Global Warming?

What to do with all the snow that falls in Hokkaido?

The New Chitose Airport, gateway for thousands of tourists during winter from around the globe to revel in some of the world's great powder snow is now taking steps towards to preserve their backyard. This will ensure winter tourism for generations to come by reducing global warming.

Starting in 2010, the New Chitose Airport will collect snow during the winter season and use it to cool the building though summer. It is expected that this will provide 30% of the buildings cooling, reducing Co2 emissions per year by up to 2,100 tons per year.

Source: Good Clean Tech

Niseko & Furano Ski Camps

Planning a holiday to Niseko and Furano and want to improve your skills on the sticks?

You better check out the Warren Smith ski academy.

Tanner Warming Up For Niseko?

Will the greatest freestyle skier of all time be back in Niseko this winter after stopping in during the 05/06 season? We can only hope so!

So what does Tanner get up to in Summer? Check him out getting his thing on!

Traffic Controller of the Month

We would like to take this opportunity and take our hat off, we hope you join us, for this dedicated traffic controller from Sapporo. It is all about giving that little extra in job, notice the leg action! Such grace and authority, truly a thing of beauty!

100 Top Ski Holidays

Niseko has been named in the 100 Top Ski Holiday destinations by the Telegraph in the UK, will this push the UK market to make the leap to Niseko?

Well maybe not with quality of the photo used, Niseko's major drawcard afterall is POW and the photo used does not really capture that it in all its glory, well except that statement under the photo, "Hokkaido, on Japan's north island, boasts some of the world's best powder". But aaawwwww it does look pretty.

To anyone from the UK or anyone that is looking for a Niseko holiday, contact Japan Ski Experience, they are based in the UK and know there way around Niseko and Japan!

Snowboard Soundtracks

We were cruzin around the web today and found this site, Snowboard Soundtracks, it has a complete list of snowboard movies with soundtracks, hence the name.

I thought it was worth sharing with all the Niseko Webzine followers because if you are anything like me you always find funky old tracks and remixes on snowboard vids iPod worthy, or other MP3 device if your an iPOD hater.

So get over to the site and check it out, find all the names of all those tracks you like on all your favorite snowboard vids so you can load them up on your iPod or MP3 player ready for your next Niseko session.

Check it out - Snowboard Soundtracks

Not Ready To Let Summer Go?

NisekoMTB are putting together a last minute effort to get down and dirty before the snow falls.

The destination: Tokachi - http://www.mtbhokkaido.net/

The Plan:
- Depart Friday 17th October from Hirafu
- Ride 18th Saturday followed by BBQ & beers
- Ride 19th Sunday morning then return to Hirafu in the afternoon with the survivors

Let the crew of NisekoMTB know if your in by Friday 3rd October.

Also if you have a vehicle capable of carrying bikes and people and are willing to use, please let Martin know - you will be compensated.......... in more ways than one!

Niseko Snow Report

Ok, so it might not be want everyone was hoping for, but it is snow!

A light dusting of white gold has landed on Mt. Yotei on Wednesday 24th September, 2008, after a noticeable change in the weather to highlight the official end of summer!

You might have to look pretty close to see it but it is there, we promise!

Powder TV and Shaun White

So we got some abuse for letting our readership know what we thought of the Shaun White interview from certain people, without naming them you can figure it out if you read the original post, but before you do, here is another quote from an unsatisfied viewer of the Shaun White interview.

“so ahhh….this interview is pretty shocking! has this lady ever done an interview before? maybe someone should let her know there is a difference between having a caffeine buzzed conversation and interviewing one of the best sports people in the world.” See post for yourself here

You can read the original post by Niseko Webzine here - Niseko.

Keeping In Touch In Niseko

Just a quick note to everyone that is coming to Niseko for the quickly approaching winter.

It has been a problem in the past with people coming to Niseko with families and friends to use Australian UHF-CBs and New Zealand PRS radios. For those of you that do not know, the use of these devices is highly illegal in Japan!

Most people have thought that they are above the laws and ignored the notices that have been placed at airports and around the town in English to make you aware of the laws in the past. However, the issue is gaining more attention from authorities as the level of incidents with foreigners increases from being stupid and disrespecting the local community.

Prior to last winter season kicking off the level of security that was enforced on winter tourist increased dramatically, this year could see a search of all baggage to uncover these communication devices. I am sure everyone has seen boarder security and seen the consequences when airport customs finds something they shouldn't!

To get around the communication issue in Japan, find out if you can use your mobile phone on the 3G network or rent/buy a prepaid mobile for a cheaper option from IXSM Travel (www.ixsmtravel.com/)

As a guest to Japan it should be pretty simple as respecting the local laws regarding these devices in Japan so do NOT bring them fools!