Anticipation... it won't be long before the lines start to build in the Seicomart. Photo: Powderlife
NISEKO is under a half a metre of snow thanks to the first major storm of the season, with the resorts almost certain to open within the next few days.
About 50cm has fallen at village level over the past 24 hours and weather agencies are predicting moderate to heavy snow for the remainder of the forecast period.
There is reportedly waist-deep powder up high so there is a very good chance at least the top half of the mountain will be open for some riding this weekend.
Hirafu and Niseko Village are yet to make the call but if the snow keeps up like this there could potentially be 100-150cm up high by Saturday, the official opening date if there is enough snow.
Mad keen local ski instructor Mike Richards once again made a pre-season hike to the 1000m and has no doubt almost the whole mountain is ready to open, with half a metre minimum top to bottom.
"Up the top it was mid-thigh deep," he said.
"The top section was not so good because it was too flat and it was so light I was just sinking.
"But the middle section where it gets a bit steep - the Kokutai Course - that was great, chest and face shots, there was snow flying everywhere!"
Keep an eye on what the snow is doing at our new Niseko Snow Report and Forecast page - all your Niseko weather information in one place.
To contact the reporter on this story email info@powderlife.com
Today
Lo: -6°C.
Hi: -3°C.
Hi: -3°C.
Tomorrow
Lo: -5°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Thursday
Lo: -7°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Hi: -1°C.
Powderlife Magazine
Flip thru our latest online virtual mag Powderlife Issue 11 and for past issues of Powderlife Niseko go to...
5 Jan Sunday Sessions with Christian
Sunday Sessions with Christian Live Music from 8pm Free Entry
Full details: Niseko Events
5 Jan Ladies Night at Java Bar
Ladies Night. 1/2 price drinks 9-11pm for the ladies.
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6 Jan Juicy-Fried-Cchicken Eating Comp
To see who can stomach the 6 peices the fastest chicken 1000 yen pot winner takes all The Game is one peice of chicken followed by a 375ml can of beer if you spew your out first finished wins
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6 Jan Chillout Resort Night for Staff
Chillout Resort Night 300yen Beer for resort staff 8-9pm every Tuesday
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7 Jan Midweek Madness Nomihodi.
Midweek Madness Nomihodi 9-11pm 2000yen Beer and Basic Spirits Every Wednesday.
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8-9 Jan DIRTY LAUNDRY @ The Northern Fox
Dirty Laundry - one of the biggest DJ acts in Australia comes to Niseko for one night through the form of head DJ - Dean Cherney. Tickets 1000Yen on the door Limited numbers so ghet there early not to miss out.
Full details: Niseko Events
9-10 Jan Red bar beats party
Red bar and restaurant is located middle hirafu free shutle bus stop#4.We have every friday dj party by national and international djs. Red bar and Restuarant every day open for deliciuse netive neplease food. Where you will get realy test of spice. Come and visit once you will love it. See ya at red bar and restaurant.You will enjoy with frindly staff herein.
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10 Jan The Annual Capricorn Congregation
Time has come again for the annual Capricorn Congregation. Capricorns and friends; lets unite for this annual event to celebrate our birthdays in style! Saturday the 10th of january. From open, till late.
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10 Jan 80s Night
10.1.09 80s Night. Free entry. Fancy dress gets 1 free drink on arrival. Prizes: Best Dressed Best 80s Dance moves Biggest 80s Hair style
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10 Jan Snow Tube & Tobboggan Championships
Join a team of 4 and race around the snow course.
Full details: Niseko Events
View the full Niseko Events Calendar
Ask Chika
Chika is a fifth generation Niseko resident and licensed travel agent. Got a question about Niseko?
