NISEKO’S Hanazono resort officially opened today, with plenty of keen skiers and snowboarders up for first lifts the morning, gagging to hit powder that’s been accumulating since the flakes started falling.
It was only Hanazono Lift #3 running, but it was a welcome change and much anticipated variety from just riding underneath Hirafu’s Ace #3.
There was plenty of fresh pow on the Hanazono groomers early, then it was off into the trees and amongst the sasa grass for plenty more tasty little stashes.
Meanwhile, Niseko’s Hirafu also opened more of its lifts this morning, with the Gondola, King Triple Hooded and Swinging Monkey allowing skiers and riders access to plenty more terrain.
It’s still not possible to ski out because of little snow coverage down low on the mountain, so a download is a must, but pow pow seems to be on its way that should cover up a lot more of the mountain.
With a pretty angry storm front forecast to come through this afternoon, it appears that winter in Niseko is finally kicking into gear! Keep track of it on our Niseko snow report page.