MARCH is competition time in Niseko, and this season is no exception.
Most resorts around town will be holding their own comps, so make sure you make it out to see the best Japanese and international skiers and boarders battle it out.
Kicking off proceedings is Niseko Village’s Wonder Weekend on March 7 and 8. The Chokkari Cup on March 7 starts at 8am, a ski and snowboard time trial for men and women.
At 5pm there will be a free snow cart race, followed by the after party at Ezo at 6pm.
The Wonder Weekend continues March 8 with an eight-hour ski and board endurance race from 8.30am-4.30pm.
Hirafu’s Namara Ippatsu Big Air competition is on March 9 at 8.15am, a popular event in Niseko that sees skier and boarders give everything they’ve got for one hot lap of the terrain park.
On March 14, Hanazono will hold its popular yearly competition, Hano Slopestyle #4 at Stomping Ground terrain park. Entrants from Japan and around the world in male, female and junior skiing and snowboarding divisions will compete for a shot at the ¥200,000 prize pool.
The next day, on March 15, Grand Hirafu will host the 11th Kutchan-cho Junior Grand Slalom ski and board time trial under Ace Pair Lift #3.
Also on March 15 is Annupuri’s 10th Minami Ski and Snowboard Battle. Almost 200 male and female skiers and boarders over 16 years old will battle it with high skills and at break-neck speeds. Grand Hirafu will also host the 27th Hokkaido Junior Ski Technique Competition on March 26 from 9am.
Rounding out the month is the Hirafu Old Boys Giant Slalom on March 29, where the over 50s are out to prove they’ve still got it.
For full details of competitions check www.powderlife.com/niseko/events.