THE pre-season kicked off in a big way late October with a sudden cold snap.
THAT cold snap caught many locals unprepared. There was enough powder on the mountains to allow an enthusiastic crowd to get a few early runs in (see page 15).
That weather didn’t last though. Instead, Niseko residents were treated to beautiful delayed autumnal conditions, clear blue skies, sunshine and moderate temperatures. While it wasn’t the best for those wanting to play in the powder, many locals were more than happy to be blessed with a few extra weeks of beautiful pre-season weather to finalise preparations for the season.
This extended autumn wasn’t loved by all, as the lack of pre-season snowfall meant that the resort opening had to be delayed a few weeks.
Locals were not worried though, as sometimes the pre-season is unpredictable. Eventually the snow will come, and come, and everyone will have forgotten that it was a little late this year. Let’s see if we can top last year’s 10–15m!