Yesterday in Grand Hirafu Gate number 3 opened at 9:30 and the Annupuri Peak Winter Hike was on in earnest.
Peak stampede wide shot, 17 January 2012
I hadn’t had a chance to hike up the peak this year and set off from the Ace Quad Lift #2 Center 4 with Grover and Ned at 9:25 thinking we would still be able to get some fresh lines off the peak around 40 minutes later.
In the beginning, 17 January 2012
Ace Quad Lift # 2, 17 January 2012
Once we got on the Ace Pair Lift #3 and looked up towards the peak saw the first person drop down Fujiwara – nice.
First tracks euphoria, 17 January 2012
The sheer number of people hiking blew me away.
Peak stampede, 17 January 2012
Just above gate # 3, 17 January 2012
Annupuri peak hikers, 17 January 2012
We made it to the peak in good time and had a sweet run down to Niseko Annupuri but we will have to be quicker next time to score fresh lines.
Cool mushroom on the summit marker of Mt. Annupuri, 17 January 2012
Grover putting in a toeside tickler down the back bowl, 17 January 2012
Dr Ned in guide mode, 17 January 2012
