Early this morning we went to inspect the snow that has fallen higher up Mt. Niseko Annupuri. We were hoping to get some great early season shots as the morning was due to be crystal clear, but that didn’t last for long.
A few days ago all the netting was removed from the upper and bottom gondola terminal buildings, the haul rope, down line and communications cable are also in place now, so we decided to take a look as nobody had started work.
Looking down the black Jumbo ski run to the new upper terminal building.
Niseko Hirafu new upper gondola terminal with a little snow.
Just as we were walking back down the Jumbo ski run (that offers a great aerial view of the upper terminal) a convoy of vehicles passed below us on the access road from Hanazono. The final truck to make it up the mountain had the first four Hirafu Niseko gondola cabins to arrive in the resort and they are even numbered one to four!
The new cabins might best be described as offering 360° panoramic views for the occupants with due to the transparent roof to floor walls, this will make them great for watching the skiers and snowboarders riding down the mountain and looking for those fresh lines.
Getting ready to unloading the new Hirafu gondola cabins.
The first four new gondola cabins arrive on the truck.
Niseko Hirafu gondola cabin #1 being unloaded.
A few other things we noted about the new cabins is; they are a little under 2m wide, they can carry four sets of skis and four snowboards on the outside, they look really spacious and a little like a prop from a Woody Allen Sci-Fi movie, we love the style and can’t wait for a ride.
Niseko Hirafu gondola cabin #1 touches down.
Niseko Hirafu gondola cabin #4 being unloaded.
Close up of the ski and snowboard holders, this will hold four sets of skis and four snowboards.
The first four Niseko Hirafu gondola cabins almost ready to be hung.
The #1 Niseko Hirafu gondola cabin with the lightly dusted Jumbo ski run behind.
Glen Claydon Photography, getting the shots.
