The much anticipation snow storm that’s due to hit the Niseko area and fall down to village level in the next few days (well that’s what the weather report says) has the locals pumped and poised to get those first tracks down the mountain.
snow-forecast.com prediction on 12 November 2011 for snowfall at 9am on 15 November 2011
Today feels like the perfect time to dig into the Glen Claydon Photography stock archives and share some previously unseen images from the last three years of people getting the first turns in on Niseko’s finest.
Here are some images and a few words from Glen about the last three years pre season fun…
4 November 2008
Mike Pow was the first person to score first tracks in 2008. I joined Mike a few days later on the 4th of November and captured a few images of Mike in his element.
Mike Pow skiing near the Beginner Access course in Hirafu, 4 November 2008
Mike Pow sending up some pow, 4 November 2008
Mike Pow loving the fresh turns in Hirafu, 4 November 2008
Mike Pow getting some speed down the Kokutai course in Hiarfu, 4 November 2008
Mike Pow skiing out on the Green course Hirafu, 4 November 2008
Wow – it was so good we hiked up again the next day.
Mike Pow hiking up the Niseko Hirafu ski ground, 5 November 2008
Mike Pow skiing the Jumbo course in Hirafu, 5 November 2008
Mike Pow skiing the Kokutai course in Hirafu, 5 November 2008
Mike Pow skiing the Alpen course in Hirafu, 5 November 2008
3 November 2009
In 2009 I hiked up with another friend Jess one day earlier than in 2008 and again managed to get some good turns in.
Jess hiking up the Hirafu ski ground, 3 November 2009
Jess keeping his momentum going down the Kokutai course in Hirafu, 3 November 2009
Jess throwing out a blanket of fresh 2009 Hirafu POW, 3 November 2009
Jess snowboarding down the Alpen course in Hirafu, 3 November 2009
Jess digging deep, 3 November 2009
On our way down we met a few other locals heading up looking to get some turns in.
Random Japanese rider hiking up the Alpen course in Hirafu, 3 November 2009
27 October 2010
Last year was amazing after we had a early cold snap and I was able to hike up with Paul and Nick on 27 October.
Nick and Paul staring the hike up the Sennoki course, 27 October 2010
During the hike the weather cleared and we were surprised by the usual landscape with the autumn colours still around the area mixing with the greens all covered in a fresh layer of snow.
Nick and Paul hiking up Mt. Niseko Annupuri and looking back at Mt. Yotei, 27 October 2010
Paul getting a little rooster tail on, 27 October 2011
Nick riding down on the early snow, 27 October 2011
Paul getting a turn in, 27 October 2010
Wheelie action on the Green ski run in Hirafu, 27 October 2010
Paul and Nick start of the Alpen course, 27 October 2011
?? November 2011
There’s a small crew of riders ready to rock up the mountain then blast back down through the powder. If you want to see this years pictures and videos you can follow us on Twitter or Like our Facebook page and be amongst the first the seem them.
It’s worth pointing out that all these photos were taken before the resort officially opened and there are risks that come with riding the mountain before it’s had the official seal of approval from the powers that be.
If you do ride the mountain before it opens it’s very much at your own risk as there are numerous hazards such as rocks, streams and logs that you might not see until it’s too late!
