After another great winter in Niseko the long season has finally come to a close with all of the resorts in Niseko United closing yesterday. We headed to Mt Niseko Grand Hirafu Resort and made the most of it.
Unfortunately this year top to bottom runs were not possible due to the patchy snow coverage mid mountain. Below the Ace #2 Center 4 Lift and the Hirafu Gondola all courses were closed.
With 175cm of snow still at the peak there was still plenty of snow to go around higher up.
The groomed runs were a lot of fun with the best turns on firm corn snow being found on upper Jumbo and Rinkan. Off course the snow was variable but in sections smooth and fast and we noticed lots of “Snow Surfers” carving it up like their lives depended on it.
After a solid session it was time to download..it’s a strange feeling catching the lift down the mountain but had to be done.
After looking up on the last sliver of snow snaking its way down the Alpen course we decided it was skiable so hiked up for one last run for old times sake.
Thanks for following our snow reports over the 2013-2014 winter season. We really appreciate all the comments, feedback and support.
360niseko will continue producing content throughout our fantastic green season into the lead up to next winter when the resorts open in just over 6 months!