スキーの三日だけど三種類の天気でした。
Here's me skiing with Mount Yotei, 予定山 which is 1900 meters above sea level, in the background. Martin took this picture from the Rinkan Forest which is near the 1000 meter hut bell at Niseko Hirafu.
It was only three days of skiiing, but three very different kinds of weather. This was our fourth year in a row to go on a ski trip to Niseko in Hokkaido during the Christmas Holidays. Usually, (we thought Always) it is Powder Heaven. Tons of fluffy white snow, totally amazing... but not this time!
Day 1 Heavy Cold Rain All Day Long on a weak snow base
Day 2 Clear Blue Sky on soft slushy snow
Day 3 BLIZZARD on ICE All Day Long
We did ski each day, basically all day, Martin snowboarded, but it was very challenging on Day 1 and Day 3. With a good attitude all 'round, everyone took this as an opportunity to advance their skills under unusually gruelling conditions. I am pleased with everyone's progress. We three have learned to ski while living in Japan, so it's a relatively new sport for us, something we only get to do once or twice a year. Martin used to ski with his family as a child, but he took up snowboarding here. I am especially glad that there were no injuries this year. Powder or not, if we are still living in Japan next year, we'll come back to Niseko. Tomorrow, Sapporo, then back to Tokyo for NYE.
これは四回めのニセコにスキーの旅行です。いとも雪がすごいパウダーですが、今度じゃないよ。
一日 重くて、寒い暴風雨一日中。雪は弱かったです。
二日 空は青くて、晴れた。雪は柔らかくて、解けのだ。
三日 暴風雪！雪は雪じゃない。氷だよ。
それはチャレンジングでしたので、とてもよかったです。来年も、まだ日本にすんだったら、ニセコに行きたいです。パウダーか、パウダーじゃない。 明日札幌に行って、大みそかに東京に帰る。
これはモニカです。 This is Monica.
Planning a trip to Niseko? You might want to contact Ski Japan. They are based right there in Niseko and they can coordinate all or part of your ski trip, such as air transportation to Sapporo, and the almost 3 hour bus ride from the airport, Lodging in Niseko, Ski Rental Equipment and Lift Passes, and other stuff like info about onsens in the area. (we went to two this time). I worked with Megan via email and phone, and while in Niseko, also found Katrina and Troy to be very helpful. Another useful link is Niseko Base Ski School where we rented our equipment and had a refresher lesson for Jonah. I was really happy with the equipment quality, as well as the people who fit it and taught the lesson. There are lots of Yummy restaurants in Hirafu Village. We have our favorites, but you can enjoy finding your own.
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