Mizuno-no-Sawa

It’s very forward thinking for Niseko Village (Higashiyama) resort to educate and promote avalanche safety on a zone and it’s dangers, snowpack and terrain traps before allowing access to shredding it. Other resorts around the world should follow in their boot-steps. The steep and deep Mizuno-no-Sawa area is controlled and patrolled, but does not keep you out of powder covered crevasses or self sluff-slide trouble. Having some basic avalanche safety and snowpack knowledge helps in making the right decisions when shredding into gnarly terrain. Sign up for an avalanche skills training course and make a habit to check the Niseko avalanche forecast before venturing out. Enroll in the Mizuno-no-Sawa lecture and rip it! Powderlife magazine has a nice write up on the lecture schedule, costs and general information. HolidayNiseko

powder heaven

Niseko Snow Sun and Powder Fun

Mt. Yotei gets some sun after a 2 meter snow storm

The storm settled and the sun is showing us what the huge snowfall has done to our Hokkaido landscape. Mt. Yotei is looking loaded with snow as is the rest of the Niseko area. After riding days of tree lines through the storm, it’s so good to see where we are snowboarding again. The backcountry access gates in Hanazono, Hirafu, Higashiyama and Annupuri opened up and skiing and snowboarding here is all time! We are enjoying the sun because the forecast is more snow tonight and through next week. Holiday Niseko

Milk Kobo Higashiyama

One of the more popular summer tour destinations in Niseko is Milk Kobo in Higashiyama,(on the road to Niseko Hilton).

Milk Kobo

Using fresh milk from their own farm, Milk Kobo’s goal is to provide “safe and tasty produce with a smile.”

Choux creme (cream puffs)

Milk Kobo is well known in Japan for its delicious ice-cream, yoghurt drink, puddings, cakes and my personal favourite, choux creme.

Horse riding at Milk Kobo

In the main building you can buy freshly made ice-cream, choux creme and cakes. There is a small cafe and a couple of shops selling glassware and local produce. In summer there are scenic fields of flowers and it’s a great spot to photograph Mt Youtei.

Summertime Milk Kobo

For those with a sweet tooth coming to ski Niseko in winter, you will be happy to know that Milk Kobo is open year round 10am-6pm.