Niseko.com Dec 2010 Issue

NISEKO’S ONLY ALL SEASON LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE - ISSUE 10

NISEKO’S POWDER BEHIND THE SCENES 粉雪物語

TAKE FREE DECEMBER 2010

NISEKO TRAVEL

GUIDE

2010/11

RESTAURANTS ONSENS

SNOW GEAR

WINTER I SUMMER I NEWS I PHOTOS I REAL ESTATE I ENTERTAINMENT

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Niseko Property AD

Niseko Property AD

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Contents DEC 2010 ISSUE 10

[ Special Features ] 12-14 Main Feature : Powder and People

今期專題：粉雪物語

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Niseko Restaurant Guide

二世古餐廳推介

Hokkaido Kitchen

北海道廚房

Niseko Kids

粉雪下的小孩

My Niseko Story

Staff & Contributors [ Editor ] Anthony Trovatello Benjamin Tredinnick Humisato Iwamoto Helen Fung

[ Advertising ] Tadashi Takehara

[ Graphic Designer ] Kentaro Hoshi

[ Contributing Photographers ] Paul Lorenz Anthony Trovatello

[ Photographer ] Randy Wieman

[ Contributing Writers ] Naomi Pascoe Marek Malter Junko Watanabe Yuichi Kamimura

[ Graphic Designer in AUS ] Katrina Evans

我和我的二世古

Living the Snow Life

粉雪生活

Voice of the People

我有話要說

38 Japan’s Best Kept Secrets 42-43 Summer in Niseko

47

二世古の夏

Niseko Moments Photo Contest

二世古時刻 ( 攝影比賽 )

[Regulars ] 07 Hirafu Happenings

最新消息

08-09 About Niseko

有關二世古

10-11 Japan Basics

16

日本 – 基本資料

Souvenir Tips

手信小貼士

18-19 Kutchan Information

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23

俱知安簡介

Mountain Guiding

滑雪小貼士

Japanese Food & Restaurants

食在日本

32-33 SkiJapan.com – The Japan Snow Specialist

SkiJapan.com 介紹 ( 產品和服務 )

34-37 SkiJapan.com Tours

39

SkiJapan.com 活動 / 觀光圑

Niseko Onsen Guide

二世古溫泉介紹

48-50 Niseko Base Snowsports (NBS)

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NBS 一站式雪具租借服務 / 滑雪學校

Getting Your Gear

購買雪具的選擇須知

Meet the Team of SkiJapan.com

SkiJapan.com 員工介紹

53 Hotshots [ Maps & Timetables ] 54-55 Bus & Train Timetables

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57

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公共巴士和火車時間表

Niseko United Mountain Map

Niseko United 全山地圖

Hirafu Village Map

滑雪度假村地圖

Seasonal Events Calendar

活動一覽表

Distribution 5,000 Advertising enquiries: ads@niseko.com

Message from The Editor Thank you for reading Niseko.com December issue 2010. This is the first issue of the new season, and we are honoured to present you new columns, articles and even a new language (!) to mark the turning page of a new era, both to Niseko.com and to Niseko itself.

I hope by the time you pick up this magazine, you are also experiencing one of the best things in Niseko, i.e. the powder snow. In this month’s Main Feature, we talk about snow and its importance to the Niseko life. New columns that follow include Hokkaido Kitchen, My Niseko Story, Souvenir Tips, Voice of the People etc., which are added to provide some new aspects of living the Niseko life, and futhermore, new reasons for readers to love Niseko. Niseko Moments photo contest is a new tryout, and by this we wish to create new platform for readers to share the many beauties of Niseko they have captured.

By the time this message was written, I had already experienced the first snow of this season.

The first snowfall was joyful. I was amazed by snowflakes’ delicate, yet strong hexagonal form.

Moreover, when I think of the long, difficult path a snowflake has to travel from way up high, all the way down to my gloves and still retain its beauty, I begin to realize how fortunate it is for me to witness this miraculous act of nature and how great things in life are often underappreciated. The editing of this magazine and falling snowflakes share the same kind of destiny---- every bits and pieces are results of hard work and contributions of people. I would like to thank every one of you who assisted our team to make this magazine happen, especially to my co-workers who provide endless support and trust throughout. Last but not least, I wish you readers a delightful winter season and most of all, a happy new year to come!

Helen Fung

編者的話

馮曉茵

感謝您閱讀本雜誌。為迎接今年冬季的來臨， 我們在這一期 Niseko.com 作了不少新嘗試，包 括加入全新專欄和部份文章之中文翻譯，務求令更 多讀者了解二世古的人和事。 二世古的粉雪舉世知名，除了因而帶來蓬勃的 旅遊業之外，對於每個居住在二世古的人來說，雪 對他們的生活息息相關。今期專題「粉雪物語」道 出了雪和人這種千絲萬縷的關係。此外，今期加入 的新專欄如北海道廚房、我和我的二世古、手信小 貼士和我有話要說等，希望向讀者從不同角度展示 二世古種種可愛之處。二世古時刻相片比賽是個新

嘗試，讓曾到二世古的讀者分享他們鏡頭下的二世 古之美。 執筆之際，我已經體驗了今年冬季的第一場雪。 薄薄的六角形雪花飄下時，我不禁驚歎大自然的奇 妙。尤其當想到雪花是如何從天上一直降落至手 中的重重艱辛，我明白到能夠見証這一切是何等幸 福的事。製作本雜誌的經歷如同每瓣雪花的落下， 每一個細節都經過不少人的努力和付出集結而成。 在此特別鳴謝所有幫助我們編輯組和支持我們的 每位同事。最後，祝各讀者一個粉雪聖誕和快樂 新年！

Groups

Similar standard advisable

Meet at

Ace Quad, Family Pair or Gondola

PRICE LIST (Niseko All-Mountain pass needed) 6 hr Session Hours

► Full-day, 6-hour and 3-hour Sessions ► Experienced and Certified Guides ► Pick-Up & Drop-Off Services ► Backcountry Tactics and Technique Tuning ► Pre-booking Advisable

Hanazono, Hirafu, Niseko Village (Higashiyama), Annupuri and back country by lift access.

6hrs (8:30 - 14:30 OR 9:30 - 15:30)

2 Person

¥9,500 (ea)

5 Person

¥7,000 (ea)

3 Person

¥8,500 (ea)

6 Person

¥6,500 (ea)

4 Person

¥7,500 (ea)

7 Person

¥6,000 (ea)

3 hr Session Hours Price

In resort and short back country by lift access.

start (8:30, 9:30, 11:30, 12:30) ¥6,500 ea, Min 2 people - Max 7 people

Add HOTSHOTS photography to this session & receive these discounted rates: 2hr Hi Res Photo Shoot on CD (up tp 300 pics): ¥30,000 High Definition Edited DVD movie with Music: ¥50,000

For Information and bookings: guiding@skijapan.com. Ph: 080 3542 1091 5

Editor's Message/Mountain Tactics AD

FEELING FRESSSHHHHH at Alpen Ridge Ace Family Chair At last! The newly constructed 100% take-away Fresh Café is conveniently located between the base of the Ace Family pair lift and Alpen Ridge condominiums right out the front of NBS. Quality espressos, take-away soups and snacks, toasted wraps etc. are some of the quick grabs for busy riders on the run. Fresh will tantalize your taste buds, 7 days a week from 8AM to 6PM throughout this winter season. Get some FRESHness this year on your ski-in ski-out days!!

After an eventful and action-packed summer, we are now embarking on what will hopefully be another powder-filled winter in Niseko! Many changes happen from season to season in a growing snow town like Niseko Hirafu, so we thought we’d update you as to what's changed since you were here last!

WILD BILL’S in a BARN?

After 5 very special and fun-filled years running the popular Wild Bill’s much loved managers Brett & Takayo along with Hot Hachi Monma and the wonderful team, are saying goodbye to Bill’s. But never fearthey are not moving far, as they are the new managers and team of the Barn, by OdinSo be sure to pop in to say hi and enjoy a delicious meal or a drink. They’d love to see you!

Wild Bill’s will remain open with Dutch native turned Niseko Local Dennis Van Den Brink now the man at the helm of this famous bar. In 2010/11 Bill’s will serve up a new menu with a different style.

NBS SKI/ BOARD STORAGE CENTRE

I think we would all agree that one of the worst parts of snowsports is the carrying of your ski/board gear to and from your lodge and the lifts everyday- well the crew at NBS know this feeling and have opened up a new ski/ board storage centre in Hirafu to help you.

Conveniently situated in between Alpen Ridge, Snow Crystal and the Vale - on the way to the Ace Family Chair Lift NBS Storage will save

The much acclaimed world class Niseko Darts Competition is moving to a new home this season. That's right dart chuckers, this competition, steeped in tradition and history has a new holy grail in Hirafu - The competition is moving back to the house where it all began 5 years agothe brand new Tamashii Bar (previously Yosaku or Pow Pow for those who remember). Though the place has changed the game hasn't. The famed Humphrey Bodart (aka The Dartmaster) once again run the comp and keep order on the dartboards!

Go to www.nisekodarts.com for more info!

ASAHIKAWA RAMEN NEW LOCATION

EATING PANDA?

Well, it's been a long time coming, but Hirafu finally has a Chinese restaurant “PANDA”- located on route 343 (where Northern Fox used to be). You can dine in or take away delicious and authentic Chinese cuisine, mmmmm! If Panda is not your thing, then you can always pop next door to the new Monty’s BBQ and Pub for a steak meal, few drinks and some laughs.

NISEKO DARTS & HUMPHREY BODART

KEBAB ANYONE?

Yet to be confirmed, but word on the street has it that Hirafu will now be home to a small takeaway kebab shop! Located in a great little spot (between SkiJapan.com HQ and White Bear Lodge on 343), this little hut will serve up a range of fresh and tasty kebabs.

you time and effort during your holiday.

Hirafu’s tastiest and probably longest serving Ramen shop has moved! They have left the Berg Plaza building to make way for a new ski store. But don't worry, they haven’t gone far. To get some of the best ramen in Japan you will only have to walk a couple of minutes further to that new location in front of Pension Berg.

R.I.P. YUKI BAR

Sorry to be the one to have to tell you this, but our much loved night spot - Yuki Bar will not be operating this season.

There goes many nights of music, special events, themed parties, green Musashis and dancing till the wee hours - Of course this also means no more intense pool, darts or fußball challenges. Cheers to many unforgettable nights that for some reason can't be remembered!

Hirafu Happenings

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INTRODUCTION

Niseko is a district at the base of Mt. Yotei that includes Hirafu, Kutchan, Niseko and Rankoshi. Originally named by Hokkaido’s native Ainu people, the word Niseko means gorge or ravine.

Niseko is characterised by four distinct seasons.

Winter is the most popular season, primarily due to Niseko’s heavy annual falls of corn/ powder snow. Each season the area averages around 14 metres of snow. Niseko resort, located at the base of Mt Annupuri, consists of three interlinked ski resorts called Niseko United - Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village and Niseko Grand Hirafu including Hanazono.

Niseko Grand Hirafu is the largest all the resorts with a wide range of accommodation, restaurants, bars and snow sports services.

In spring, summer and autumn, Niseko is a natural wonderland where visitors can relax and enjoy a wide variety of activities including rafting, hiking and mountain biking.

ACTIVITIES

Winter Season Aside from skiing there are many on and offsnow activities available. These include Japanese cultural experiences such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies, snowmobiling, backcountry guiding, snowshoeing and day tours to nearby historic locations.

See the Tours Section(page 34-37) inside this magazine for more information.

Green Season (Spring,Summer & Autumn) During the warmer months Niseko’s rich forests and mountain areas make for great hiking. The Shiribetsu river is host to a wide variety of water activities including white water rafting, fishing and canoeing. Visiting the various local festivals and tasting fresh produce from local farms and fishing ports are also some of the popular activities.

DINING OUT

There is a wide Photo: The Barn, Hirafu variety of restaurants and bars in Niseko.

There’s a mixture of Japanese and Western styles with something to suit every palate.

Prices vary from location to location but on average you could expect to spend about 1,500 Yen per person on a decent meal.

For more information see our Niseko Restaurant Guide (page 22).

MONEY

Whilst the use of credit cards is spreading amongst the Japanese, cash is still the preferred method of payment at most shops and restaurants, even in Niseko.

International ATMs 7 Bank International ATM Located: Yama Shizen East, Hirafu village Accepts: Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, Diners Club, JCB and China Union Pay. Hours: 8am – 9pm (Nov 26 ~ Apr 27)

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About Niseko

Travellers Cheques Not accepted by most shops and restaurants.

Can be exchanged at the Hokuyo Bank and Post Office in Kutchan.

Photo: Post Office, Kutchan

Foreign Exchange Foreign currency can be exchanged at the NGS office near the Welcome Center and at Hokkaido Tracks’ office in Yama Shizen East.

MOUNTAIN STATISTICS

Mountain - Mt Annupuri Season - Dec ~ May Peak - 1308m Elevation - 300m Steepest Run – 37 degrees Longest Run – 5.6km No. of Runs – 61 Lifts – 27 chairlifts, 3 gondolas Terrain – 30% Beginner, 40% Intermediate, 30% Advanced

in Kutchan, near Max Value. Unfortunately you will not be able to purchase these medicines at either of the convenience stores in Hirafu village.

For assistance please consult with your accommodation provider.

SNOW SPORTS SERVICES

There are several equipment rental shops and ski schools in Niseko. Niseko Base Snowsports is located across from the Ace Family Lift and provides convenient rentals and lessons.

SAFETY (WINTER)

Accidents during winter don’t just occur on the snow. In winter the footpaths and roads are covered in ice and snow making the ground slippery. Running, especially when crossing roads, is not advisable. Shoe spikes can be purchased from Niseko Base Snowsports and other retailers in Hirafu. Please remember to remove your spikes before entering shops, restaurants and accommodations to avoid damaging floors.

Also, when out of doors during the night it is highly recommended to take a friend or at least make sure you let your group know where you’re going. Always stick to the main roads. Snow drifts can be quite deep in certain areas and if you were to slip into one you may be unable to get out without assistance.

Photo: Kosei Hospital Kutchan

Photo: Tsuruha Drugstore

MEDICAL SERVICES

There are no medical centres or drug stores located in Hirafu village.

The nearest hospital is the Kosei Hospital in Kutchan. During winter English translation services are available. In an emergency you can call 0136-22-1141.

Basic medicines for headaches and muscle pain can be purchased at the Tsuruha Drug Store

MOBILE PHONES If you have a 3G mobile phone that is enabled for International Roaming then you should be able to use it here in Japan. Just go into your network settings and select from NTT Docomo, KDDI AU or Softbank.

Some phones may automatically select a network.

It is also possible to rent mobile phones from the Softbank shop at New Chitose Airport.

二世古 ( 又稱新雪谷 ) 關於二世古 二世古位於羊蹄山下，由比羅夫、俱知安、二世古 和蘭越所組成。二世古 (Niseko) 這名字來自北海 道原居民愛奴族的語言──愛奴語，意指峽谷或深 谷。四季分明是二世古的特色之一，當中二世古冬 天的粉雪（呈粉狀的綿雪） 最為人所熟悉。平均每年 冬天降落在二世古的雪足 山名：安努普利山 足有十四米之厚。二世古 月份：十二月至五月 有三大主要滑雪場，分別 高度：1,308 米 為安努普利國際滑雪場、 東山滑雪場及格蘭比羅夫 海拔：300 米 滑雪場 ( 包括 Hanazono 最斜滑雪道 : 37 度 最長滑雪道 : 5.6 公里 在內 )。格蘭比羅夫滑雪 場是二世古區域內最大的 滑雪道數目：61 條 滑雪吊椅 : 27 個 滑雪度假村，內有各式各 樣的餐廳、酒吧和雪上活 滑雪纜車：３個 初級 30% 動中心。 中級 40% 二世古的春、夏、秋季 景色怡人，是激流、行山、 高級 30%

基本資料

越野單車等野外活動天 堂。

活動介紹

冬季

除各種雪上活動外，文化體驗和市內觀光遊同樣 精彩。熱門雪上活動包括雪地車體驗、野山滑雪、 雪鞋健行等。非雪上活動有書法班、茶道班和歷史 觀光圑等。（詳情請參閱本雜誌 34-37 頁）

春季至秋季

二世古位於群山和森林之中，春 季至秋季期間是訪客登山的好機 會。遊人可在尻別川進行激流、釣 魚和獨木舟等水上活動。此外，參 加本地不同時令的祭典和到當地 農市場嘗嘗新鮮農產品，亦是不 錯的選擇。

餐飲選擇 二世古內有各式各樣的日／西式餐廳及酒吧任君 選擇，晚餐平均消費為一人 1,500 日元。

金錢 一般消費以現金為主，少數的餐廳和店舖接受信 用卡付款。

自動提款機

7 銀行國際自動提款機 位於比羅夫 Yama Shizen East, 可以使用 VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, Diner, JCB 和銀聯信用卡。 服務時間：8:00AM – 9:00PM (11 月 26 日至 4 月 27 日 )

外幣找換

可於 Welcome Centre 附近的 NGS 或 Hokkaido Tracks 的 Yama Shizen East 找換。

醫療設施 位於俱知安的厚生醫院是最貼近比羅夫地區的醫 院。冬季期間加設英文翻譯服務。如有查詢，請致 電 0136-22-1141。 一般成藥可於俱知安的 Tsuruha 藥房購買。便利 店不設藥物專櫃。

雪上運動服務 二世古內設有雪具租賣和滑雪學校。NBS (Niseko Base Snowsports) 位於 Ace Family Lift，敬請查 詢。

安全事項 濕滑的雪地地面是導致不少意外發生的主要原因 之一，所以切勿於濕滑地面上奔跑。防滑鞋墊可於 Niseko Base Snowsports (NBS) 雪具專門店或其 他雪具零售店購買。進入餐廳、商店或住宅時，切 記要先脫下防滑鞋墊，以免刮花地面。如在晚上外出， 最好有人作伴或先通知友人，應選擇在較光亮的大 街上行走。提防屋簷上的厚積雪，它們墮下時可能 造成意外。

手提電話 如有３Ｇ手提電話的話，可以在日本使用國際漫 遊服務。 About Niseko

9

INTRODUCTION

Japan is an amazing country with a rich ancient tradition combined with one of the most technologically advanced societies in the world. It is almost certainly unlike any Western country you may have come from which can be a great source of confusion for the first-time traveller to Japan. But don’t worry, Japanese people are polite and will be quite willing to help you out as best they can if you speak to them politely and slowly.

LANGUAGE

Whilst most Japanese learn some English at school and can quite often read basic English words and signs, most are unable to speak beyond a few words. However, due to the popularity of Niseko with foreign visitors you’ll find that most shops and restaurants will have someone who can speak some English if you run into trouble.

Signs and instructions are quite often found in both English and Japanese in accommodations. Restaurants will also quite often have an English menu.

For a list of basic phrases to help you get around please refer to the next page.

LAWS

Please respect the local laws.

The legal age for drinking and smoking in Japan is 20 years old.

Japanese law has a zero tolerance for possession and sales of illegal drugs.

Unlike Australia and other countries, it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol.

The effective blood alcohol limit is 0.

Use of foreign-made UHF CB radios is prohibited as they can interfere with emergency transmissions and digital TV signals.

RUBBISH

Due to its lack of space for land-fills, Japan was one of the first countries in the world to adopt a program for sorting and recycling rubbish. Most accommodations in Niseko will have several bins available to guests, each labeled with the type of garbage to insert.

Please assist your hosts by sorting your garbage correctly.

You may have noticed that there are no bins on the streets in Niseko and Kutchan. This is common throughout Japan. Please carry any rubbish with you and dispose of it at your accommodation or in the bins you may find in front of convenience stores, the Welcome Center or in the rest stations on the mountain.

In SkiJapan.com managed properties garbage is separated into 4 bins. The categories are as follows:

GENERAL: Waste paper, clothing, cardboard, packaging, disposable diapers, small pieces of wood etc.

GLASS BOTTLES: Glass only. Please ensure that all items are rinsed.

PET BOTTLES & CANS: PET Plastic bottles and cans.

Please ensure that all items are rinsed.

FOOD WASTE: Vegetable scraps, meats and small bones. No tea bags please.

10

Japan Basics

POWER

Japanese electrical goods run at 110V. Plugs in Japan consist of two prongs with no earth.

If you come from a country that uses 240V your appliances will not work in Japan unless they contain a switching power supply, usually indicated on the label by the text “110V ~ 240V”.

If you forgot to bring an adapter you can purchase a handy universal adapter from SkiJapan.com’ s main office.

MONEY

You may be surprised to find that Japan is still primarily a cash society. Whilst the use of credit cards is spreading you will find that, outside of large stores, convenience stores etc., your credit card is not accepted. It is recommended that you carry cash with you at all times.

Travellers cheques are also not widely accepted in stores though they can be exchanged at most banks. Foreign Exchange offices are mostly located in airports and large city centres.

The other surprise is that ATMs are not open 24 hours as they are in other countries. Banks usually operate between 10AM ~ 3PM. ATMs are usually open from 9AM ~ 5PM. This can vary depending on the company providing the service. You’ll also find that opening hours vary on Japanese Public Holidays. Please check our Niseko and Kutchan guides for detailed opening hours.

日本－基本資料 Good morning

Ohayo gozaimasu

早上好。

Hello (said after about 12pm)

Kon-nichi wa

你好。( 用於中午十二時之後 )

Good evening

Kon-ban wa

晚上好。

Good night

Oyasumi nasai

晚安。

See you later

Mata ne

再見。

What’s your name?

Onamae wa nan desu ka?

你叫什麼名字？

My name is......

Watashi wa…… desu

我叫……

Nice to meet you

Dozo yoroshiku

請多多指教。

How are you?

O-genki desu ka?

你好嗎？

I’m fine

Genki desu

我很好。

Thank you

Arigato

謝謝。

由於日本缺乏可供填海的地方，日本是世界上第 一個把垃圾分類的國家。絶大部份的二世古住宿提 供不同垃圾筒，方便住客把垃圾分類，並在各垃圾 筒旁貼上可扔的垃圾種類。請訪客遵守本國規則處 理垃圾。

No thanks

Kekkou desu

不用了，謝謝。

Please

Onegai shimasu/ Kudasai

請 / 麻煩你。

Please (when offering)

Dozo

請（慢用等） 。

在街上，不常設有垃圾箱，請於住宅、便利店或 Welcome Centre 等有垃圾箱供應的地方扔掉垃 圾。

Excuse me

Sumi-masen

不好意思。

前言 日本是個很有趣的國家，她保留了傳統文化，亦 擁有不少世界首屈一指的先進科技。對首次到日本 的人而言，語言不通和文化差異可能構成障礙，不 過大部份日本國民對待旅客態度友善，只要耐心並 清楚地表達需求，他們大都樂於協助。

語言 整體而言，雖然絶大部份日本中學教授英語，日 本人的英語水平至今仍不太高。但在二世古，由於 外國旅客眾多，在餐廳或商店隨時可以找到能操英 語的職員，不少餐廳提供英語餐牌，市內的路標和 指示牌亦有英日兩種語言。 請參閱本頁之簡單日語詞彙表。

法例 到日本的訪客，必須遵守日本法例。二十歲以下 之人士不得飲酒或吸煙。買賣毒品或藏毒均屬違法。 不論酒精含量多少，酒後駕駛亦屬違法。在日本不 得使用 UHF CB 對講機，以免對天線造成干擾。

垃圾處理

I’m sorry

Gomen nasai

對不起。

SkiJapan.com 管理之公寓式住宅的垃圾分類如 下：

It’s okay

Dai-joubu desu

沒關係。

一般垃圾：紙屑、衣服、紙製容器、發泡苯乙烯食

Are you okay?

Dai-joubu desu ka?

沒事吧？

玻璃樽類：請先清洗乾淨

Really?

Hontou desu ka?

真的嗎？

飲料膠瓶／罐：請先清洗乾淨

What is it?

Nan desu ka?

這是什麼？

Where is it?

Doko desu ka?

在哪兒／裡？

Why?

Naze desu ka?

為什麼？

日本的電器電壓為１１０Ｖ。電插頭為兩腳扁頭形。 若所持的電器註明「１１０～２４０Ｖ」則為合用，一 般外國的２４０Ｖ電器均不能在日本使用。如需要適 配器（adapter）可於 SkiJapan.com 總部購買。

Do you have……?

……. arimasu ka?

有…… 嗎？

Don’t have……

Arimasen

沒有……

I understand

Wakarimashita

我明白。

旅遊消費備忘

I don’t understand

Wakarimasen

我不明白。

在日本消費，除大型百貨公司和便利店外，一般 都以現金交易為主。所以在日本旅遊時要帶備足夠 現金。

Do you understand English?

Ei-go wakarimasu ka?

你懂英語嗎？

What does that mean?

Doo iu imi desu ka?

這是什麼意思？

Welcome!

Irasshaimase

歡迎光臨。

One red wine please

Aka wain hitotsu onegaishimasu

（我想要）一支紅酒。

Two beers please

Biiru futatsu onegaishimasu

（我想要）兩瓶啤酒。

Let’s eat

Itadakimasu

我不客氣了。

Thanks for the good meal

Gochisoo-sama-deshita

謝謝您讓我享用這頓飯。

Where’s the toilet?

Toire wa doko desu ka?

洗手間在哪裏？

Cheers!

Kampai!

乾杯！

It’s great snow!

Sugoi yuki desu

下了很多雪呢！

品容器／包裝盒、木屑等

食物垃圾類：廚房的殘羹剩飯（茶包除外） 垃圾之分類可能有變。如有疑問，請向 SkiJapan.com 職員查詢。

電壓

大部份商店不接受旅遊支票。如有需要，請到銀 行或機場的找換店使用旅遊支票。 銀行辦公時間為星期一至五早上十時至下午三時， 而ＡＴＭ的開放時間為早上九時至下午五時（各銀 行ＡＴＭ之開放時間可能不同），不設２４小時服務。 各ＡＴＭ在公眾假期之開放時間亦可能有異。請參 閱第九頁的二世古的ＡＴＭ開放時間。

Japan Basics

11

Open up Google image search and type in the word “Niseko”. What pops up initially are images of mountain trail maps, skiers smashing their way through powder snow and of course, the famous Mount Yotei. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit Niseko just to get a taste of its dainty snowflakes. Whilst many ski resorts abroad face the problem of not receiving enough snow to be able to operate fully, investing millions of dollars in snow-making technology, it is definitely not an issue here in Niseko. In Japan there are 600 or so ski resorts, so what is it that sets Niseko apart from the rest?

SO...

WHAT IS SNOW?

Contrary to popular belief , snow is not just frozen water. It is actually a form of precipitation made up of ice crystals. Just like the patterns visible in a kaleidoscope, ice crystals are hexagonal prisms which present the infinite variations of the water’s molecular structure, H-O-H. Snowflakes are conglomerations, or a collection of ice crystals which are loosely bound together, forming an endless variety of shapes and sizes. It is widely acknowledged that it is almost impossible to find two identical snowflakes, due on the fact that a snowflake’s growth rate and its final shape are determined by temperature and humidity at which it is formed, and the following environmental conditions encountered during precipitation. In other words, snowflakes form differently according to different weather and surroundings and keep on growing as it falls

towards us, waiting eagerly below.

While snowflakes grow in the form of planar crystals (thin and flat) between 0 °C and -3°C, as the temperature drops to a range of -3°C and -8°C, snowflakes become needle-like or hollow columnshaped prisms. The classic multi-branching treelike form of snowflake, the dendrite, which is widely used to symbolise traditional seasonal motifs around the Christmas period, form in air between -8°C and -22°C. Professor Ukichiro Nakaya (1900 – 1962), a Japanese physicist who dedicated the majority of his distinguished scientific career to low-temperature research (some of which was conducted on the very mountain you and I will have skied on: Mt. Annupuri), credited with making the first artificial snowflakes under controlled conditions, also a former resident and academic in Hokkaido, once said, “Snow crystals may be called letters sent from heaven.” Heavenly indeed.

WHAT MAKES

POWDER

SNOW? The geographical location of Niseko makes it a very fertile place for these microscopic snow babies.

Situated in the most northerly region of Japan, Niseko powder is actually conceived in Siberia

as dry, super-cold air, rushing along and over the comparatively mild Sea of Japan where it warms ever so slightly picking up tiny moisture droplets, before delivering massive quantities of snow as it collides with the mountain ranges running along the western Hokkaido coastline. This light, champagne powder snow keeps piling up and up, creating for example a maximum of 1800cm of total accumulative snowfall in Niseko last winter. The sheer quality and reliable volume of powder snowfall is one of the main reasons why knowledgeable holiday skiers and weathered seasonnaires return again and again.

Ask any skier about their experience on skiing on various types of snow, and you will be amazed by the different preparations needed in terms of ski apparel, gear, even skiing style and movements. On a deep powder snow day, wider and longer skis are often preferred to help prevent the skier from sinking into the powder and taking a soft but unfortunate tumble. Instead of sunglasses, skiers and riders wear goggles to avoid powder slashing to their eyes. Buttoning up the powder skirts on jackets is also compulsory to stop powder snow from entering whilst skiing. When skiing in powder, a skier’s movements become more subtle and graceful with less emphasis on skidding and more on making a smooth round turn. Unlike piste skiing, skiers need to keep their momentum to break through the powder. This, to many ski and snowboard lovers, represents the perfect “riding” conditions, thanks to its fluffiness that gives the riders a floating sensation as if they are in a weightless environment, and its cushioning effect when it comes to landing jumps and riding pillows.

粉雪物語 「二世古」三個字令人聯想到什麼？若從網上圖片搜尋頁打入 「二世古」三個字的話，你會找到大量的滑雪路線圖、在粉雪之 中的滑雪者相片，最後當然少不了的是貌似日本富士山的羊蹄 山美景。對很多人來說，二世古是一個「滑雪天堂」 。每年都有 成千上萬的遊客從四方八面而來，為的是希望感受二世古的粉 雪之樂。究竟二世古的魅力何在？ 很多人以為雪是結了冰的雨，其實兩者差別很大。雪是由大氣 中的水蒸氣或水滴直接凝固而成，而我們常見的六角形雪花是 由無數微小冰晶互撞黏在一起後而成的團塊。它們都是經歷了 和其他雪花相撞，或是相互擠在一起破壞的種種不同的方式生 成。因為雪花的形成主要因應當時的溫度和濕度的改變而變化， 所以沒有兩個雪花是完全相同的。雪花晶片在攝氏零度至零下 三度時會呈六邊薄塊狀，而當在零下三度至零下八度時會呈六 邊針形狀。至於那些在聖誕裝飾物常見的六邊塊形或樹狀形狀 的雪花，則是在零下八度至零下二十二度時形成的。 「雪是天上寄來的信。 」這句名言出自日本著名物理學家中谷宇 吉郎博士（1900 – 1962） 。為了進行對雪花的研究，中谷博士曾 於北海道不同的寒冷地區（Mt. Annupuri 是其中之一）進行研

by Helen Fung & Harry Ingles 12

Behind The Scene Of Niseko's Powder Snow

HOW DOES

SO MUCH

SNOW AFFECT AGRICULTURE?

While Niseko’s winter is populated with powderhungry tourists, during summertime, Niseko turns from a winter wonderland to a farmers’ paradise.

Local farm products in the Niseko/Kutchan area are famous for their high quality and sweetness, thanks to the fact that the extreme temperature range between day and night make crops taste better.

Out of all the crops produced in Niseko/Kutchan, potatoes (or jaga-imo in Japanese) win the hearts of many, so much so that the Kutchan town mascot is a giant potato kid on skis. Other major crops farmed include rice, onions, tomatoes, pumpkins, asparagus and sweet corn.

Snow is, somewhat illogically to many of us non-farmers, favourable to agriculture. Not only does it provide moisture to the soil of the farmlands, falling snow also traps, and washes away dust and particulates floating in the air. Another beneficial side-effect of snowfall on Hokkaido’s farmlands is that this layer of snow on top of the soil acts as a thermal insulator which protects certain crops such as carrots from dying in otherwise unsurvivable conditions. The resulting harvest is

究，他是世上第一個製造人工雪，為後世作出不少貢 獻的「雪博士」，二世古的地理環境正好說明了這地方 粉雪數量之多的重要原因。二世古位於日本北部，當 西伯利亞的的低温氣流吹向日本海，沿海的水汽遇冷 而形成雪，並降落在二世古羣山之上。這些乾爽粉末 狀的雪慢慢堆積起來，給予這地方龐大的降雪量（二 世古於 2009 年總降雪量為 1800 厘米）。優質的粉雪 和降雪量正是滑雪好手和季節員工每年回到二世古的 重要原因。

PEOPLE’S

especially sweet, and rich in flavour and texture, much treasured by the inhabitants of Hokkaido and beyond. Soil in cold climates without the aid of snow may result in land infertility.

Niseko-born farmer Yukihiko Miyake, who has spent over 30 years farming locally, shared similar views. “Soil needs resting periods, and the annual snowfall in Niseko makes it perfect timing for soil to regain its nutritional balance before next spring comes”, he commented. In addition, the melted snow from Mount Yotei is naturally filtered to become spring water, which is one of the essential ingredients for making high-quality processed food such as tofu.

DAILY

LIVES For those who have never lived in snow, it’s nearly impossible to imagine what it is like to live in places with a massive volume of snow like Niseko. While tourists may find yukimi, or snowfall watching, a romantic thing to do, the Niseko locals often grumble when it comes to yuki-oroshi, shovelling snow off rooftops, or josetsu, meaning “snowremoval”. It is an arduous task.

Agriculture ranks top out of all industries, with the largest working population employed in Niseko.

According to statistics published in 2005, 22% of the labour force in Niseko worked in the agricultural industry, compared to an average of 6% throughout the rest of Hokkaido.

Niseko’s infrastructure would come to a grinding halt were it not for the tireless council and private josetsu-ki snow-removal tyre-shovel drivers who are required to work long shifts depending on the day’s snowfall, operate large heavy machinery, quite often in confined spaces with pedestrians milling about, all to keep the traffic flowing, and for residents and guests alike to be able simply to walk around the ski resort. Throughout the winter, the snow that is cleared from the main highways are loaded onto dump truck convoys, and driven to a contracted field for disposal.

During the winter season, Niseko’s farmers may choose to take a welldeserved rest before spring returns once again.

To some other Niseko farmers however, the sheer volume of annual snowfall in this area means that becoming a snow-clearing part-timer or working in the ski resort is an opportunity to supplement their summer incomes.

Out in the garden, yukitsuri, or tree binding, is a must to prevent the accumulation of snow from damaging and even snapping the branches of trees under its sheer weight.

Snowplough and dump truck rumbles lay down the gentle bass acoustics through the midnight hours, and on into the morning, not to mention the interesting scenes of the locals and workers climbing up snowy rooftops of the houses and condominiums

到了夏季，二世古由原先白茫茫的粉雪天堂，搖身 一變成為一座座綠油油的農莊。由於二世古／俱知安 地區的日夜温差較大，農作物的質量較好，味道較甜。 要數俱知安最有名的農作物，一定要數馬鈴薯。俱知 安市亦因此以一個穿上滑雪板的馬鈴薯小子 （Jagatakun）作為當地的吉祥象徵物。其他主要的農作物包括 米、洋蔥、蕃茄、南瓜、蘆筍和甜粟米。

民會趁機休息一下，又或是選擇做清理積雪或滑雪場 有關的兼職工作，作為補貼冬季入息的方法之一。

對從未在下雪地方生活的人來說，很難想像生活在 二世古的人如何在冬季對付每日重重的積雪。雖然遊 客們也許覺得下雪時很有詩意，但對不少本地人來說， 下雪代表艱巨的清理積雪工作正式開始。在二世古， 清理積雪是整個地區運作非常重要的一環。大雪期間， 很多人不知道，降雪原來對農業帶來正面的影響。雪 清雪車輛不停來回各主要街道和滑雪場通道，以確保 除了能濕潤泥土，雪的降下能夠清洗空氣之中的微塵 路面可供行走。剷走了的積雪會收載入重型貨車，運 如果詢問一位滑雪好手有關在不同雪質上滑雪的心 和污染物。此外，由於輕盈的雪片和雪片之間有很多 至適合空地處置。從入夜到天亮，這些清雪車和重型 得，你會發現原來箇中大有學問。在不同的雪質上滑 空隙，這層鋪在泥土上的雪衣成了絶緣體，防止熱量 貨車所發出的聲音成了當地的晩間樂章。種種有趣的 雪時所需的滑雪衣物、雪具，以至滑行方式和動作都 向外四散，令農作物如胡蘿蔔等不致凍傷。好些北海 情況：如居民爬上屋頂清理厚厚的積雪，或是車主們 不盡相同。在粉雪厚積的情況下，滑雪者一般需要較 道地方由於氣温太高下不了雪，反而導致農作物失收。 吃力地為愛車除雪，又或那些貌似聖誕樹形狀的「雪 （以防厚雪折斷樹幹而沿樹外圍搭起木造支架） ， 闊較長的滑雪板，以免太快沉入了鬆軟的粉雪中。在 出生 於二世古、有三十年以上 耕種 經 驗的農場主人 吊り」 在踏入冬季前， 粉雪紛飛的日子滑雪，一定要戴上雪鏡和扣好滑雪外 Miyake Yukihiko 表示：農地的土壤一般需要休耕期。 都是二世古的冬季特景。不得不提的是， 套的鈕扣，以免粉雪進入眼睛和皮膚。在粉雪上滑行時， 而二世古每年冬季降雪，正好給予農田休息機會，讓 車主必須為車輛換上較大較厚的車呔，以便車輛在雪 土壤重獲養分，留待下個春季來臨。我們常聽到的羊 地上行駛。 動作要較快，拐彎要較大和順暢。 蹄山湧泉水豆腐，其用水正來自於羊蹄山上的雪，經 對不少滑雪和滑雪板愛好者而言，在粉雪上滑行是 溶解後流入河流至成的清澈泉水。 最理想的滑雪體驗，因為滑行在輕軟的粉雪上猶如置 農業佔了二世古最大的就業人口。根據統計，整個 身於無重狀態，躍起時如感覺在空中飛翔，即使於著 北海道的總農業就業人口為６％，而在二世古，農業 陸時跌倒在軟綿綿的粉雪中，也不會有痛楚。 就業人口高達２２％。在冬季休耕期間，不少二世古農

Behind The Scene Of Niseko's Powder Snow

13

to push off all the accumulated snow. Car owners busy themselves with wimpy ice scrapers for cleaning snow off their car, and by the way, summer tyres need to be changed to the winter variant long before the snow arrives.

Slower driving speeds are a given when driving on slippery, icy ground, and drivers must be prepared for surprises like kids popping out on the side of the road all of a sudden while they enjoy playing in the snow.

Certain holiday and resident folk will quite happily and thoughtlessly risk their lives and ruin a driver’s by skiing down Niseko’s streets and pavements, sometimes with their children in tow. Besides losing their lift passes, it could be lethal. Whiteouts, vehicles out of control, sideways snow, black ice and dense fog are just some of the other seasonal hazards awaiting winter drivers.

Walking on snow can also be troublesome, especially during heavy snow days when depths can become knee-deep. We should be overjoyed, but it does get pretty tiring. More seriously, the lack of sunlight may cause Winter Blues to some.

在雪地上駕駛，一定要留意安全。由於積雪導 致地面較為濕滑，車速必須減慢。要留意路旁可 能有正在玩雪的小孩，也有好些不守滑雪規則而 在路邊企圖滑雪的遊客（註：千萬不要嘗試在非 滑雪場地的路上滑雪，除了會被沒收登山証外， 亦會構成生命危險）。另外要留意因為白化（因 大雪而引起的臨時失明）、車輛失控、暴風雪、 地面的薄冰塊和濃霧等這些容易引致交通意外 的潛在危險。厚雪的日子雖然是滑雪的好機會， 但亦令行人舉步為艱。由於冬季日照時間較短， 日短夜長亦可能是導致冬季抑鬱症的原因之一。 雖然下雪帶來種種不便，下雪的日子總令不少 人期待和雀躍。在二世古的冬天，除了滑雪和滑 雪板，亦可選擇雪車摩托車、雪鞋行走、野山滑雪、 雪上泛舟和雪地騎馬等活動。二世古的優質粉雪 加上連綿山巒形成了一個適合不同滑雪程度、不 同年齡人士的冰雪樂園。因此，旅遊業成為二世 古第二最主要的工業。旅遊業令這地方對住宿、 餐廳、酒吧等需求增加，同時亦吸引了外國人到 來移居，這是近幾年的二世古房地產熱潮的其中 一個主要原因。在過去十年，在二世古的登記的 外國居民上升超過十倍。興旺的旅遊業帶動了 服務業新職位的增加。從１９８５年起，服務業 佔二世古的勞動人口最多比率，而自１９９５年起， 超過６０％的總勞動人口從事服務業工作。 雪對日本文化影響深遠，是不少文學、藝術、 音樂以至表演藝術的靈感泉源。從二世古最具 代表性的羊蹄太鼓的曲目亦能發現雪對人文精 神的烙印。羊蹄太鼓始創人高田緑郎氏生前居 住在俱知安地區。羊蹄太鼓是一種以日本傳統 太鼓音樂表現出在羊蹄山下生活的人民精神。其 中一首最廣為人知的曲目「連名太鼓」，以不同 節奏的鼓聲表達二世古四季之變化，到最後一段 以快速強勁的節奏，作為比喻滑雪者在雪山滑下 的優美姿態作結。 每年到了冬季來臨，總會有不少人關心「初冠雪」 的來臨（對二世古來說，初冠雪是在冬季時在羊 蹄山山頂看到的第一場雪）。它不僅象徵冬季的 正式來臨，對不少人來說，更是一個可靠的天氣 預告指標，憑藉它可以預測當年的降雪量。雪帶 來寒冷的天氣，同時也帶來快樂。被問及對雪的 感受時，經歷數十載寒暑的 Miyake 先生說： 「我 對雪是喜愛的。它提示我生命的無常和循環不息。 在風雪的日子，我會想到能夠體驗四季分明的 氣候是何等幸福！雪教曉我珍惜四季的每分每秒 ……」

TOURISM Despite certain drawbacks, the Number of new registered foreigners in Niseko Town excitement and joy snow bring are immense. Besides skiing and snowboarding, on-snow activities like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, heading backcountry, snow rafting and horse riding are just some of 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 the many adventures waiting to be Statistics from NISEKO Town experienced here in Niseko. The perfect combination of Niseko powder and mountain range makes it a fun snow world for people of all ages and abilities. As a result, tourism is currently the second most important industry for Niseko. The increasing demand for accommodation, restaurants and bars, creates a pull factor for foreigners to migrate to Niseko, and this in turn, pushes up the demand for housing in the area. Over the past ten years, the number of registered foreigners in Niseko has increased over ten-fold.The prosperity of Niseko tourism plays a major part in creating new jobs for the service sector. After 1985, the service sector in Niseko began to dominate and since 1995, over 60% of total employment has fallen into this category.

Tertiary Sector

Niseko’s Industry Sectors

Secondary Sector Primary Sector

1960

1965

1970

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ON

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

Statistics from NISEKO Town

CULTURE Snow plays an important role in shaping Japanese culture. It is the inspiration of many Japanese literature, art, music and performances. Perhaps the importance of snow can be felt in the performance of the Yotei Taiko. Founded by the late Master Rokurou Takada, resident of nearby Kutchan, Yotei Taiko is Japanese traditional drumming which represents the spirit and people living under Mount Yotei. One of the most popular drum rhythms, Niseko Renzan Taiko, depicts the changes of seasons in Niseko, reaching its climax in the last stanza when drum beats intensify, symbolising many skiers schussing and traversing their way along and making beautiful tracks on the pristine snow.

Every year, the start of the winter season is ushered in with Hatsukansetsu, or “first snow-capped peak”.

Although weather forecasts are available everywhere, to many Niseko locals, the first snow on Mount Yotei is still a dependable indicator for that winter season’s snowfall forecast. Despite all the coldness snow brings, it is still welcomed and anticipated by most. Perhaps Miyake-san’s comment on snow caps it all. When asked if he still likes snow, after so many years working on his farm fighting against the heavy snow and extreme weather, he said, “Of course I love snow. It tells me that life is ever changing. Snowy days remind me just how great it is for us to experience the four seasons, and the importance to enjoy life in each season.”

Behind The Scene Of Niseko's Powder Snow

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Takahashi Farm Drinking Yoghurt

Royce Potato Chip Chocolate Royce 朱古力薯片

Second-hand Kimonos

¥ 2,100 for 500ml x 6(A,E)

Founded in Sapporo in 1983, the Royce name has become symbolic of good chocolate in Hokkaido.

This unique product finds a delicious balance bet ween the sweetness of chocolate and the saltiness of potato chips. Salty or sweet? You can have it all.

What could be better than taking a piece of Japan back home? Traditional Kimonos are one of the most popular Japanese souvenirs for foreign tourists. A popular recent trend is to purchase second-hand kimonos and use the fabric for beautifying your living room, dining table and so on.

Royce, 皇 族 之 意 , 由 1983 年 開 始 至 今已成為北 海道優 質朱古力的代名詞。 Royce 朱古力薯片 顧名思 義是 混薯片 和 Royce 朱 古 力 為一體的完美小食， 為嗜甜或嗜鹹的你 提供味覺雙重享受。

對不少旅客來說，日本傳統和服是最有代 表性的日本手信之一。近年很多 本 地以及外國設計家 把這傳統工藝引進 家居佈置之中， 能夠美化家居 之 餘， 更 讓 美好的日本 回憶得以 回味。

Onsen Bath Salts

Ainu Woodcrafts

高橋牧場酸奶

Takahashi Farm has been operating the popular Milk Kobo in Niseko since 1996. Perhaps less well known amongst foreigners is Takahashi Farm’s probiotic Yo g h u r t D r i n k , t h e p e r f e c t healthy gift for those who want to “have a taste of Niseko.” 高橋牧場於 1996 年成立至今，其 牛乳類產品一直深受本 地人以及 旅客 歡 迎。不得 不介紹的是高橋 牧場酸奶（乳酪飲品），絶對是一 嚐二世古之味的最好選擇。

Mandara Instant Soup Curry Pack 曼荼羅即食湯咖哩包

¥735/ pack (A) What’s for dinner tonight? Indian or Japanese? Why not have both! This famous Sapporo specialty is a delicious fusion of Japanese and Indian curry spices.

With this convenient pack you can make this tasty dish in your own home and delight your friends! 愛印度菜之餘又愛日本 菜？何 不 兩 者 兼 得？湯 咖 哩是札 幌的名物，把 日本湯底口味融入了咖 哩 之中， 味 道 獨 特。 把 它買回家，好 讓你的朋 友也能分享這口感新體 驗！

¥693 for 190g(A, D)

日式温泉粉包

¥105~ /pack(B) Of all the senses smell is most intimately linked to memory. Choose your favourite onsen bath salts to remind you of your Japanese experience! With a wide variety of smells and ingredients available, onsen bath salt pack s are convenient gifts of indulgence for yourself and your friends. 不少專家發現嗅覺與回憶有 著微 妙的關係。讓這些温泉 粉 包喚起你日本温 泉之旅的 記憶吧！市面的温泉粉包有各 式各樣的氣味和成份，讓你回 國後也能在家享受泡湯之樂。

Antique Japanese Washcloth Sake Decanters 日本風呂手帕

日本清酒酒瓶

¥900~ (C, D)

Price varies(C) 價錢不定

The washcloth has been a par t of Japanese bathing culture since the Heian Period (8th Century A.D.). Whilst this may sound quite mundane they are usually decorated with patterns depicting the natural beauty of Japan, including cherry blossoms, maple leaves or rolling waves.

Sake (Japanese rice wine) has a long tradition in Japan with its own set of customs and ceremonies.

Sake decanters, like perfume bottles, are popular collector's items. Commonly made from clay or porcelain, there are a wide variety of shapes and designs. Why not take one home as a reminder of good times in Niseko.

日本人和手帕的關係源於 平安時代 ( 公元八 世 紀 ) 開 始。 用 途 多 多的 風 呂手 帕 上 總 會 染 有和 大自然 有關 的 風物 詩如 櫻 花， 紅 葉 或 波 浪 等 等， 好 讓 你 隨 時 也 想起日本四季之美。

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Souvenir Tips

Sake( 日本清酒 ) 有著日本人獨有的 酒文化和風俗。如香水瓶一樣，不 少人收藏有特色的清酒酒瓶。酒 瓶 大部份由陶瓷或泥土加工而 成， 形 狀 和 設 計各 有不同。它將會 令 你想 起 遊日 的好時光。

傳統和服古著 ¥10,000 or up(C)

愛奴族傳統木彫

Keychains from ¥ 525(A, D)

鎖匙扣由 ¥ 525 起 (A, D) The Ainu are the indigenous inhabitants of Hokkaido. Whilst the Ainu have mostly integrated with modern Japanese society efforts to preserve their culture and language are underway. Ainu wood carvings are unique to Hokkaido and serve as a reminder of the richness of Ainu culture and their respect for nature. 愛奴 族 人是北海道的原 居民，在融入日本人外 來文化的同時，他們為 保留傳統 文化不遺餘 力。愛奴族的傳統木 彫正正帶出愛奴族人 的精神。

SHOP LIST

Shop A: Hotel Ni seko Alpen( T 01 36 -22- 0483) Shop B: Tsuruh a Drug Store( T 0136 -21-5820) Shop C: Cocoro ya(T 0136 -23- 00 08) Shop D: New Ch itose Airpor t so uv enir shops Shop E: Milk Ko bo (T 0136 -4 43838) Sh op A: N ise ko Alpen 酒店 (T 0136 -2 2- 04 83) Sh op B: Tsu ru ha 藥房 (T 0136 -21- 5820) Sh op C: Coc oroya(0136 -2 3- 00 08) Sh op D: 新 千 歲機 場 離境 大 堂 Sh op E: 高橋 牧 場北海道牛奶 工房 (T 0136 -4 4- 38 38)

HUNDRED YEARS OF

SKIING IN JAPAN

A Brief History Skiing in Japan is commonly regarded as having begun in 1911 when Major Theodore Adler von Lerch first led officers of the 13th Division down the slopes of Takada for their first ski lesson. Whilst it is likely that the Japanese were skiing prior to this, Major von Lerch is recognised as the being the first expert to bring skiing techniques and technology to Japan.

According to unofficial records, before the arrival of Major von Lerch, the leader of the 13th Division had commissioned ski equipment, based on Norwegian-style skis, from local carpenters, shoemakers and smiths. These were the first Japanese-made skis. Major von Lerch instructed the Japanese in the skills necessary for making skis resulting in the establishment of the Japanese ski industry.

Developed by the Ski Association of Japan, the “I Love Snow” campaign began in November 2005 as a nationwide effort to encourage greater participation winter sports as well as spread the message of fun and fair play when riding the slopes. SkiJapan.com is working with the “I Love Snow” team to promote the campaign in Niseko.

The emotions and pure joy that sport evokes in people. A glorious world of glistening white created by nature. Families having fun and developing rapport on the ski fields. Out of the desire to spread the word about these feelings and emotions to more and more people, the Ski Association of Japan began the “I Love Snow” campaign on the 2nd of November, 2005. SkiJapan.com is now fully behind this campaign, and are looking forward to working with “I LOVE SNOW” to achieve this aim.

At the end of the Second World War ski

design underwent a rapid evolution. In 1936, Kneissl developed the first laminating techniques, followed in 1947 by the invention of the world’s first metal laminated skis by Howard Head. In 1960 Rossignol introduced the world’s first metal racing skis, the Allais 60s, named after France’s Emile Allais who was the first to introduce French Ski Techniques in 1938.

Rossignol released the first glass fibre composite skis, the Stratos, in 1965 and these were the first skis in history to sell over 10 million units.

In the 1970s

Kevlar and Carbon Fibre materials were introduced for additional strength alongside the development of glass fibremetal composite skis. Whilst there have been incremental developments since then the skis of today are still based on these fundamental and enduring designs.

Niseko Special "TOKI-FAT"

In the 1980s vibration absorption

devices were the big trend. In response Rossignol released the FP VAS racing skis. Specialist carving skis were introduced in 1992 and by 2000 most skiers were using carving skis exclusively.

Aiko Uemura: 2007/2008 FIS Would Cup Mogul Champion

Kentaro Minagawa: 2006 Torino Olympic Slalom Ski 4th

Okabe Takanobu: Ski Jump Would Cup total results: 1st, 5th, 2nd, 9th, 3rd ,9th

Akira Sasaki: Ski Slalom World cup total results: 2nd, 3rd

In recent years the Niseko Powder Boom has resulted in the rising popularity of

fat skis. These skis are divided into semi-fat, fat and super fat. Amongst Niseko locals Niseko 343’s Tokisan has carved his name into the ski history books with his Niseko Special Toki Fat skis, the world’s first ultra-fat skis made from a pair of snowboards with ski bindings attached. Having lived in Niseko for many years Toki-san was keen for a new challenge and so he developed the “skis” on his own time. According to Toki-san they can only be used when skiing Niseko’s deep powder. To view these Niseko Specials in action check out Toki-san’s video on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=JP&hl=ja&v=tRuvSIrl_GE

You may come across this sign at ski resorts all over Japan this season. The red and blue swooshes depict skis and spurs, or ski-tracks. In preparing to celebrate 100 years of skiing in Japan, industryrelated organisations and bodies together have created this sign with the hope of future growth in both the Japanese and global ski culture. Here’s to a sport that will be loved for generations to come!

Kazuyoshi Funaki: 1998 Nagano Olympic Ski jump large hill gold medallist; Ski Jump World cup total results: 1st , 15th, 2nd 12th, 3rd 11th

Photo Courtesy of "I Love Snow"

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Hundred Years of Skiing in Japan / What is I ♥ Snow???

Dining

Kutchan is the nearest major town to the Niseko resort and has a population of around 15,000.

Sister city of San Moritz, Kutchan has a long history as a ski town. Primarily a farming district, potatoes are the primary product. The town’s mascot is a combination of these two — a skiing potato named Jagata-kun.

Information Centre

There’s an information centre in Kutchan’s main Ekimae-dori, “Machi no Eki Platt”. Here you’ll find tourist brochures from local providers in your language. English Machi no Eki Platto speaking staff will also be able to assist you with any information enquiries you might have. You’ll also find some handmade goods produced by local house-wives and craftspeople that would probably make for a good souvenir. Internet terminals are also available.

Post Office

The main Post Office has an International ATM that accepts most credit cards. It’s a 15-minute Post Office walk from Kutchan Station.You can also exchange Travellers Cheques. Operating hours are 9AM – 7PM (Mon – Fri). EMS (International Express Post) sends parcels under 30kg to over 120 countries around the world. It will ease your luggage burden if you want to send souvenirs back home instead of carrying them with you while travelling in Japan.

ATM opening hours are 8:45AM – 7PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 7PM (Sat/ Sun/Public Holidays).

Luggage Delivery Service (Black Cat Courier)

Your luggage can be delivered Black Cat Courier to the airport in advance between airport (Tokyo, Kansai and New Chitose) and your accommodation in Niseko. It usually takes 2-3 days to have your luggage delivered to the destination and the fee per luggage is around 2,500 to 3,500yen.

Please contact SkiJapan.com staff for details.

Kutchan’s main restaurant and bar district is Miyako-dori which intersects with the main, Ekimae-dori.

There’s a wide variety of Japanese-style bars and Miyako Dori Gate restaurants that hark back to the way things used to be in Hirafu before the current boom. With improved transport options from Hirafu more and more visitors are taking the opportunity to taste a little of the real Japan in Kutchan. For the 2010/2011 season there are a few new options to try.

For the adventurous we definitely recommend you visit a Snack, a kind of Japanese bar occasionally with Karaoke. Usually there’s only alcohol and some basic snacks. The Japanese Mama working at the bar will take good care of you. There’s no shortage of Snacks in Kutchan.

See our Kutchan dining section for information about recommended restaurants.

Transport Public Bus

In winter (from early December to end of March) buses run regularly between Hirafu village and Kutchan. Buses leave Hirafu village approximately every hour departing from the Welcome Center and the bus stop in front of Seicomart. The bus makes stops at Max Value and Kutchan Station.

Check the back for timetables.

Night Go Bus A free night bus is available during winter from 5PM to 11PM when the last bus departs from Kutchan Station to Hirafu. Please check the back of the magazine for timetables.

Taxi Kutchan Hire Taxi is the local taxi service. The average one-way fare between Hirafu and Kutchan in a standard taxi is about 2,500yen. When booking a taxi you’ll need to book at least 30 minutes prior to the time you wish to depart.

Unless you speak a little Japanese you’ll probably need to ask your accommodation provider for assistance with making a booking. You can also ask a SkiJapan.com representative for details.

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Kutchan

Shopping

As the nearest major centre, Kutchan has 2 major supermarkets – CO-OP and Max Value.

CO-OP – Probably the most convenient given its location next to the train station and the bus stops. Here you’ll be able to purchase standard foodstuffs, e.g. Co-op frozen, fresh vegetables, meat, alcohol etc. There’s also a clothing shop, a book store and a bakery in the same building. The bakery usually has samples available for tasting.

MaxValu – On the bus route but separated from the centre of town. Similar to CO-OP you can get all your standard foodstuffs.

They also have a bakery though it has somewhat less variety than CO-OP. Right next door you’ll find a Tsuruha Drugstore, an inexpensive clothing shop and Homac, a large homeware department store.

M-Pocket – This off the beaten track store sells a variety of western imported products as well as a wide selection of decent wine at reasonable prices. If you need a Tim Tam fix or are looking for some familiar western cooking ingredients then be sure to look here.

Best Denki – on Ekimae-dori, is the local electronics shop.

M-Pocket: 以出售外國進口食品和酒類飲品為主 的超市，價格公道。供應一些澳洲進口小吃如 Tim Tam 和外國食材。

資訊中心

交通設施

位於俱知安 JR 火車站前大街（駅前通り）的名為「町 の駅ぷらっと」的資訊中心提供免費上網，有遊客資 料單張，並有能操英語的職員當值。中心內還有由本 地手作人和主婦們製作的特色手信店。

郵局

MaxValu

俱知安的主要郵局距離 JR 站約十五分鐘步程，內有 國際 ATM 提款機。郵局亦有旅行支票兌現服務。 提供 EMS 郵遞服務，可將 30KG 或以下的託運包裹 送至超過 120 個國家。 俱知安郵局辦公時間：上午九時至晚上七時（星期 一至五）

Homac

ATM 提款機開放時間：上午八時四十五分至晚上七 時（星期一至五）； 上午九時至晚上七時（星期六、日和公眾假期）

M Poket

Best Denki

Medical Services

Kutchan is home to a major public hospital as well as several small private hospitals. There are also 2 branches of the Tsuruha Drugstore chain.

The public hospital, Kosei Hospital, has emergency translation services in English. In an emergency you can call 013622-1141.

俱知安總人口約一萬五千人，是最貼近二世古滑雪 場的小鎮。她與瑞士的 St. Moritz 結為友好都市，向 有「滑雪者天堂」的美譽。俱知安的主要農產品為馬 鈴薯，吉祥象徵物馬鈴薯小子（Jagata-kun）就是 把滑雪和馬鈴薯兩者合二為一而成的設計。

Kousei Hospital

At Tsuruha you’ll be able to purchase cosmetics, toiletries, vitamins and non-prescription medicines for pain relief, cold relief Tsuruha Drugstore etc. As the available drugs in Japan differ from what is available in other countries and the staff do not speak English it is probably a good idea to ask for assistance from your tour operator or accommodation providerbefore handing into town.

Best Denki：電器用品店，位於俱知安 JR 火車站 前的駅前通り。

公共巴士 冬 季 期 間 ( 約 為 十二月 上旬 至 三月 下旬 ) 公 共 巴士定 時（約每小 時一班）來俱知安和比羅夫地 區。Seicomart 便 利 店 前 的 Welcome Centre， MaxValu 及俱知安 JR 火車站前均有公共巴士站。 公共巴士班次表見於本雜誌背頁。

免費夜間巴士 (Night Go Bus) 冬季期間，免費夜間巴士於下午五時至十一時來 回來俱知安和比羅夫，約每小時一班。班次表見於 本雜誌背頁。

計程車 以俱知安包車（Kutchan Hire Taxi）為主。由俱 知安至比羅夫的單程車費約為 2500 日元。用包車 請於出發前三十分鐘或之前預約。一般包車司機不 諳英語，如有需要，可直接向 SkiJapan.com 職 員查詢。

行李快遞服務 ( 宅急便 )

將 付 運行 李 送 至 東 京成田／羽田機 場、大 阪國 際 醫療設施 俱知安鎮設有一間公立醫院，數間小型私立醫院 機 場 或 新 千 歲 機 場。 行 李 每 件 收 費 約 由 2,500 至 3,500 日元， 送 達 需 時 兩 至 三個 工作 天。 詳 情 請 向 和兩間 Tsuruha 藥房連鎖店。 SkiJapan.com 職員查詢。 厚生公立醫院有緊急英語 翻 譯服務。如有急需， 可致電 0136-22-1141。

提款

除郵局外，俱知安北洋銀行亦有旅行支票兌現服務， Tsuruha 藥房提供一般化粧用品、日常用品、維 他命、非醫生處方的藥物，如止痛丸、感冒藥等。 銀行辦公時間為星期一至五上午十時至下午三時。 日本藥物的成份可能跟其他國家所出售的不完全相 7-11 便利店內有 ATM 提款機。 同，藥房職員未必通曉英語，旅客如有需要，宜先 請導遊或旅行社職員協助溝通。

餐廳／小食店

大部份主要餐廳集中於都通り（Miyako doori）和 駅前通り (Ekimae dori) 的交界，還有不少居酒屋和 日式小食店，遊客可領略俱知安當地人的居酒屋文化。 愛 感 受 刺 激 的 可考慮 到 Snack ( 日式 酒 吧 )， 一 般 Snack 只提供酒類飲品和基本小食，有些酒吧設有卡 拉 OK。熱情的媽媽桑是酒吧的一大特色。 二世古餐廳推介可參閱本雜誌第 22 頁。

購物

俱知安的兩個主要超級市場為 CO-OP 和

MaxValu.

CO-OP: 是最接近俱知安 JR 火車站和巴士站的超 級市場，供應多種基本食品如新鮮／冷凍肉類、蔬菜 和酒類等。另有服裝部、日本書店和麵包店。麵包店 常供試食。 MaxValu: 位屬公車沿線的大型超級市場。在這超 市可找到大部份基本食品，但麵包店的麵包種類相對 較少。超市側有 Tsuruha 藥房、價錢相宜的衣物店、 大型家居用品店 Homac。

Kutchan

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Treat yourself to a wide range of the freshest seafood direct from Hakodate Harbour.

Select from the sushi train or have the chef prepare your favourite sushi dish.

Yotei-Maru Kaiten Sushi

Sushi train style restaurant

Located right next to the Night-go Kutchan shuttle bus stop. Pickups for groups of 15 and above available.

We accept BYO for wine.

Open Daily, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm / S8 E1, Kutchan / PH:0136-22-4101

SKIING IN HIRAFU ALL THE BEST TIPS & INFO

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Grand Hirafu Ski Resort Facts Elevation: 1,308m Lifts: 15 Courses: 30 Longest Run: 5.6km Grand Shuttle Hirafu and Izumikyo Every 15 to 20 minutes Departs: Welcome Centre Operates: 7:50 ~ 17:30 Hanazono Shuttle Hirafu and Izumikyo Every 30 minutes Departs: Hanazono Operates: 7:50 ~ 19:30

The Niseko Grand Hirafu resort area is the most p opular in Hokkaido amongst international travellers due to the wide selection of accommodation options and English speaking support services in the village of Hirafu at the base of the lif t system. Located on Mt Annupuri, there are three major lif t systems – Niseko Grand Hirafu including Hanazono, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri.

Mountain Tips

There are two ways to access the other areas of the mountain, the first is to simply ride the Niseko United free shuttle which runs regularly from the Hirafu Welcome Center and the Hirafu intersection.

Please be aware that riding this bus will activate your lift pass so don’t ride it unless you intend to ski/board the same day. The other is via the lift system:

Niseko Rules

You should always keep the following in mind when on the mountain: Mt Annupuri has a number of areas that are prone to avalanches and these areas have been clearly marked on all trail maps. These areas are strictly off limits. This is for your own safety.

Do not duck under ropes. The rope is there to indicate the area may be unsafe. There is usually a gate nearby that will let you access that fresh powder.

Beyond the ropes there is no one to hear you scream. These areas are literally unsupervised so make sure you’re prepared and maybe have an experienced guide when going backcountry skiing.

All rescues are at your own cost. Check your insurance to make sure you’re covered.

Night skiing is a great opportunity to get in a few extra runs as the crowds have usually gone for dinner or settled in for the night. A large portion of the mountain is lit up by giant flood lights including the upper areas for advanced skiers. The flood lights are great for visibility and it’s an amazing experience to ski or board through the silhouettes and shadows. Open until 9pm.

Mountain Guide

Getting to Niseko Village requires you to ride as high as the Ace Pair Lift #3 before traversing the detour track to Niseko Village. This area is included in your All Mountain Lift pass. If you only have a Grand Hirafu pass then you’ll need to purchase a lift ticket at the base of Niseko Village.

Skiing to Annupuri

If you have an All Mountain lift pass then you can ski into Niseko An’nuppuri by riding the Grand Hirafu lift system all the way to the top of the Ace Pair Lift #3. Traverse the detour across to Niseko Village and ride the Jumbo Pair Lift #4 before skiing into An’nuppuri. If you plan to ski back over the top then it’s recommended you start making your way back around 3pm before the lifts start to close.

Gates and Out of Bounds

Back country or off piste skiing is by no means as taboo as it is in other resorts in Japan. The ski patrol runs a system whereby Niseko United Shuttle they rope off the dangerous and Grand Hirafu to unstable areas. Where an area is Annupuri via Niseko Village relatively safe for experienced Every 45 to 90 minutes riders they will setup a “gate”.

Departs: Grand Hirafu These gates are checked every Operates: 8:00 - 21:15 morning and if the area is deemed safe the gate is opened.

If it’s unsafe an advisory is hung on the gate stating the area is unsafe.

In this fashion the patrol encourages responsible skiing. If you’re caught ducking ropes your lift pass will be confiscated on the spot.

Night Skiing

Skiing to Niseko Village

Skiing to Hanazono

There are two ways to access Hanazono, the first is to turn right off the King Hooded Triple lift and then take the first left at the junction down Youtei Sunset. The other is to take the Hirafu Gondola and then Swinging Monkey before cutting across to the bottom of Yotei Sunset on the Parallel course. The course is quite steep in areas and is recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers/boarders.

Staff Picks Silver Dream – Hanazono – Beginner – Sweeping 3.3kms of wide runs for cruising.

Shirakaba – Grand Hirafu – Beginner – Often overlooked area. At the 1000m mark on the mountain it offers better snow conditions than the lower beginner areas, a constant gradient run with forest areas.

Slightly more experienced skiers can link this with the Beginner’s Detour to Green to for a nice long ride down to the base.

Dynamic – Grand Hirafu – Intermediate – Marked as Advanced but good for experienced intermediates, this run starts near the peak and you can follow it down into Rinkan, a tranquil run through a gully with some fun natural terrain on either side.

Yotei Sunset – Hanazono – Intermediate – Take Yotei Sunset and follow the red line on your trail map all the way down to the base of Hanazono. A great work out that covers a wide variety of terrain. This will test your stamina.

Miharashi – Grand Hirafu – Advanced – Off to the right of the Hirafu Gondola. Involves a small climb but the off piste area is well worth the effort. Fantastic tree runs for advanced riders. The trees are close in parts but pick the right line and you’ll find some open areas.

Super Ridge – Grand Hirafu – Advanced – Look to your left as you ascend the Ace Quad lift and you will see the super ridge. Great natural terrain area with big drops, steep faces and waist deep powder after a big dump.

TSUBARA TSUBARA VBG

Recommendation: Sesame Crusted Tuna Chunks Opening Times: 7AM - LATE Phone: 0136-21-5833

Definitely Value for Money! SKI IN to this sexy restaurant serving sensational western food with a Japanese touc h and HUGE portions. Don’t miss out on the best coffee in town or the huge breakfast buffet to start your day! The bar is open day and night – A great Après option. 推薦菜式： 香煎芝麻吞拿魚 營業時間： 早上七時至深夜 電話： 0136-21-5833 位於滑雪場附近 的 VBG 西餐廳 提 供 糅 合 西日元 素、 份 量較 大的菜式， 其香 濃 咖 啡 和 早 晨自助 餐尤值 得 一試。

STEAK ROSSO ROSSO Recommendation: WAGYU BEEF Opening Hours: 18:00 - 23:00 Phone: 0136-21-7100

Tender and Succulent – finest WAGYU at an amazing price. Don’t miss out, dine with a specialist! For a special night indulge yourself with first-class beef – KOBE. Come back again to try the OZ and Hokkaido beef. Be your own chef, cook your steak to perfection with a HOT magic stone. Vegetarian menu is also available. 推薦菜式：神戶和牛 營業時間：下午六時至十一時 電話：0136-21-7100 和 牛的肉質 鮮 嫩 多 汁人所共知，此餐廳 除供應神戶和牛外， 還有澳 洲和 北 海 道 牛 可 供 選 擇， 另 有 素 食 菜 式。 餐 廳 主 持人很 有 心 思， 於 盛載牛扒的鐵板上 加上 熱石 頭，客人 可以自行為牛扒加 熱。

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Niseko Restaurant Guide

Recommendation: Chicken Soup Curry Opening Hours: 11:30~15:00 18:00~9:30(last order) Phone: 0136-23-1116

Unique spices to make your body nice and warm from the inside. Head there for the dinner with option of other meals suitable for drinking Japanese beer. Their soup curry is a healthy and delicious ENERGY food!!! 推薦菜式：雞肉湯咖哩 營業時間：上午十一時半至下午三時；下午六時至 九時半 ( 最後入單時間 ) 電話：0136-23-1116 湯咖哩乃北海道的代表菜式，其獨特香辣味不僅 令人吃下時身體頓時暖和，人體同時加強新陳代謝， 屬健康菜式之一。餐廳另有湯咖哩以外的套餐選 擇，再加上日本啤酒的話，更是完美配搭。

THE BARN

Recommendation: Everything Opening Hours: 18:00~24:00 Phone: 0136-23-0888

Sit back and soak up the atmosphere. You can enjoy rustic French course meals at an affordable price. Be careful! Go there once during your stay and you might end up going back there again and again! Definitely try their very special glass of “bubbly” which has a story behind it. 推薦菜式：全部 營業時間：下午六時至凌晨 電話：0136-23-0888 價錢合理且氣氛 一流的法國菜餐 廳，令不少遊 客 一到再到的好 方。Bubbly 地 方。Bubbly Cha m pag n e The Barn 為 The Barn 必 試的獨特飲品。

THE BRICK

Recommendation: Start at the beginning, finish at the end.

It’s all good.

Opening Hours: 17:00 till Late Phone: 0136-22-3444

You can relax and chill out once you are in the BRICK building. The best place to go with your mates to start your exciting night!

Huge hamburger with beer and it’s so easy to get stuck there after a great day enjoying the mountain. Great food, drink and atmosphere. 推薦菜式：全部 營業時間： 下午五時至深夜 電話：0136-22-3444 The Brick，顧名思義，是以磗塊作外牆的漢堡包 The Brick，顧名思義，是以磗塊作外牆的漢堡包 名店。滑雪一天後，為自己點上份量十足的漢堡包 加上啤酒，一定不會令你失望。加上店內氣氛自由 歡快，是和朋友歡聚的好去處！

GENTEM CAFÉ NISEKO Recommendation: Hotpots (cooked at the table) Opening Hours: 18:00~24:00 Phone: 0136-23-3154

Escape to this unique restaurant located just out of Hirafu where it’s nice and peaceful.

When you enter this big Mongolian tent, take your shoes off, and relax on the floor, eat and share the day’s stories. Welcome to ethnic Japanese style of dining. Their variety of foods won’t disappoint you! Free pick-up available. 推薦菜式：火鍋 營業時間：下午六時至凌晨 電話：0136-23-3154 位 於比羅夫不遠處、帶有東南亞情 調 的 餐 廳， 客人 要 先 脫鞋才可內 進蒙古帳篷 下的進餐位 置。 供 應 多 款亞洲菜式， 另 設 客人 免 費接送服務。

Izakayas are the Japanese equivalent of a tapas bar. Serving a wide variety of Japanese “finger foods” and side dishes to complement your drink.

The portions are designed to be shared amongst the members of your party and range from salads, fried foods, kebabs, fish.

Each izakaya has its own unique atmosphere and you’ll often discover a special dish or two that will delight.

If hotpots are your pleasure, Japan is the place to be in autumn and winter. Every part of Japan, without exception, has its own distinctive nabe-ryori (hotpot).

Hokkaido’s most famous hot pot is Ishikari nabe containing salmon, onions, Chinese cabbage, tofu, konnyaku (a jelly made of root starch) and shungiku (spring chrysanthemum).

There are two main types of Japanese noodle restaurants in Japan - Soba and Ramen. Soba, made from buckwheat, are usually light brown in colour and can be eaten cold or hot, depending on the season. Soba is a very traditional noodle that is commonly eaten on New Year’s Eve to open the New Year.

Ramen is eaten so obsessively in Japan that is hard to imagine that it was originally from China. Ramen noodles 喜歡吃火鍋的人，一定不要錯過秋季 are served very hot in 和冬季的日式鍋物！在日本，各個地方都有 soy, salt or miso flavoured 不同的鍋物料理，而在北海道，最出名的鍋物首選石 居酒屋乃日式的 狩鍋。石狩鍋的材料包括三文魚、洋蔥、大白菜、豆腐、 broth, though these 小酒館，是提供酒類 flavours have a 蒟蒻和春菊菜。 和佐酒小食的料理店。 number of varieties 一般小食包括沙律、油炸食物、 to try and each 烤肉串和煎魚等，而小食的分量通常足夠和三五知己 Ramen shop has 共享。每間居酒屋各有特色，難得來到日本一遊的您， their own style 為自己尋找合心意的居酒屋吧！ and flavour.

There are two types of sushi restaurant in Japan – counter sushi and kaiten sushi. At a counter sushi restaurant you place your order with the staff and they deliver it to your table or counter seat. Kaiten sushi restaurants, commonly known as Sushi Train in the West, have a conveyor belt passing by your seat from which you can freely select various types of sushi. Sushi train is probably the best for casual sushi eaters and no Japanese language skill is required unless you want to order something off the menu. 在日本，供應壽司的餐廳分兩種──傳統吧檯壽司店和迴轉壽司店。在吧檯壽司店，客人可以向侍應點菜 ; 而在迴轉壽司店，客人則需在迴轉的食物輸送帶自行選取心水壽司。對不諳日語的遊客而言，迴轉壽司店可能 是較方便的選擇。

在日本，供應麵食 的餐廳提供的麵食主 要分兩大類─蕎麥麵 和烏冬麵。顧名思義，蕎 麥麵由蕎麥所製成，呈淺啡色， 因應季節而定可作熱或冷吃。蕎麥 麵乃日本的傳統食物之一，於 大除夕和新年的時候，為 開年的意頭之食。 很多人以為拉麵源 自日本，其實拉麵 來自中國。拉麵湯 底一般分為醬油、 鹽味或味噌幾種， 而各拉麵店的拉麵 味道各有不同。

Like most modern countries, Japanese citizens are time starved and always on the go. The traditional Japanese lunch box – bento – has become one of the staples of the salary man's diet with convenience stores offering a wide variety of options. Usually a shallow tray with compartments for rice, pickles, and the “main dish”. Buy one at Lawson or Seicomart and have them heat it up for a quick meal on the run. 跟很多大都市一樣，日本人的生活很多時都怱怱忙 忙，所以便當（日本傳統飯盒）成為了日本人生活不 可或缺的食品種頪之一。便利店提供的便當種頪繁多， 通常包括一份主菜、伴以飯和瓜菜小食。於 Lawson 或 Seicomart 買便當時可以要求店員為便當加熱。 Japanese Food & Restaurants

23

VALE BAR and Grill ザ・ベイル バー・アンド・グリル

Relaxed Apres Lounging with Sophisticated Cuisine 0136-21-5833 7:00am ~ late 午前7時∼夜まで 終日営業

open daily 無休

Experience Niseko’s Finest Hirafu Village, Niseko 166-9 Aza-Yamada Kutchan-Cho, Abuta-Gun Hokkaido Japan 〒044-0081 web www.nisade.com email reservations@nisade.com telephone +81 136 23 1724

VALE POOL & ONSEN ザ・ベイル プール＆温泉

PUBLIC ONSEN

Men’s & Women’s Separate Adult JPY1,000 Child JPY500

POOL & ONSEN

Adult JPY1,300 Child JPY650

open daily 無休 7am to 9am & 4pm to 10pm 午前7時∼午前9時、午後4時∼午後10時まで営業

PRIVATE FAMILY ONSEN 12pm-1pm & 2pm-3pm JPY22,500

Step One: Make your mayonnaise • Put egg yolk, mustard and vinegar in a bowl and mix them together.

• Pour grape seed oil into the bowl little by little. Keep mixing with a whisk. Salt it to taste.

Egg yolk: 1

Mustard: 15g

White wine vinegar: 10ml Grape seed oil: 30ml Salt

Step Two: Prepare dried scallop cream • Put dried scallop and 100ml of water in a small pan and simmer until the scallops become soft.

Scallop (Hotate in Japanese) is one of the must-eat foods while you are in Hokkaido. Hokkaido scallops are famous for their sweetness and size. While raw scallops are often found in sushi bars, cooked scallops are very popular in many fine-dining restaurants. Chef Kamimura is here to share with us the three simple steps to make this popular dish. Why not try it tonight and give your loved ones a treat?

Dried scallop: 50g

Chive or leek: 1bunch Fresh cream: 50ml Mayonnaise: 50g

• Chop the dried scallop and add chive, mix it with mayonnaise and fresh cream.

Chef Kamimura Yuichi (KAMIMURA Restaurant)

Chef Profile: Born into a restaurant family in Asahikawa, Hokkaido,Yuichi Kamimura gained his first cooking experience from his parents. He later went to America and Europe, in search of cooking ideas and inspiration.

In 1999, the 25-year-old Yuichi found his passion in cooking when he started to work for Tetsuya’s, one of Australia’s most highly awarded restaurants.

He gained his chef title in five years and returned to Sapporo, Japan to open his fine dining restaurant in 2005.

Kamimura opened its doors in Niseko in December 2007 where Yuichi continues to develop his philosophy to use Japanese seasonal ingredients and flavours with classic French cooking techniques.

This is dried scallop cream, can be used as a great sauce for grilled fish and poached vegetables.

A Message from the Chef

I have been preparing Hokkaido’s freshest ingredients to make your dinner very special. We offer degustation course menus only because there are so many wonderful food products and I want you to taste them all. I want you to experience our Japanese hospitality – 'Omotenashi' – as we make your night a very special one so you can enjoy snow activities at the same time.

I look forward to welcoming you to my restaurant!

Step Three: Make seared scallops • Pour salt on both sides of the scallop eyes and leave them for 30min at room temperature.

• Warm a pan and add grape seed oil, grill scallop eyes 1 minute on each side at medium heat.

Scallop eyes: 4

Grape seed oil: 20ml Salt

Fresh herb

(Estragon, Dill and Chervil)

• Remove the scallops from the heat and rest them for 5 minutes on tray.

• Put the scallops on plates with dried scallop cream. Add fresh herbs on top.

KAMIMURA Restaurant

1st Floor Yamashizen West, 185-8 AzaYamada, Kutchan-cho, Hokkaido Telephone: +81 (0)136-21-2288

Open six~seven days a week from 6:00pm.

5 course 'early bird' menu at 6,500 yen 8 course menu at 9,000 yen 10 course menu at 13,000 yen 12 course menu at 15,000 yen Recommend advanced bookings.

Hokkaido Kitchen

25

Charcoal Yakitori Dining Enya

Hamakko - Seafood & Sake Hokkaido’s Best Seafood and Japanese Sake

Traditional Japanese Style Juicy Grilled Chicken Skewers

For a taste of local Hokkaido seafood.

Hamakko has a wide variety of delicious dishes including Sashimi and hotpots.

Located conveniently adjacent to Miyako Dori. Make your booking today for an intimate, Japanese dining experience.

We prepare our delicious Yakitori daily and use only the finest ingredients in all our dishes.

We promise first-class atmosphere along with great food and service.

N2 W1, Kutchan 0136-22-2430 17:15 - 11:00

N1 W1 8-3, Kutchan 0136-22-3438 Sunday 17:30 - 24:00 38 seats

Sunday 40 seats

English Menu. You can pay by credit card.

NO BYO, Cash Only, English Menu

Oshokuji Bar Kimura - Casual Japanese

Grand PaPa - Cheese Fondue Restaurant Swiss Cheese Fondue

An Abundant Lunchtime and Night Menu A fun place with a reputation that extends beyond the locals.The interior’s use of stone and wooden materials and special one-off furniture creates a warm and friendly atmosphere.

N1 E4, Kutchan 0136-22-1026 11:00 - 15:00 17:00 - 21:00

Sunday 39 seats Lunch Only for Saturday NO BYO, Cash Only.

English Menu

Sandwich.cake.and goodies

www.graubunden.jp

Tel 0136-23-3371

We are so proud of the Swiss heritage that started skiing in Niseko that we represent our Swiss sister city of St. Moritz by serving to you our famous traditional Swiss cheese fondue.

The restaurant menu - ¥4,000yen Cheese fondue (Bread, vegetables, meat balls) Soup, Meat Dish, Dessert and Coffee.

Catering service - ¥3,500yen Cheese fondue(Bread, vegetables, meat balls) Please ensure you reserve in advance to avoid disappointment!

Aza Yamada167-23, Kutchan Open Daily 0136-23-2244 40 seats 18:00-02:00 www.grandpapa.co.jp (Food 22:00)

Soga Ramen Dining Taste The Hokkaido Freshness

Located in Soga, this spacious ramen noodle restaurant uses Niseko’s locally produced food like potatoes and corn in their menu. Niseko spring water is used in their ramen soup. Seafood rice, BBQ beef are also available.

We offer a wide selection of sandwiches with fresh ingredients as well as large slices of low calorie cakes that will satisfy even the greatest of appetites. Donʼt forget to take home one of our original cookies, tasty jams or fine selection of souvenirs for your family and friends!

Open 10:00 am ~ 7:00 pm We are closed on Thursdays.

M’s café - Café & Restaurant Relaxing Countryside Escape

Hidden place with a warm fireplace, Saison Club offers shabu shabu, sukiyaki and chanko nabe (originally created by the food of sumo wrestlers) to satisfy to your heart and stomach! Min 2 people for hotpot orders. Pre-booking essential . , 355-2 Aza Soga, Niseko 0136-44-3380 Thursday 11:00 - 15:00 40 seats Free Transport Available 17:00 - 21:00

26

Classified AD

51-5 Aza Soga, Niseko 0136-43-2205 Open Daily 11:30 - 21:00 98 seats

English Menu. You can pay by credit card.

N I S E K O . C O M に 広 告 を 掲 載 し ま せ ん か？ ☎ 090-1381-9579(担当:竹原)

Blessed by land, sea and a creative chef.

CURRENT MENUS: 5 course 'early bird' menu at 6,500 yen (tables must be vacated by 8:00pm) 8 course menu at 9,000 yen 10 course menu at 13,000 yen 12 course menu at 15,000 yen NISEKO GRAND HIRAFU

KAMIMURA

RESTAURANT

RESERVATIONS: Bookings are essential at KAMIMURA and can be made by telephone or via our website.

Credit card authorization is required to secure bookings.

Strict cancellation policies apply, please see our website or call us for details.

KAMIMURA R E S TA U R A N T

SEICOMART

Seared Hokkaido scallop with truffle cream & parsley oil

Steak Rosso Rosso

KUTCHAN

1st Floor Yamashizen, Upper Hirafu Village, Niseko Open from 6:00 pm to late T: (0136) 21 2288 W: www.kamimura-niseko.com

Tairyo-ya - Seafood Barbecue The art of grilling Japanese style

Incredible steaks!

A must for steak lovers!

Carefully selected and cut thick to ensure juiciness. Try our beef with amazing flavour and texture.

We also feature a large selection of imported wines and refined hospitality.

Hamayaki is an original traditional Japanese BBQ cooked in front of customers. In Tairyouya, you can pick your favourite Hokkaido seafood, sit back and relax, and let the chef do the rest!

Yamada 167-61,Kutchan 0136-21-7100 Open Daily 18:00-23:00 32 seats AX,VISA,MASTER,JCB,UC,UNION PAY

170-22 Yamada, Kutchan 0136-21-2122 Open Daily 17:00 - 23:30 40 seats

Restaurant opens from Mid Dec to Early April only.

Classified AD

27

M I YU

How do you get to school each day?

I walk or Mom takes me to school.

What do you like most about school?

Chatting with friends and playing dodge ball at recess.

What is your favourite subject?

Gymnastics How many hours do you spend on homework in a day?

40 minutes

Do you have an email address or mixi account?

I’m using email with Mom and friends.

Do you have a mobile phone?

Yes.

What is your favourite food?

Fruit What is your least favourite food?

Most vegetables

Do you ski or snowboard? Or play sports?

Ski. Softball in summer.

What are you most good at?

Hmm…. Skipping rope, maybe….

What age did you start skiing or snowboarding?

Year 1 ( 7 years old )

What is your best memory?

I was chosen to go to the Hokkaido athletics competition.

What’s your favourite game?

I like Super Mario series but I’m into Inazuma Eleven (soccer game) at the moment.

How many hours do you play each day?

4 hours at the longest but sometimes I don’t play at all.

Do you read books? What’s your favourite book? Do you prefer reading or playing computer games?

Every morning at school / Alice in the

Niseko Gourmet AD/ Kid's Interview

10

What’s the best thing about living in Niseko/ Kutchan?

I can go skiing on weekends and in winter holidays.

What do you like to do on weekends?

I like to play with friends and play games.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Ski teacher for kids

Do you have a play station or games console?

Which one?

Nintendo DS, Wii.

28

Wonderland / Computer games

AM K N ish i Pr u tch a n C h o r it A K ASU im a r y S u ch o o l Y K u tch a n e ar 4 / Age

What’s your favourite season? Why? I like both summer and winter. I can play in the swimming pool in summer and I can ski in winter.

Do you notice the change in how many people come to Niseko/ Kutchan from all over the world during winter? What do you think about this?

Yes, I know. When I go shopping to MaxValu, there are many people from overseas. / I feel like I’m in overseas.

MIYU's DAILY SCHEDULE

Weekdays

6:30 Wake up 7:00 Breakfast 7:50 Leaving home for scho ol 8:20-15:50 School 16:00-18:00 Softball lesson, playing with friends and doing home work when softball lesson is off.

18:00 Dinner 19:00-21:00 Watch TV, time with family, taking a bath, stud ying etc.

21:00 Going to bed

Days off

Play all day!!

story Ju nko-sa n’s I was raised in this town.

Due to my father’s job, I moved to Niseko with him when I was one year old.

The abundance of nemagari bamboo (used to produce fibreboard for use in construction) was the main reason my dad came here. However, during Japan’s economic boom companies began to import such materials from Southeast Asia where costs were lower. The lifts that once carried bamboo down the mountain were all that remained. At the time there was strong support amongst local residents to see Niseko become a ski resort and thus it was it was decided to convert the lifts for this purpose.

This was the birth of the Niseko ski resort.

Thus I have witnessed Niseko’s evolution since the very beginning.

F r o m 19 8 0 t o 19 9 2 , I w o r k e d i n t h e advertising industry in Tokyo as a freelance fashion coordinator. Yet my urge to live in Niseko was so strong that I finally decided to return home. It was there I developed the concept of a place where happy thoughts can be indulged after riding deep, untracked powder. A place overflowing with original cakes and unique sweets in large servings, where a man could eat a sandwich that would set his stomach bursting. With this in mind I opened Graubunden in 1990.

Niseko is a food treasury filled with fresh and delicious ingredients and so I use as many of them as I could when I was developing the menu. Utilising my experience working with TV shows, stage shows and making posters, I turned these skills towards the shop and my dishes. And what fun! I love to see the effects my sweets have on customers. I believe that everybody, when they eat delicious food, must naturally smile!! And this is the food I strive to make. I believe that this is why customers now line up every weekend outside this shop in the middle of nowhere. When I think about it, it’s been 20 years since Graubunden opened. How time has flown! Is it because Niseko is such a fun and active area?

Merry X' ma

Over the years Niseko has experienced rapid change, yet the powder snow and natural beauty have remained the same. When people say there are more foreigners residing in Niseko, what I have in mind is of course there are! There aren’t too many places in the world like Niseko. Particularly the residents of Niseko deser ve special mention. Their capacit y to accept foreigners into their town makes me proud. It is because they live here they

s! !

by Junko Watanabe

渡辺 淳子 understand why others want to visit. I believe my role is to protect the local environment whilst making original cakes and sweets that improve Niseko’s image. In fact I volunteer as Niseko’s environmental leader, organising garbage clean up days in Spring and sorting the garbage left in parks. I receive enormous help from the locals because everyone who lives here understands the need to protect our environment.

Niseko is famous for its winter, yet my shop is busy from the beginning of summer until the first snow flies. That’s how special Niseko’s other seasons are. Although international visitors haven’t yet noticed, Niseko is overflowing with as-yet-untapped opportunities.

For that reason, I‘m sure you’ll eventually want to live here too! 我是在這個小鎮長大的。 由於父親工作的關係，我從一歲時開始在這地方住下 來。 由於二世古當時盛產根曲竹（短竹之一種，屬建築用 纖維板常用物料之一），我跟父親來到這個地方。但是 因為其後日本的經濟起飛，本地工資及物價高漲，人 們開始從東南亞等地輸入成本較低的根曲竹，而當時 用作運送根曲竹的吊車因而變得無所用。當時有人研 究把二世古開發成滑雪場，而這些閒置的吊車正可大 派用場。正因為這樣，我是一直見證着這個滑雪場的 進展的。 於 一九八零至一九九二年期間，我在 東京從事和廣 告有關之時裝協調工作。但因為思鄉心切，最後還是 回到了二世古。當時很希望擁有自己的餅店──一個 讓 人在滑雪後能夠享受閒適、而供應之食物分量足 以滿足男顧客的地方，因此在一九九零 年我的餅店 Graubunden 正式開業。餅店內供應的食物全都經 過精心考慮，主要是希望能夠把二世古近郊的多種新 鮮食材引入食譜之中。我的焦點一下子由從以往的廣 告媒體轉移至餐碟之上，我覺得很快樂。顧客們的反 應亦是我樂在其中的原因之一。看到他們品嘗美食後 的滿意笑容，我也感到萬分滿足。不經不覺地，我和 這每逢週末顧客如潮的餅店一起成長，至今已經二十 個年頭。可能是快樂不知時日過吧！二世古在這些年 來一直在變，但粉雪之美依然如昔。人們說越來越多 外國人到二世古定居，我認為這是理所當然的事，因 為如此美好的地方，世上難找。難得的是本地居民對 外來的人與事都有很大的包容性，也許是由於他們也 是因愛上這地方而到來定居的過來人吧！作為餐飲業 的一份子，我要為保護這地方的環境出一分力。例如 發起於公眾地方如公園之清理垃圾和垃圾分類行動 等，而由於不少人都對環境保護有很高的意識，所以 大家都義不容辭。二世古的冬天很有名，但我的蛋糕 店卻由夏天至嚴冬都忙個不停。或許很多外國人不知 道，其實二世古在其他季節都很值得一遊的。二世古 是一個充滿可能性的地方，我深信您也一定會愛上呢！

My Niseko Story

29

Visitors to a snow town often wonder many things about the staff that help them to have a wonderful holiday and snow experience. People often ask me questions such as how and where staff live during winter? Do we live here all year round? What do we do in summer? How much do we get paid? Do we get to ride everyday? How do we get their jobs? And the list goes on…

Over the next few issues of Niseko.com, we will take a sneak peek into the lifestyle of a seasonal worker in Niseko to see how they live and why they choose this lifestyle.

This month, we look at where seasonal staff live.

STAFF ACCOMMODATIONNISEKO STYLE!

TYPES OF STAFF HOUSING IN NISEKO Most staff live in regular houses which are leased on a short term basis (usually 4-5 months). These houses are usually old guest pensions which have been converted into large dormitories usually with 15-30 people living there. Other options are purpose built staff accommodation- dorm style or cabins. The lucky people who live here year round and return staff usually live in the best of staff accommodation, often sharing a nice house with only a few other people and the added benefit of having their own room.

RENT

Life in a large share house can be a fantastic, life changing experience and a horrible one too! Share houses in a snow town are dramatically different to those in most other places due to the number of people living in one house, and the very social lifestyle in which we live. Often we share very small living areas with 10-20 other housemates and about 50 different personalities!

Staff living in Hirafu usually pay around 4555,000JPY per month, plus utilities when sharing a bedroom in a large share house. A single room or studio apartment is very rare and can set you back as much as 80,000JPY per month.15 mins drive to Kutchan or Niseko Town will save you some money as you can pick up a small two bedroom apartment for around 50-80,000 JPY per month, however these houses are usually un-furnished and you'll a car or reply on public transport.

Though I’m sure we all love our roomies like brothers and sisters, I’m also sure that there are just a few things about them and the things they do that can lose the love!

DO WE HAVE OUR OWN ROOM?

WHERE SEASONAL STAFF LIVE

Privacy in staff accommodation is almost nonexistent as most staff live in share rooms, with anywhere from 2 to 4 people in one room! This makes for a tight squeeze and close living quartersa key reason for requiring added respect for each of your fellow roommates.

Many staff actually live right here in the village of Hirafu (Including Izumikyo 1&2), but as staff numbers increase in proportion to Niseko's increasing popularity, the number of affordable staff housing in Hirafu is decreasing, there is now a growing number of staff living in surrounding towns such as Kutchan and Niseko town (about 10-15 minutes drive from Hirafu).

HOW DO WE FIND ACCOMMODATION OR DOES THE COMPANY PROVIDE IT? This depends on who you work for. Most of the medium to larger size companies in Niseko organise the accommodation on behalf of their staff. These properties are usually leased on a seasonal basis by the company from independent owners. Some of the large companies even purchase accommodation for the purpose of their staff during winter. Staff who work for lodges or small pensions usually live in the lodge where they work as part of their payment.

30

Living In The Snow

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF A SHARE HOUSE Most of the time it is a fun and enjoyable experience, however it can get tough. Sharing such a small space with so many people can be very challenging- especially when you work, live, ski and party with them for 3-4 months. One of the great things about living in a staff house is the connection and bond you often make with people you live with.

These friendships are often so strong that they last a lifetime. It really is amazing how close you can become with a total stranger after living together for a season in the snow.

Sharing with so many people can put added pressure on a relationship with your boyfriend/ girlfriend. When you share with so many people it is almost impossible to have privacy and spend time alone. Even just cooking and eating together by yourselves is not likely to happen, let alone sit back and watch a romantic DVD together. It is also very difficult when things aren’t going so well. In saying this, it can be a real advantage to have a partner

FURNITURE, UTENSILS AND CUTLERY Many places come furnished with all the basics such as fridge, washing machine, tables, chairs, cutlery, and cooking utensils. Though the furnishings are usually simple and limited, we get by! If a house is unfurnished, quite often the employer will assist in purchasing the essentials. Another great thing about Japan is large number of second-hand stores that have an abundance of quality household items.

LIVING STANDARDS In Niseko, the overall standard and condition of staff accommodation is generally good, even when compared to other staff accommodation around the world. The main difference being that is the living areas and rooms are generally smaller when compared to many overseas staff accommodation.

The problem that we are now facing is the potential overcrowding staff housing due to shortages of quality accommodation in Hirafu.

there to support and be supported during the turbulent times of share house living.

In summary, living in a shared staff house is a good experience with so many great times and good memories. It really is a fun way to live, however what really makes a house a home is the people in it - and that's what counts!

PERSON 1

Name: Agnes Backhouse Age: 29 Where are you from?

Melbourne, Australia Number of Seasons in Niseko? 2 Where do you live?

Hirafu How many people do you live with? 5 Do you share a room?

No. Luckily I've always had my own room wherever I have lived before.

Was it difficult to find staff accommodation?

No, I was provided staff accommodation through work.

How much rent do you pay?

Around 30,000yen per month plus utilities.

What do you think about the possibility of most staff accommodation moving out of Hirafu in the next couple years and going to towns like Kutchan and Niseko?

I think there would be a need for more frequent and late night transport services to and from Hirafu. If it had to happen I would prefer to be in Kutchan to be close to the restaurants, bars etc.

What is the best thing about living in a share house?

Sharing good times! Living with a variety of people with different life experiences who have travelled from all over the world to be here, in this special place.

What is one of your roommates’ worst habits?

Having an annoying ring tone and being popular.

PERSON 2

PERSON 3

• When they have super long showers and use all of the valuable resource that is HOT WATER!

just let them pile up and fester for days. Worst thing is when you come home from a long day and just want to cook a quick meal- you have no choice but to wash their stuff first, as you have no other cutlery or crockery to cook with!

Name: Sonia Pearson Age: 28 Where are you from?

Halifax, England Number of Seasons in Niseko? 2 Where do you live?

Hirafu How many people do you live with? 5 now ( last winter, 15ish) Do you share a room?

Not now (last year 2 in a room) Was it difficult to find staff accommodation?

My company actually organised my accom, so it was easy this year.

How much rent do you pay?

Last winter about 45,000 for shared room What do you think about the possibility of most staff accommodation moving out of Hirafu in the next couple years and going to towns like Kutchan and Niseko?

For sure, Hirafu will be mission impossible soon.

Think K town will be??

What is the best thing about living in a share house?

Endless madness! Living with people you would never usually even talk to. Good eye opener. Learn to be super tolerant and patient. Make great friends, never a dull moment!

What is one of your room-mates’ worst habits?

Smashing chairs up. All housemates are obsessed with it. A very bad habit which lead to us having nowhere to sit. Food thieves!!! Not talking a teabag or two here but eating full meals...ggrrr. Stealing food has to be the worst habits but to be honest I have pretty awesome house mates.

• When you have to start work in 15 mins and NEED that quick hot shower- but you find your roomie (who doesn’t start for another hour) is already in the bathroom, taking forever.

Life in a share house can be a fantastic experience and also a horrible one too! Share houses in a snow town are also dramatically different to most places due to the high number of people living in one house. Often we live in very small living areas with 10-20 other housemates and about 50 different personalities!

Though I’m sure we all love our roomies like brothers and sisters, I’m also sure that there are just a few things about them and the things they do that can lose the love!

Some things about house mates that just make you crazy:

• When you have to start work at 7am, and your roomies come home late, loud and very drunk and have brilliantly decided to invite the whole pub back with them.

Then they decide to crank the tunes, turn on the telly and sing karaoke till the wee small hours of the morning.

• Have snowboard boots that absolutely smell terrible, but even worse is when they put them in front of the heater and the warm stench spreads and invades every last molecule of fresh air in the house!

• Who consistently DON’T wash their dishes, they

Name: Lachy Keevers Age: 25 Where are you from?

Melbourne/Australia Number of Seasons in Niseko?

This is my 4th Where do you live?

Hirafu How many people do you live with? About 15 Do you share a room?: Yeh with my babe girlfriend Was it difficult to find staff accommodation?

A good friend organised me private accommodation with my girlfriend outside the company.

How much rent do you pay?

Not exactly sure right now, but I know my rent is all inclusive and charged at a monthly rate.

What do you think about the possibility of most staff accommodation moving out of Hirafu in the next couple years and going to towns like Kutchan and Niseko?

There is obviously a lack of accommodation for staff due to the increase of developments for holiday property, however I think moving staff out of town would be a big mistake as people come to Hirafu to enjoy work and the culture and to enjoy the “village” life.

What is the best thing about living in a share house?

Using other people’s condiments if you run out of your own without them knowing.

What is one of your room-mates’ worst habits?

My girlfriend leaves her dried up contacts in our bed…

• Who don’t work, work very little or have a night job, so they get to ride all day every day! Jealous!

• Who use, eat, munch, borrow or steal your food from the fridge or cupboard. Worst thing is when it’s the last few pieces of chocolate or ice cream that you have specifically saved for later that night, but whilst you were hard at work, your roomie got hungry and decided to eat it.

• Who leave their stuff lying around the entire houseeverywhere you look, sit, stand you somehow find yourself surrounded by their mess!

• Who are scared of the dark, and find this need to permanently leave a trail of lights on every where they walk! Electricity is expensive here, so if you’re scared of the dark- buy a head torch- otherwise turn off the lights when they are not needed.

• Who for some reason always have the heater turned up to full blast, whilst they walk around the house in a t-shirt with the window open, wondering why they are cold!

Voice Of The People

31

Accommodation

Transfers

SkiJapan.com offers an extensive selection of accommodation, including traditional family run pensions, hotels and self-contained premium apartments, with prices to suit all budgets. All SkiJapan.com accommodation is within easy access of the lifts, whether they be on snow or just a short walk to the shuttle bus stop.

SkiJapan.com can organise all of your resort transfers to make your trip hassle-free. We run airport charter services throughout winter with our guest relations staff on-board. If you’re looking for something a little more private then we can also organise private taxi and limousine services to wherever you need to go.

住宿安排

SkiJapan.com 提 供 不 同 住 宿 選 擇，包括民宿、酒店和高級公寓住宅， 豐儉由人。大部份住宿地點分佈於 滑雪場附近，可徒步或乘坐穿梭巴士均可到達。

Niseko Merchandise 二世古紀念品

Take home a memento from Niseko. The SkiJapan.com office stocks a range of hoodies, t-shirts and stubby holders. Great quality and prices.

For information, please ask our Front Desk staff.

SkiJapan.com 售賣的 紀 念品包括衞衣、Ｔ恤和 啤酒 杯 套。詳情可向 SkiJapan.com 職員查詢。

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SkiJapan.com

機場巴士

我們樂意安排機場巴士接送服務， 提供專車私 人接送及舒適旅 遊巴 士 (RESORTLINER) 往返機場及二 世古滑雪場。如有需要，請先預約。

On/Off Snow Tours

Tour Desks

Whether you’re looking to experience a wild afternoon of snowmobiling, a tranquil night trek through the snow or get a taste of Japanese culture, SkiJapan.com offers a wide variety of on and off snow tours and activities. For a full selection of what we have to offer please refer to page 34-37 in this magazine. Bookings can be made by calling 0136 22 4611 or dropping into one of our Niseko tour desks.

Our main Niseko tour desk is at SkiJapan.com HQ, the bright red building 100m from the traffic lights on Route 343 (See the Hirafu map at the back). Our friendly staff are available to assist with all your enquiries and tour bookings between 7AM and 8PM, 7 days a week. We also have a customer service desk located on the ground floor of the Alpen Ridge complex, at the base of the Ace Family lift.

活動安排／一日遊

我們可安排不同的雪上活動如雪地機車體驗，亦提供多種市內觀光購 物一日遊和文化體驗活動等，好讓你可以善用你的白色假期。活動安排 ／一日遊之詳情請參閱本雜 誌 34-37 頁，並可到我們 的服務台或致電 0136 22 4611 預約。

Airport Tour Desk 機場服務台

SkiJapan.com is the only English speaking tour operator in Hokkaido with a tour desk at New Chitose Airport. Located in the Arrivals lobby of the new International Terminal, SkiJapan. com‘s English-speaking airport representatives are able to assist you with all your enquiries every day from 11AM – 7PM. SkiJapan.com 於新千歲機場 入境大堂設有服務台，有能操英 語的職員可協助有需要的客人。 服務台辦公時間為早上十一時至 晚上七時。

Niseko Base Snowsports (NBS)

一站式雪具租借服務／滑雪學校 Niseko Base Snowsports (NBS) is Niseko’s premier all in one- Ski & Snowboard School, Kids Club, Rental & Retail centre. Located in a prime ski in- ski out position, NBS offers a variety offers adult & child, group & private lessons, quality rental gear from big brands and a retail store with all of the must have snow accessories to keep you warm, safe and looking good on the snow!

服務台

SkiJapan.com 總部及服務台位於 343 公路交通燈號只有 100 米之距 （請參考背頁的比羅夫地圖）。我們的服務台辦公時間為每日早上七時至 晚上八時。如有任何問題或有關我們提供之活動安排／一日遊的預約，請 聯絡我們。另於 Alpen Ridge（近 Ace Family Lift）亦設有服務台，歡 迎查詢。

Meet and Greet Service 專人機場接機

SkiJapan.com staff are on hand to provide a meet-and-greet service to our customers on arrival into New Chitose Airport.

We will guide you safely onto your resort transfer and, once in resort, make sure that you reach your accommodation safely without the normal hassles that might arise from travelling in a foreign country.

SkiJapan.com 提供專人機場接機服務，帶領客人到達事已預訂之住宿， 並交代行程細節，讓你倍感舒適。如有需要，請先預約。

Mountain Guiding 登山嚮導

The safest way to truly discover Niseko’s legendary hidden uncut powder. Our mountain guides can show you the best strategies for maximizing your powder experience. Whether you want to learn the on-piste or experience Niseko’s world-class backcountry, SkiJapan.com’s expert mountain guides can show you the way. For booking enquiries, please call 0136 22 4611 or email guiding@skijapan.com

NBS 為 SkiJapan.com 雪上活動之合作伙伴。NBS 滑雪學校提供 多種私人或小組的滑雪／雪板課程予不同程度的滑雪愛好者。為小童 而設的 Kid's Club 尤其受歡迎。ＮＢＳ另有雪具租借及零售服務，滑 雪用具齊備。經驗豐富的 NBS 職員樂意協助客人和解答查詢。詳情請 瀏覽 www.nisekobase.com。

若閣下是滑雪好手，想進一步體驗二世古粉雪之魅力的話，可考慮我們提 供的登山嚮導服務。登山嚮導員會帶你到一些鮮為人知的滑雪好地方，並 講解滑雪貼士，好讓你一展身手。課程包括滑雪裝備和保險。如有查詢， 請致電 0136 22 4611 或電郵至 guiding@skijapan.com

Niseko VIP

Grocery Pack Delivery

NisekoVIP.com is SkiJapan.com's premium level of service for the guest who is happy to pay for the extras that make a holiday in powder heaven so special. From the time you step foot off the plane our NisekoVIP.com host will be on hand. So please sit back, relax and leave everything to us. For more information, visit www.SkiJapan.com.

Tired of dining out? Spend a night with your family and friends cooking in your accommodation! SkiJapan.com offers the convenience of arranging set grocery packs for guests staying in selected apartments. Please make sure you book this service at least one week prior to your arrival by contacting your consultant or emailing

SkiJapan.com 旗下的 NisekoVIP.com 是專為貴賓而 設的服務產品。 我們安排度身訂造的服務包括豪華轎車接送、食品代購等服務。詳情請 瀏覽 www.SkiJapan.com。

SkiJapan.com 為 旗 下 管 理 之 公 寓 式 住 宅 客 人 提 供 指 定 食 品 代 購 服 務， 必 須 於 至 少 到 埗 前 七 天 預 約。 如 有 查 詢， 請 電 郵 至 info@skijapan.com。

貴賓服務

食品代購服務

info@skijapan.com.

SkiJapan.com

33

NSA BACKCOUNTRY-X SNOWMOBILING TOUR 5.5 – 6 hour fully guided day, safety gear, comprehensive orientation covering safety and snowmobile operation, hot drink break and snacks, return transport (to/from pax accommodation).

30,000yen (for 15 year olds and over only*) Any day

8:30AM – mid-afternoon

Age restriction is dependent on body size and previous riding experience.

NSA 野山滑雪和雪地車體驗 包括五小時三十分至六小時的嚮導服務、安全使用 雪地車之講解、借用安全滑雪裝備、小休時間提供 熱飲和小食、來回接載服務（雪場至客人住宿點） 。 只適合十五歲及以上之人士。年齡限制亦視乎客人 的體型及滑雪經驗而定。

NSA POWDER BOSS SNOWMOBILING TOUR

5.5 – 6 hour fully guided day, personalized 1-on-1 backcountry snowmobiling tour, safety gear, comprehensive orientation covering safety and snowmobile operation, hot drink break and snacks, return transport ( to/from guest accommodation).

45,000yen (for 15 year olds and over only*) Any day

8:30AM – mid-afternoon

Age restriction is dependent on body size and previous riding experience.

NSA 雪地車體驗 包括五小時三十分至六小時的嚮導服務、「一對一」 的野山滑雪體驗、安全滑雪裝備、安全使用雪地車 之講解、小休時間提供熱飲和小食、來回接載服務 （雪場至客人住宿點） 。只適合十五歲及以上之人士。

NISEKO WEISS SNOWMOBILING TOURS

90-minute guided tour, helmets, green tea or hot chocolate break and return transport.

二世古 Weiss 雪地車體驗 ( 分早午兩班 )

10,000yen (12 years old or above only) Any day

9:00AM – 11:30AM OR 1:20PM – 3:50PM

每班包括九十分鐘嚮導服務、借用安全頭盔、小休 時間提供綠茶或熱朱古力和來回接載服務。

NISEKO WEISS SNOW PLAY TOURS

90-minute guided tour, helmets, green tea or hot chocolate break and return transport.

二世古 Weiss 雪上活動綜合體驗 ( 分早午兩班 ) 包括雪地車體驗、香蕉船、雪橇體驗（各三十分鐘） 、 ， 雪鞋和滑雪橡皮圈、頭盔、小休時間提供綠茶或熱 朱古力和來回接載服務。

9,000yen (12 years old or above only) 13,000yen for 1 adult and 1 child (120kg in total) Any day

9:00AM – 11:30AM OR 1:20PM – 3:50PM

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SkiJapan.com On Snow Tours

NAC MOUNT YOTEI BACKCOUNTRY TOUR (15/01/11 - 25/03/11)

Backcountry equipment, light lunch, onsen entry fee and insurance are included.

NAC 野山滑雪 / 滑雪板體驗 ( 羊蹄山 ) 提供野山滑雪裝備、輕便午食、温 泉入場劵和 保險。只適合具進階程度之滑雪／滑雪板技巧之 十六歲及以上人士。

17,800yen (15,800yen for guests with their backcountry gear)

MOUNTAIN GUIDING AND TACTICS SESSION

All mountain guided tour, return transport to lifts (6-hour session only), safety equipment (backcountry session only)

登山滑雪戰略班 包括登山嚮導服務、來回接載至纜車點（只適用於 六小時戰略班）和安全裝備借用（只適用於野山滑 雪班）。參加者須具備全山通行証，為十六歲或以 上人士並具中至高級滑雪程度技巧。十二歲及以下 的小童不得進入野山滑雪區。

6,500yen for 3-hour session; 9,500yen for 6-hour session (group discount starting 3rd person onwards) Subject to availability. Please book in advance 8:30AM, 9:30AM 11:30AM and 12:30PM

All mountain lift pass is recommended. Children 12 years old or under are not permitted in backcountry areas.

Contact Rod on 080-3542-1091(direct line) or email to guiding@skijapan.com

Any day

8:00AM – 4:00PM

Participants should be 16 years old or above, and should be intermediate to advanced level skiers and riders only

NAC SNOWSHOE TOUR (01/12/10 - 25/03/11) Snowshoes, rubber boots, tea, snacks and insurance are included.

NAC 雪鞋健行體驗

RUSUTSU DAY TRIP

9,500yen

留壽都一日遊

7:30AM – 5:00PM

Lift pass and return transport are included.

( 普通圑 ) 包纜車証和來回接載服務。五人或以上方可成圑。

6,000yen (4,000yen for 6 -12 year olds) Any day

9:30AM – 1:30PM 提供借用雪鞋、膠靴、熱茶及小食和保險。

NAC NIGHT SNOWSHOE TOUR (01/12/10 - 25/03/11) 8,000yen (6,000yen for 6 -12 year olds) Any day

RUSUTSU DAY TOUR GUIDE & GIFTS PACKAGE

English-speaking certified mountain guide, lift pass, free hoodie, free beanie or peak hat, information to the best food and coffee nearby.

留壽都一日遊 ( 包嚮導服務和贈品 ) 能操英語的登山嚮導員提供全日導遊服務及附近餐 廳介紹，另送纜車証、衞衣、雪帽或登山帽。十人 或以上方可成圑。可安排非星期一出發之大圑，歡 迎查詢。

Monday

Minimum 5 guests, maximum 8

Contact Rod on 080-3542-1091(direct line) or email to guiding@skijapan.com

9,500yen

Monday (other days by request) 7:30AM – 5:00PM

Minimum 10 guests; alternate days can be organised for groups with the required numbers

Contact Rod on 080-3542-1091(direct line) or email to guiding@skijapan.com

5:00PM - 8:00PM

SkiJapan.com On Snow Tours

35

SANDBLAST GLASS ART EXPERIENCE by Ben Tredinnick If you’re interested in arts and crafts and are considering taking a morning or afternoon’s break from riding the mountain then perhaps you’d like to try your hand at making your very own patterned glass.

Just a short distance from Hirafu is the Doumu Glass Gallery.

This cosy little cottage near Milk Kobo is home to a renowned designer of sandblasted glass and it is here that you can experience the magic of making a unique Japanese souvenir to take home. You can choose from a variety of different shapes, colours and patterns when making your glass and you’ll receive expert guidance from your teacher.

Each class begins with choosing the glass to which you’ll apply your pattern. There are different colours and sizes, if you have big hands then the bigger glasses will be much easier to handle when etching your pattern.

After choosing your glass you’ll need to choose a pattern from the pattern folder or, if you’re feeling confident, you can try your hand at drawing your own pattern. To be honest, there are so many patterns – flowers, animals, star signs, friezes etc. - and combinations that you’ll have a hard time choosing. You’ll need to stick your pattern to your glass and then begin paring away the sticker to outline the image. This is not for the impatient or faint of heart, if you choose a complex image then be prepared to spend a great deal of time applying your skill with the scalpel.

The time invested in carefully revealing your image will reward you in the end though.

The fun part comes when you take your carefully prepared glass and thrust it into the sandblaster. Carefully hold your glass underneath the grains of fine sand streaming from the nozzle and watch as the exposed glass is abraded and fades to a frosty white, leaving the glass beneath your pattern sticker untouched.

It’s possible to get some unique and interesting effects on your glass, i.e. gradients, with a little trial and error. When you’re satisfied remove the glass from the sand-blaster and rinse it in the bucket before peeling away the sticker to reveal your finished glass.

To preserve the pattern a coat of protective sealant is applied by your teacher that will require several hours to dry before you can touch it. However, the best thing is, they’ll wrap it and box it there and then so you can take it safely back with you.

It’s hard to imagine a better experience than one where you can take home not just memories but a concrete reminder of your time in Niseko. 磨砂玻璃彫刻製作體驗 如果你喜愛藝術和工藝品的話，可以利用一個上午，參加童夢玻 璃工房（がらすギャラリー童夢）的磨砂玻璃彫刻體驗班。工房位 於比羅夫高橋牧場牛奶工房不遠處，是由知名磨砂玻璃彫刻家北 島雅子營運的藝術室。體驗班讓參與者嘗試製作自己的磨砂玻璃 彫刻，並把製成品帶回家留為紀念，或作手信送人。 開始前，參加者先選擇自己喜愛的玻璃杯形狀大小和顔色。若 你的手形較大，可選擇大一點的杯形，以方便進行玻璃彫刻。彫 刻的圖案花樣可以依隨個人心思設計，教室亦提供不少圖案樣本 供選擇。跟著在膠片貼紙上刻上圖案，圖案越複雜所需時間越長。 在玻璃杯上貼上刻好的貼紙後，可以進行噴沙工序。噴沙的深淺 效果可以自行調較。最後用水沖洗玻璃杯，撕走貼在玻璃杯上的 貼紙。至此，你的獨一無二磨砂玻璃作品便大功告成！

SANDBLAST GLASS ART EXPERIENCE TRIP minimum 3,000 yen Any day

9AM – 5PM (duration: 2-3 hours) Maximum 5 guests, larger groups subject to availability; booking must be finalized by 8PM the day prior to trip; free return transport.

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SkiJapan.com Off Snow Tours

OTARU CULTURAL TOUR Bilingual guide, fully guided tour of Kihinkan (Herring Mansion), sushi-making lesson, free shopping time, sake museum and tasting, visit 100 Yen Shop and Fish Market. Return transport included.

小樽觀光購物一日遊 提供來回接載 及導遊 服務（嚮導員能操英／日 語），參觀小樽貴賓館、鯡魚御殿（大正時代三 大魚商青山家之別墅豪宅） 、日本清酒博物館、 100 円店、魚市場，另有自由購物時間。圑員人 數由五至四十三人。

11,000yen (5,000yen for 6 – 12 year olds)

JAPANESE CULTURAL WORKSHOPS

Japanese culture class includes traditional Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy or cooking

日本文化體驗班 日本文化體驗包括茶道、書法或日本料理製作。 請於至少一日前預約。

3,000yen Any day

Subject to availability. Please book 24-hour in advance

Tuesdays

7:30AM – 5:30PM

50-minute private onsen and sauna, bath and modesty towels, return transport.

私人温泉香桑拿體驗遊 包五十分鐘私人温泉和桑拿、浴巾和小方巾、及 來回接載服務。五至八人方可成圑。

5,800yen for transport, private onsen and sauna (4 pax per taxi) +700yen per adult; +300yen per child (6-12 years old); no extra charge for child under 6 years old Any day

11:00AM – 10:00PM (last onsen entry 9:00PM)

Transportation will be extra for 5 guests or more; maximum 8 guests

A 3-hour Japanese home cooking course making Miso soup, Japanese pickles, one main dish and one side dish, OR 1.5-hour supermarket tour plus 1.5-hour Japanese home cooking course. Refreshment tea or coffee, return transport (from Seico-mart to workshop studio).

日本料理製作班 包三小時之日本料理製作班，教授味噌湯、日本 漬物、主菜和配菜各一之製作方法。另可選擇超 市購物＋料理製作班，即利用九十分鐘時間到超 市購買食材和九十分鐘時間製作料理。另包咖啡 或茶，以及來回接載（料理室至 Seico-mart） 。

8,000yen

Minimum 9 guests; maximum 43 guests

PRIVATE ONSEN AND SAUNA TRIP

JAPANESE COOKING WORKSHOPS

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:45AM – 2:15PM

GYM AND ONSEN TRIP All-day use of gym and onsen facilities, bath and modesty towels, return transport.

健身和温泉體驗遊 包健身房和温泉設施之一日証、浴巾和小方巾、 及來回接載服務。健身室只招待十六歲或以上之 人士。成圑人數上限為八人。

4,500yen for transport, gym and onsen for 1st guest; 1,200yen extra for additional guest up to 4 Any day except Monday 10:00AM – 9:00PM (gym opening hours) 11:00AM – 10:00PM (onsen opening hours)

Gym users must be 16 years old or over; maximum 8 guests

SAPPORO SHOPPING, SHRINE & FISH MARKET TOUR

Bilingual guide, visit to Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, visit to Sapporo Nijo Ichiba Fish Market, All-You-Can-Eat Lamb BBQ Lunch at Sapporo Beer Garden, 2 hours 45 minutes free shopping time, information on Sapporo City and shops, return transport.

札幌觀光購物一日遊 提供來回接載 及導遊 服務（嚮導員能操英／日 語），介紹札幌市的歷史和當地的店舖，參觀北 海道神宮和札幌二条市場，於札幌啤酒園享用羊 肉燒烤自助餐，另有自由購物時間。

9,000yen for adults; 4,500yen for children (4 – 12 years old)

Every Friday (except 31/12/10) 8:00AM – 6:00PM

SkiJapan.com Off Snow Tours

37

Japan, Land of the Rising Sun, more commonly associated with cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji.

Hokkaido, North Japan – Land of legendary 16 metre annual snowfalls and awesome off-piste powder skiing and boarding.

Hardly the place that you would associate with cycling but that is exactly where six of us ventured to based on the promise of a 10-day riding adventure during Niseko Cycle Week. An initiative to promote tourism in the Niseko/Kutchan area, it is run by a seemingly tireless band of eager volunteers who live and work in the area. They are given great assistance and encouragement by local businesses and support from the Niseko Promotion Board.

Now in its third year, Niseko Cycle Week has attracted both local and overseas participants, including the Hong Kong Tritons triathlon club who were there in training mode for the week preceding Cycle Week. An additional highlight this year was the staging of a leg of the Tour de Hokkaido on the final Saturday, culminating in an exciting finish at the end of the seemingly endless uphill climb of the main street.

The riding is spectacular and varied but always with some common elements: • Smooth road surfaces to die for • Low volume and slow traffic

Our own Tour d’Annupuri turned into a cultural experience.

A rise past Hanazono and onto the high country beyond Mt. Annupuri led us to Goshiki Onsen. Goshiki is legendary for its healing waters (and can also be skied to by the intrepid with a guide in the winter).

Once there, we were kitted out with yukatas and slippers, and we relaxed and pampered ourselves in the soothing waters. A superb multi-course Japanese dinner set us up for a refreshing snooze, which was the perfect way to prepare for the second day’s ride back to Hirafu - a swooping 15km descent through magnificent scenery to the Konbu Onsen area near Moiwa.

• Exceptionally friendly and courteous drivers Riding highlights included a 50km circuit of the majestic Mt. Yotei, a towering (1898 metres) dormant volcano known as the Mt. Fuji of Hokkaido. Combined with a gently undulating rural countryside it was a dream of a ride.

A quirky sight was the National Nordic team out training on one of the back roads wearing what looked like oversized in-line skates and swinging enormous ski poles. We stopped laughing after they shot past us doing over 25kph and kept it up for the next 15km! This was an indicator of both their youth and fitness as well as the low level of traffic on the road.

A refreshing drink from the healing waters of the natural spring at Konbu was followed by a leisurely ride to lunch at the Tofu factory at Niseko and then homeward to Hirafu (and another onsen!). What bliss!

But wait….there’s more!!!

Not only is the riding superb and the scenery sublime, but being summer, the hurly-burly and anonymity of winter is gone. The locals are great hosts and went out of their way to make Niseko Cycle Week buzz with near nightly/daily barbeques, rafting trips and other activities.

For those that have turned to the dark side of cycling – MTB – there are a myriad of trails and events for you too during Niseko Cycle Week. If that’s not your style you can go off on your own adventure! But don’t forget your special anti-bear bell!

Whatever your cycling fancy, give Niseko/Hirafu a try next September. We will certainly be back!

Marek Malter

38

Japan's Best Kept Secrets

Photo: Hilton Niseko Village

A trip to an onsen (Japanese hot spring) is a “not to be missed” item for your agenda when travelling in Japan. Naturally occurring volcanic hot water springs, or onsens, can be a source of welcome relief from tired muscles and joints after a long day on the mountain. But what you perhaps don’t know is that not every onsen is the same. The water used in an onsen can have a wide variety of mineral compositions based on its location. The Japanese categorise the types of onsen and associate various health benefits with different types of water.

Located on the main road (Hirafu Zaka), it’s a 5-minute walk up from the traffic lights and to your left. It has both an indoor and outdoor onsen with a great view over the ski slope. Cost is 800 yen per visit (400 yen for children) and it is open to the public from 1PM –

10PM. Popolo is located in front of the Niseko Scot Hotel. The onsen itself is on the roof and from the outdoor pool you can enjoy sweeping views of Mt Yotei.

Opening hours are 10AM – 10PM. It costs 800 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Enjoy a 50% off discount on the 26th of each month!

OTHER ONSENS: SkiJapan.com offer onsen tours to either a private onsen or a mixed onsen. Visit SkiJapan.com office for more details.

Looking to stretch those muscles? Try the heated indoor swimming pool at the Alpen Hotel. There are also steam rooms and a sauna. Located at the top of the main road next to the Ace Quad chair, it costs

600yen per visit.

Use of a swimming cap is mandatory but rental is free if you don't have your own. Rental goggles are 100 yen. Open 12noon – 9PM daily.

二世古温泉介紹 來到二世古，一定不可錯過這裡的天然温泉 ! 浸温泉 既可消除疲勞，加上天然温泉水有豐富的礦物質，對 各種疾病有舒緩作用。日本人會把不同温泉水分門別 類，指出其療效。

Prince Hirafutei 酒店：

Admission: Entry fees to many onsens are paid via a vending machine near the entrance to the onsen.

Most onsens have separate male and female baths (males have BLUE entrance curtains & females have RED entrance curtains)

從 Hirafu Zaka 主要大道向上山方向步行五分鐘，位 於交通燈的左側。兼備室內及室外温泉。温泉開放時 間為下午一時至晚上十時，成人入場費 800 日元，小 童半價。

Popolo 温泉 : 位於 Scot 酒店旁，開放時間為早上十時至晚上十時。 成人入場費 800 日元，小童 300 日元。每逢每月 26 日更有半價優惠。

其他： SkiJapan.com 提供私 人及公共温 泉遊。詳情請向 SkiJapan.com 職員查詢。

Entrance: Always take off your shoes at the entrance and leave your shoes in the shelves provided. Lock your valuables in the lockers provided. Some lockers may require a 100yen deposit.

Towels: Please bring your own bath towel and modesty towel. Modesty towels are available at Seicomart or the Alpen Hotel store. When you enter the onsen area, you must be naked apart from the modesty towel. Use it to wipe your face, or set it on the top of your head.

Wash Before Soaking: Always wash thoroughly before entering the onsen pools and after leaving.

Body soap and shampoo are provided.

Onsens are a place to relax and a time for reflection. Loud behaviour, drinking, smoking etc. are not allowed. Staring at other bathers is considered rude.

Alpen 酒店室內泳池 : 若不泡浸温泉的客人，可以一試 Alpen 酒店的室內泳 池，附設蒸氣浴和桑拿。Alpen 酒店位於大街最上方 的 Ace Quad 的旁邊，入場費每人 600 日元。免費 提供泳帽，而泳鏡出租費 100 日元。泳池開放時間為 每日正午十二時至晚上九時。

温泉的規則 購票：多數温泉入口旁設有自助入場票販賣機，票價 分成人和小童兩種。絕大多數温泉是男女分浴，客人 可從門簾的顏色分辨入口（藍色代表男浴場，紅色代 表女浴場）。 入口：請於温泉玄關脫鞋，並把鞋子放進入口旁的鞋櫃。 衣服和隨身物品則放進儲物櫃內。請備 100 日元硬幣 作自助開關儲物櫃用（大部份儲物櫃可以退回硬幣） 。 毛 巾：請 自 備 小 方 巾 和 浴 巾 各 一 條。 小 方 巾 可 於 Seicomart 或 Alpen 酒店購買。請勿穿著任何東西 進池。小方巾可放在頭上或抺面。 進池前應先用熱水沖身，簡單地清洗一下。場內備有 洗髮精和沐浴露。 遵守禮儀：温泉是讓人輕鬆休息的寧靜地方。請勿大 聲吵鬧、喝酒或吸煙等，也不要凝視他人。

Photo: Hilton Kanro-no-Mori

Niseko Onsen Guide

39

Ski-in-out Café Stand at Alpen Ridge / Ace Family Chair

The Other Kind of Fresh...

The brand-new takeaway Fresh Café is conveniently located between the base of Ace Family lift and Alpen Ridge condominiums right out the front of NBS. Stop by for quality espresso varieties, tasty treats, toasted wraps, soups and snacks for busy riders on the run. So this winter, remember to grab a Fresh stop when you ski in ski out!

Open 8AM – 6PM 7 DAYS A WEEK DURING WINTER SEASON 40

Classified AD

Izakaya Bar Bang Bang & Bang2 Chargrilled skewers, sizzling wagyu steak & fresh seafood Nestled in the heart of Hirafu. We serve a tasty array of “yakitori” skewers which are sure to get your tastebuds tingling.We recommend you compliment your meal with a refreshing beverage from our locally fuelled drinks menu.

Don’t forget to try our delicious ramen lunch at Bang2!

Aza-yamada 188-24, Kutchan Occasionally Closed 0136-22-4292 35 seats(Bang Bang) 11:00~15:00 (Bang2 only) 30 seats(Bang2) 17:30~22:30

Great Quality Seafood Cuisine and Sushi *

Fresh, Delicious A Restaurant For Every One!

Kurobeko - Japanese Style Yakiniku Grill wagyu beef your way!

Authentic Japanese Seafood Dinner and Sake

The secret of Charcoal Grill, or Sumibi Yakiniku, is to seal the juice inside the meat. If you love Wagyu beef, be sure not to miss this place! Bring your family and friends to try this cook-it-yourself yakiniku style!

S3 E1 Kutchan 0136-22-2020 17:00 - 23:30

60 seats Open Daily

mina mina - Sake Bar & Restaurant Enjoy scrumptious food and traditional drinks *Sushi available in Senchou 2nd only.

Senchou 船長

167-10 Aza yamada Kutchan 17:00∼24:00 Open daily

☎ 0136-22-2001

Sencho u 2nd

船長 2

☎ 0136-22-5454

senchou.com

1F, 191-39 Aza yamada Kutchan 17:00∼24:00 Open daily

Whether you join us for a meal, or just want a relaxing place to enjoy a social drink (or two!). We serve delightful Japanese cuisine accompanied with Junmai sake, shochu & plum wines all carefully selected.

Aza-Yamada 190-9, Kutchan Open Daily 0136-23-3437 40 seats 11:30 - 15:00 18:00 - 02:00 Classified AD

41

It is quite amazing and somewhat alarming to think that this summer and autumn have flown by at such speed. It could be that I’m getting older, it could be that work and play have kept me very busy, but ultimately it means that it has been a very special summer here in Niseko. My first, and hopefully just an introduction to many more. Below, if you will indulge me dear reader, are some extracts from my own Green Season, Niseko, 2010.

18TH MAY Rafting Along the Shiribetsu River

Rafting was a real giggle. The good captains at my place of employment.com deemed a treat was in order for us hard working landlubbers and sent us all out on a half-day rafting trip along the Shiribetsu river just down the road from us. Arrrr!

Hirafu. 9am. Turn up at NAC, roll call, struggle with the drysuit-helmet-life jacket combination while my colleagues laugh at me, onto the bus, and off we go. Arrive, introduced to rafting guide, orientation on safety and order signals and into the river.

Ahh, the water is cold and fresh as we shove off from the river’s edge. In my raft are old-hands, first-timers and in-betweens. The guide rolls his eyes as the clattering of plastic begins, our first hopelessly uncoordinated attempts at paddling as a unit. A few minutes later and after some choice oft-used instructions, we get it together and can start enjoying the scenery surrounding us. The pale green leaves of spring adorn the trees and the air feels super clean. I’m not one to gush all that often, but it’s all beautiful.

We practice some reversing and circling manoeuvres, and it reminds me of learning to drive back in the day. Apparently it’s useful for negotiating the rapid-flowing sections of the river. And here comes one now. Wow, whoa, whoooa, arrrrrrrrgh! My first rapid. I’m soaked already, but all of a sudden it’s not cold anymore and I think I have a smile on my face. The rapids get faster, controlling the raft becomes much more challenging, new manoeuvres are learned and performed, the waves, the peaks and troughs, bigger. Big smiles.

All the rafts on this trip re-group at the edge of Niseko Town. It’s the warm-down. We dive-bomb other rafters, muck around a little bit and have a little swim while the guides perform somersaults and backflips into the water to entertain us.

This river that we were rafting along has topped the national survey for cleanest rivers 9 times in the last 11 years. That’s pretty impressive, don’t you think?

We return from the Shiribetsu river and head down to the Captain’s Table where the Captain himself has laid out a spread of bar-be-kew and grog for all us mob o’ hearties. Yarrrrrr!

42

Summer in Niseko

30TH JUL Summer Matsuri at Kanro no Mori

16TH AUG Shakotan Day Trip

So I went to this thing at Kanronomori with a couple of friends. I had no ideas or preconceptions about it, “just buy your ticket beforehand and come along”, was all they would say. So I did just that. Finish work, trot home, get changed and head straight back out again, drive towards Moiwa. It was a very pleasant evening as it turned out – live music and entertainment, the audience a good mix of families, couples. We smashed a couple of lagers to loosen up a bit and once we were peckish, all around us were Japanese and ethnic food stalls or Yatai. Time your entry into the onsen perfectly to coincide with the evening’s fireworks display – a wash, a quick soak to warm your limbs up before waddling through to the outdoor onsen. Claim your space, sit back and watch the fireworks. Pyrotechnics Moiwa-style. Bada Bing!

Went for a swim and a barbecue with the whole company today. It was just after Obon and work had been hella busy during that period, so it felt great to get out of the village, even just for a little while. Place: Shakotan Peninsula.

North-northwest of Niseko, just over an hour away by car. Nice coastal drive. Beautiful area, good people, great barbie. Sandcastles, beach cricket, bodyboarding, beachcombing, all the typical pleasures of a day at the beach. But the sea! So warm! I’ve been swimming in Okinawa, right at the other end of Japan, there it was like swimming in bathwater. But I expected that. Okinawa is tropical, hot. The Shakotan-side of Hokkaido is near subarctic waters, very cold. So you can imagine my surprise when I first dived in expecting to perform the usual clench and gasp routine of chillier waters to experience anything but. It was all rather perplexing, for a moment.

I think I was in the sea for a good hour at one point in the afternoon, but not once did I feel the need to get out and warm up. It wasn’t a baking hot day either, may be 27°C on the beach, so it was all sea temperature.

Topped off with a visit to the nearby Misakinoyu onsen for good measure. It was once again, another great day out. Thanks guys!

4TH SEP Golf. River Wood GC, Kimobetsu

10TH NOV Coda

Played a round of golf with Chuck, Dave and the The Prez today. 107.

Shocking. It was a shonky display by all of us, but meh, second time in five years? Just need to play more. And fix my slice. And buy some gear. And get a club membership. Oh dear. Another summer obsession looming.

Thing is though, the course, the facilities and the service were all excellent, and the scenery? Sublime. There were no queues at any of the holes. Quite the reverse. We had to let a twosome play through because we were playing so slowly. The Prez consoled himself, and us, by declaring that this was a difficult course, and that we would fare much better on the other fine courses in the Niseko area.

As I write this the rain is hammering down outside, the wind is acting up, and at certain points it’s getting close to being bitterly cold. These being half-decent signs of imminent snowfall down here at village-level, I can barely contain myself. Mother Nature is teasing me, and I don’t like it. She gave us all a little look-see just a fortnight ago, covering the village with the fluffy white stuff I love so much, and then snatched it away again. After that? Rain, rain, and more rain. Alright, there have been a few glorious autumn days in between. I know it’s gotta rain before it can snow - the rain cools the ground, the late autumn temperatures take a wintery tumble and freeze the rain-soaked earth, hard. But I’m really over this in-between period of the seasons now.

Summer was awesome, really. I can’t wait for the next one. So much, or so little to do during the long, tranquil days, it’s entirely up to you, and you’d still be happy either way. Me, I’ve got a long list of stuff I’m mad keen to try out: Hang-gliding, paragliding, sea-kayaking, canyoning, learn to surf, and more golf! Shirt and shorts on and wearing flip-flops to work. Feasting on locally caught seafood barbecues for dinner. May be a few drinks somewhere in there too. Good times. But we’re fast approaching the white season. So come on, please. Snow. Now! While I continue grumbling and vent my frustration on my poor colleagues, please do, dear reader, consider a little summer holiday up north next year and join us all here. I reckon you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

11TH NOV

Addendum, Very early doors

It’s snowing again! It’s but a mere dusting, mind. It may well melt away later on today, but the signs were all there, and it came to be. A few more of these cycles and then it’ll be straight up the Peak for me, guvnor. See you out there folks!

Summer in Niseko

43

Weiss Snowmobiling(90min)

For general enquiry & booking SkiJapan.com Ph 0136 22 4611 Email info@skijapan.com

ADVERTISE WITH NISEKO.COM - info@niseko.com 44

Classified AD

Ph: 070-5560-2231 E-mail: info@thehero-niseko.com Web: http://thehero-niseko.com

NISEKO & FURANO OUTDOOR COMPANY BACK COUNTRY

BRING THIS PAGE AND GET 3,000 YEN DISCOUNT FOR FURANO FULL DAY LESSON Lawson - Convenience Store The only 24-hour convenience store in Hirafu We have light meals, alcohol, and all your basic necessities. Just 100m from SkiJapan.com main office. Try our juicy fried chicken!

171-1 Aza-Yamada, Kutchan 0136-23-1230 Open Daily 24 hours Classified AD

45

presents

Peter Coleman

Matthew Shaw

presents

PHOTO CONTEST Niseko.com Magazine is excited to announce a new photo column NISEKO MOMENTS! Starting this issue, we will be showing the best shots taken in Niseko from you - our readers and friends.

People from all over the world come to Niseko to capture special moments of a lifetime. It may be the Mount Yotei, your kids having fun in powder snow, a great on-snow action shot, or it may be the sunflowers along the driveway. (Photos can be taken in any season) This is a great chance to share them with Niseko.com readers and win some prizes!

47

NisekoMoments

Thomas Hallt

1st Prize: One night’s free 2-bedroom accommodation at Niseko Alpine Apartments for the winner (valid until 31st December, 2011).

The winner will be notified by mail. Reservations must be made with SkiJapan.com. (Subject to availability, blackout dates apply) Two Runner-up Prizes: NBS (Niseko Base Snowsports) ÂĽ5,000 Rental Gift Voucher (voucher valid till 31stDecember, 2011) Winners will be published in the January 2011 issue of Niseko.com Magazine.

For contest details, please visit www.niseko.com

Deadline for January issue entries: 14th December, 2010

RENTAL SNOWSPORTS SCHOOL RETAIL SHOP KIDS CLUB

48

NBS - Niseko Base Snowsports

NBS has all the equipment you need to enjoy your time on the mountain. Our high quality rental fleet includes new skis/ boards from top brands such as K2, Head & Armada giving you the options of: All Mountain Ski/ Boards Powder Skis/ Boards Womens Specific Skis Super Carving Skis Twin Tip Skis/ Boards

Another big advantage of renting with NBS is the “ski in, ski out� location which gives you an easy option to change your equipment at any timewhether you want to swap your boots, or try a different ski/ board suited for the conditions of the day - you can easily ski into NBS and ski back out within minutes!

Our NBS retail store also stocks all of the must-have snow accessories from brands including Oakley, Smith, Dakine, Level & Coal, providing you with the highest quality & latest

range of gear such as: Goggles Gloves Beanies Neckwarmers Face Masks Thermal Wear Helmets & Protective Gear

NBS Snowsports School has a fun team of certified English-speaking instructors who are dedicated to helping you reach your goals and have a memorable snow experience.

Whether you are a

beginner or advanced, child or adult snow rider, we have a program for you, including: Group Lessons Private Coaching Powder Techniques Park & Pipe Tuition

For the young ones, NBS Kids Club has it all! We cater for children aged between 3 to 12 years old and provide a fun & exciting on-snow program, which includes all day

lessons, lunch and even hot chocolate!

This program also gives parents the freedom and peace of mind to enjoy their own day on the mountain.

for more information or to book online WEBSITE RENEWAL! Days

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

extra(per day)

Skis & Poles

Deluxe Standard Child

5,500 4,500 3,000

9,000 7,000 5,500

13,000 9,500 7,000

17,000 11,500 9,500

20,000 14,500 10,500

23,500 17,000 12,500

26,500 19,500 13,500

28,500 20,500 14,000

30,500 21,500 14,500

32,500 22,500 15,000

34,500 23,500 15,500

36,500 24,500 16,000

2,000 1,000 500

Skis Boots & Poles

Deluxe Standard Child

6,500 5,000 3,500

10,000 8,000 6,000

14,500 10,500 8,500

18,000 13,500 10,000

22,000 16,000 13,000

26,000 19,000 14,500

30,000 22,500 15,500

32,000 23,500 16,500

34,000 24,500 17,500

36,000 25,500 18,000

38,000 26,500 18,500

40,000 27,500 19,000

2,000 1,000 500

Snowboard Only

Deluxe Standard Child

5,500 4,500 3,000

9,000 7,000 5,500

13,000 9,500 7,000

17,000 11,500 9,500

20,000 14,500 10,500

23,500 17,000 12,500

26,500 19,500 13,500

28,500 20,500 14,000

30,500 21,500 14,500

32,500 22,500 15,000

34,500 23,500 15,500

36,500 24,500 16,000

2,000 1,000 500

Snowboard & Boots

Deluxe Standard Child

6,500 5,000 3,500

10,000 8,000 6,000

14,500 10,500 8,500

18,000 13,500 10,000

22,000 16,000 13,000

26,000 19,000 14,500

30,000 22,500 15,500

32,000 23,500 16,500

34,000 24,500 17,500

36,000 25,500 18,000

38,000 26,500 18,500

40,000 27,500 19,000

2,000 1,000 500

Boots Only

Adult Child

2,500 1,500

3,500 2,500

4,500 3,000

5,000 3,500

5,500 4,000

6,000 4,500

6,500 5,000

7,500 5,500

8,500 6,000

9,500 6,500

10,500 7,000

11,500 7,500

1,000 500

Jacket & Pants

Adult Child

3,000 1,500

4,000 2,000

4,500 2,500

5,000 3,000

5,500 3,500

6,000 4,000

6,500 4,500

7,000 5,000

7,500 5,500

8,000 6,000

8,500 6,500

9,000 7,000

500 500

Jacket OR Pants

Adult Child

1,500 500

2,500 1,500

3,000 2,000

3,500 2,500

4,000 3,000

4,500 3,500

5,000 4,000

5,500 4,500

6,000 5,000

6,500 5,500

7,000 6,000

7,500 6,500

500 500

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

5,000

5,500

6,000

6,500

7,000

500

Helmet

Vist our new website, and check weather, trick tips, pics & video.

SKI/ BOARD HOT WAX SERVICE AVAILABLE = 1,000 YEN (Hot Brush Wax) 2,000 YEN (Hot Iron Wax) Hot Iron Wax - Ski / Boards must be in shop by 6pm for 8:30am next morning pick up. Available for bookings in resort only.

Earliest rental pickup is 4pm day before and latest return is before 9am on the morning after the equipment is due back to avoid charge.

Adult Group Lesson – level 1-6

Time Price 10:30 - 12:30 7,000 10:30-12:30 & 13:30-15:30 10,000 5 x 10:30 -12:30 24,000

Ski or Snowboard -12 years and over

Conditions To be taken on the same day.

10:30 start only. To be taken on consecutive days.

Kids Club Group Lesson Ski – level 1-6

Service Time Price 9:30-12:30 7,000 AM 9:30-12:30 & 13:30-15:30 11,000 All Day 30,000 9:30-12:30 AM x 5 pkg All Day x5 9:30-12:30 & 13:30-15:30 48,000

Conditions To be taken on same day, includes lunch.

9:30-12:30 only on consecutive days.

To be taken on same day, includes lunch.Consecutive days only.

Kids Club Group Lesson Snowboard – level 1-6

Time Service 10:30-12:30 AM 10:30-12:30 & 13:30-15:30 All Day 10:30-12:30 AM x 5 pkg All Day x5 10:30-12:30 & 13:30-15:30

2 hr 2 hr 2 hr x 5 ‘Super Saver’ 4hr 6hr

Service

Early Riser

Time

To be taken on same day, includes lunch.

10:30-12:30 only on consecutive days.

To be taken on same day, includes lunch.Consecutive days only.

Private Lessons Per Person

8:30-9:30 start 8:30 or 13:30

Price

7,000

Conditions

Ski lesson only - not available for snowboarding Only suitable for first time or beginner skiers.

ACCESS

18,000

Premium Private Session: 10:30-12:30 start 8:30 or 13:30

70,000

8:30-12:30 8:30-15:30

34,000 48,000

Time 8:30-9:30 or 8:30-10:30

7-12 years

24,000

Only available after consulation with NBS. All 8:30-10:30 OR all 1:30-3:30 starts over consecutive days.NO DATE, GUEST OR TIME CHANGES. 1 hour break for lunch.

Specials

Price 1,500

Ch air

1 hr

Conditions

A Qu ce ad

Service

Price 7,000 11,000 24,000 48,000

Kids 3-6 and 7-12 years

Conditions

Early drop off for kids in 9:30 or 10:30 lesson only

NBS HQ located in Alpen Ridge

Alpen Ridge

A Pa ce ir Fa Li m ft ily

Service AM All Day AM x 5

SeicoMart NBS 2nd Location

CONTACT OPENING HOUR

T 0136 21 5050 info@nisekobase.com

8AM - 8PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

*During peak winter period NBS - Niseko Base Snowsports

49

NISEKO SLOPESTYLE! In the past, rental skis have had a reputation for being old, trashed or poorly maintained. However this has dramatically changed over the past few years.

Renting your skis is now the “thing to do” as most shops now have a high-end range of brand new or near-new skis to rent. To purchase yourself a brand new pair of high end skis and bindings will usually cost around $1000-$1400(USD) and, with technology moving so fast, within a couple of seasons your skis will be outdated and old school! For this reason renting can often be the best option. However, with so many different types of skis, how do you know which ones are best for you?

Many people don't realize that the type of terrain you ski on directly impacts what kind of ski you need for the best experience, so this month we will guide you through the main types of skis that are best for Niseko's conditions as well as provide you with a breakdown of the differences between them all to help you decide on what you need for that perfect powder holiday!

BENEFITS OF RENTING YOUR SNOW EQUIPMENT • Rental shops often have the latest and newest models of skis • It's like having new skis every year- without having to buy them!

• You can rent specific skis for the conditions of the day and the type of terrain you want to ski • You can swap and change your skis throughout your holiday • Get the equipment best suited to your ability, size and shape • Try many different types and models of skis • Save money on excess baggage due to strict luggage limits • Ease and convenience of not having to travel with oversized ski bags • No ongoing maintenance costs (tuning, edges, waxing, repairs, binding testing) etc

WOMEN'S SPECIFIC These sticks are designed with women in mind.

They are lighter, have a softer flex and the binding on women’s skis is mounted slightly more forward to complement a female’s lower center of gravity.

Women tend to lean back slightly, so with the binding mounted in this position it places them further forward over the ski. Women's skis also tend to be prettier than other skis with specific female styling and attention to graphic detail so you always look your best!

Skier Type: Beginner - Advanced Terrain: Mild to Steep, On/ Off-Piste Rental Recommendation: K2 Free Luv, K2 Lotta Luv, Head Great One, Head Cool One, Armada Cantika, Armada ARVw

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NBS Equipment Guide

POWDER SKIS Niseko is home to some of the world’s best and most consistent powder snow, so if it’s powder you’re chasing, it’s a powder ski you will need Powder skis range in width from 80 - 120mm under foot! A powder ski has extra width and is lightweight, allowing you to have more “float” in the deep Niseko snow. Though this ski is perfect for pow, it's not so good on the groomed runs as edge hold and response isn’t very good and you can feel like you're driving an off-road 4WD on a race track!

Skier Type: Strong Intermediate- Advanced Terrain: Powder Snow (the deeper the better) Rental Recommendation: Head Monster 82, Head Super Mojo, Armada JJ, K2 Wayback, K2 Backlash

ALPINE/ CARVING SKIS For those of you who prefer to carve at speed on the freshly groomed runs or prefer shorter, sharper and faster turns, an alpine carving ski is what you want to be driving. This is usually a very stiff ski that is very responsive and handles high speeds with minimal vibration. Due to the narrow waist of carving, skis can turn from edge to edge quickly and with minimal effort. These skis can vary from 6070mm under foot with a short turning radius of 11-14 metres.

Skier Type: Strong Intermediate- Advanced (Aggressive skier) Terrain: Groomed, On - Piste Rental Recommendation: Head Supershape Magnum

ALL MOUNTAIN/ FREERIDE SKIS Designed to be good in all terrain, an all mountain (or freeride) ski will let you ski in a variety of terrain conditions. This ski will give you the float you need in powder, slice through the slushy stuff, cut through the crud as well as hold an edge and allow you to carve well on the groomed runs. An all mountain ski is usually of medium stiffness and ranges from 65-85mm under foot and is not suited for beginner skiers. This ski really is for the strong intermediate to advanced skier who skis a variety of terrain at moderate to fast speeds.

Skier Type: Strong Intermediate - Advanced Terrain: Groomed, Powder, Slush, Crud, Steeps

Rental Recommendation: Head Monster 68-78, K2 Rictor, K2 Aftershock

PARK/ PIPE/ FREESTYLE SKIS (TWIN TIPS) Want to play in the park or pipe? Love skiing backwards, doing tricks and generally spending most of your snow time in the air? If this is you, its straight to the freestyle department! With the rapid rise in popularity of twin tip and rocker technology, freestyle skis are designed for fun, style, airtime and, of course, going backwards. Their softer construction is forgiving on jumps and bumps and their twin tip technology has been borrowed from the snowboard and adapted to suit skis. Though a freestyle ski is not suited for the groomed runs at all, you will notice that many twin tip skis are also wide under foot similar to a powder ski and therefore also perform well in powder snow!

Skier Type: Freestylers and Park Rats!

Terrain: Terrain Park- Jumps and Pipe Rental Recommendation: Armada El Ray, Head Mojo Mix

MID FAT

CARVE SKI

This is a fun and friendly ski suitable for beginners to intermediate snow riders who prefer to stay mostly on the groomed runs, only venturing offpiste every now and then. With a softer flex pattern to allow for easy turning. this ski is generally quite agile, responding well to the slightly faster skier whilst still being forgiving and easy to control for the more cautious skier. A mid fat carve ski is a perfect option for the recreational skier in Niseko conditions.

Skier Type: Beginner - Intermediate Terrain: Groomed and On-Piste, with the Occasional Powder or Off-Piste skiing.

Rental Recommendation: Head Xenon 5.0

All of this equipment is available at the NBS Alpen Ridge stores. Why not have a chat with their experienced technicians about your snow needs.

GETTING YOUR GEAR GETTING

HELMETS

In the past, helmets tended to be heavy, uncomfortable and very unfashionable to wear. This is no longer the case as manufacturers have adopted new technology and design to create a wide range of lighter and more stylish form of head protection.

Helmet popularity has quickly increased and wearing a helmet is now, not only a matter of safety, but a matter of style. A helmet, when fitted correctly, can dramatically increase your chances of survival during a heavy fall, hitting a tree or coming unstuck in the park. However, wearing a helmet is not a licence to be reckless, nor will it make you invincible. Riding safely today, means you can ride again tomorrow.

Here are some tips to help you purchase a helmet.

WHY WEAR A HELMET?

• Safety - The number-one reason is for head and skull protection • Keeps your goggles steady and in good position • Goggles do not get lost after a big stack • A helmet tends to keep your head warmer than beanie • Ventilation allows hot air to escape from your head, so goggles are less likely to fog • Best way to listen to music

GOGGLES A good goggle - helmet relationship is critical to your comfort on the hill. When buying a new helmet, take your goggles with you and make sure they fit well when worn together with the helmet.

VENTILATION It is important to have a helmet with good ventilation so that hot air can escape and you do not overheat, nor fog up your goggles. In Niseko a helmet with restricted airflow (fewer and smaller

A HOW TO/BUYER’S GUIDE A HOW TO/BUYER’S GUIDE

vents) and full ear covering are ideal due to the cold and very snowy conditions. If you plan to ski mostly in warmer or spring-like weather, then it’s best to go for a well ventilated helmet with removable ear coverings.

MUSIC ON THE MOVE Wearing a helmet with an in-built audio system is seriously the best way to listen to your favourite beats whilst riding. They provide a sharp, highquality sound that is easy on the ears. However, it can at the same time make it hard to hear anything else around you which may lead to accidents on the hill. Many helmets also have removable headphones so you can take them from the slopes to the street!

HEAD SHAPE Just as not all heads are the same, not all helmets fit the same! Head shape is a key factor in your helmet selection. You could have a “round”, “oval” or “roval” head shape and will need to find a helmet which best fits you. You should try on several helmets to get a feel for the best shape for your head.

HELMET SIZING To determine your helmet size, wrap a measuring tape around your head- just above your ears and forehead. Record the size in cm or inches. This is your helmet size.

KIDS When selecting a helmet for children, do not get a helmet with the intention that they will grow into it.

Ensure that it fits correctly now. A helmet that is too loose is not going to be safe and may actually cause more damage than wearing no helmet at all.

PUTTING A HELMET ON 1. Place the helmet on your head directly above your eyebrows.

2. Hold the straps on both sides and roll the helmet over the top of your head.

3. When trying on a helmet, leave it on for a few minutes so you can get a better feel for the fit.

DOES IT FIT CORRECTLY? Once your helmet is on, and before you secure the chin strap, the helmet and padding should feel snug right around your head with no gaps. It should not be tight anywhere with the pressure evenly distributed above your head. Once you have secured the chin strap, try to roll the helmet off your head. If the skin on your forehead moves, this is a sign of a good fit.

TIPS • Only buy a helmet that meets approved safety standards and certified for snowsports use. You cannot just wear your bike, skateboard or kayaking helmet and expect to be adequately protected in the snow • Avoid buying a used or second-hand helmet • If you have a big impact with your helmet, it is best to purchase another one • Love your helmet and encourage your friends to wear one!

• Actually WEAR your helmet and always have the chin strap fastened • Remember wearing a helmet does not make you invincible.

Stay safe out there!

Getting UR Gear

51

COO

KIE

LEE

Home Countr y: Hong Kong Role at SkiJa pan.com: Reservations Best part abo ut your job?: Replying guests enquiry.

Which do you prefer? Ski o r snowboard?

Favourite rest : Ski aurant in Nisek o?: Ajino-toke Favourite off-s dai now activity in the area?: Shopping at Seico-Mart, going to Ons Your most em en. barrassing m oment?: Everyday I go to Seico-Mar t with Helen colleague). O (My ne day I wen t to buy som by myself an ething d their staff asked me wh was?! ere she

MASA

OGATA

: Home Country pan a, Hokkaido, Ja Kita-Hiroshim n.com: Role at SkiJapa , SJ Allg Team Leader in ar le -C w no S Carpenter, Rounder t your job?: satisfyBest part abou may be, is very it r ve te ha w b, Completing a jo work! st being able to ing. It’s great ju snowboard?: prefer? Ski or Which do you s old e I was 7 year nc si g iin sk en I have be Favourite run: of skiing views and ease e th r fo r, te en C : rant in Niseko?

Favourite restau Manzoku t Niseko, but ou ab ow kn t d Kado in I don’ ji Bar Kimura an u ok sh O , do Shoku ry tasty. recommend. Ve Kutchan I can the area?: now activity in f-s of ite ur vo Fa inter-style! on - fishing, w as se ow sn e es in the During th d wild vegetabl an s om ro sh u Picking m off-season. t?: rrassing momen in SuYour most emba mmer’s night su y lm ba a as a girl I I was 23, it w t I recognized gh ou th I . ro calling out sukino, Sappo unner – I kept st a t ha w d louder knew - wow tting louder an ge as w e ic vo after her, my reet, scores of r down the st he ed ’t care. as ch I as aring but I didn st d an g in rn tu ed people were er and she turn ed her should ch that u ah to Ye I t. n en he W ely differ et pl m co ne eo around… som barrassing… was pretty em 52

Home Coun try: A Role a ustra t SkiJ lia apan.

Nisek com: o Bas e Sno Best p wspo art ab rts S o choo u t your Gettin l g to w job?: and ge ork w tting t ith th e o ski Which the be best crew do yo s in t pow u pref Favou in the the world er? S rite ru world ki or s . n trees nowb and al : Off the oard? s s o id e : o S Favou o ut of ki rite re the ga f Miharash i in th staura tes at Yotei e nt in N the to M p. iseko more aru Sush ?: i Trai Japan n ese, m able. ore o in K-town. f As I the m Favou le enu b rite of ecom arn f-snow e Swim s avai activi m lty in t Alpen ing at the h e indoo a Hotel r e a ?: r indoo r clim and indoor pool at th e b c i l n imbing g cen Your tre. most at the emba Trying rrassi to pr ng mo o cony ment? of an pose to m : y fian Alpen stuck cé on Ridge in a c th ap hildpr oof d artment a e balnd get oor. ting

Meet the Team of SkiJapan.com

Z

OREN PAUL L

M e e t The

Team of

Home Country: Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan Role at SkiJapan.com: I work at the airport desk.

Best part about your job?: HOSANA SUZ UKI I can introduce my country to the people from other country.

Which do you prefer? Ski or snowboard?: Snowboard.

Favourite run: Running from the international terminal at New Chitose Airport to domestic terminal to greet customers.

Favourite restaurant in Niseko?: Graubunden.I like their cream cheese, ham, and tomato with basil sandwiches. There are lots of sweet tomatoes in the sandwiches. And also I love their cakes.

Favourite off-snow activity in the area?: I love to go to onsen.

Your most embarrassing moment?: When people sing songs with my name “Hosanna in the highest”

RANDY WIEMAN & HOT SHOTS Randy Wieman and Hot Shots Photography & Video are back in Niseko for their seventh powder Winter.

Randy started skiing at the age of 5. He went on to win the European, Australian and New Zealand Freestyle Skiing Championships. Skiing is his life's passion. Since 1987 Randy has run Hot Shots Photography & Video in Thredbo, Australia. He was an accredited photographer at the Albertville and Nagano Winter Olympics.

He has skied in over 200 resorts around the World."I came to Niseko in 2004 and could not believe how amazing this place was, more powder than I had never seen and a village with tons of atmosphere and sensational food."

With the help of Peter Murphy at SkiJapan.com, Randy returned to Niseko in 2005 to provide SkiJapan. com guests with the kind of powder shots usually seen only on the covers of magazines. Randy says "There is nowhere else in the world where it is possible to get regular shots of skiers and boarders waist deep in powder snow."

Many skiers and boarders have taken the opportunity to get their own DVD ski movie while in Niseko. Randy has been filming and editing all kinds of video productions over the last 20 years. With the latest digital equipment, a wealth of filming experience and the ski ability of a World class skier, no one in the World can create a better personal movie souvenir.

HOT SHOTS IN NISEKO For the third season running, Hot Shots is located next to Niseko Base Snowsports in the Alpen Ridge apartment complex at the bottom of the Family Run. Our team of photographers are constantly taking great shots on the mountain so come and visit us to see if we caught your powder moment. We can also organise private photo shoots for that personal touch.

All images are viewable on the computers at our Café or you can see them on our website,

www.hotshots.net.au On top of our photography and video services, the Hot Shots café is again offering Paninis, wraps, warm soup, hot Milo and, what was for many of our customers last Winter, "The best coffee in Niseko".

THE HOTSHOTS CAFE The Hot Shots café team will continue the fine tradition of the Australian Coffee Culture. The food offerings at Hotshots are a terrific fusion of tasty western goods and local specialty produce that capture the essence of the area with delicious results. Visit the friendly Hotshots staff for a truly refreshing experience.The low prices and great food are sure to have you walking out with a big smile and loads of energy for the hill.

53

HOT SHOT AD

TIMETABLES FOR AIRPORT TRANSPORT 2010 - 2011 AIRPORT BUS INFORMATION RESORT LINER NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT

RUSUTSU

NISEKO HIRAFU 01/12/10

01/04/11

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Rusutsu : 2,000yen Airport

NISEKO HIRAFU

RUSUTSU

Hirafu : 2,300yen Adults and Children are the same price

NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT 02/12/10

04/04/11 * Rusutsu until 03/04/11

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Airport : 2,000yen / Hirafu

Airport : 2,300yen

2010 - 2011 SAPPORO BUS INFORMATION RESORT LINER SAPPORO 02/12/10

RUSUTSU

NISEKO HIRAFU

NISEKO HIRAFU

04/04/11 * RUSUTSU until 03/04/11

RUSUTSU

SAPPORO 01/12/10

501 B

4F 3F 2F 1F

03/04/11

502

504

506

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

7:40

Hilton Niseko Village

9:40

14:40

16:40

Rusutsu Resort

10:00

Hirafu Welcome Center

10:00

15:00

17:00

Rusutsu Tower

10:05

Rusutsu Resort

10:45

15:45

17:45

Hirafu Welcome Center

10:45

Rusutsu Tower

10:50

15:50

17:50

Hilton Niseko Village

11:05

Sapporo Hotels

12:30 - 13:30

17:30 - 18:30

19:30 - 20:30

Sapporo

Rusutsu : 2,000yen

Rusutsu

Sapporo

Hirafu : 2,300yen

Children are the same price

Sapporo : 2,000yen Hirafu

10:04

11:04

12:34

13:34

15:34

17:04

18:04

20:04

21:04

8:29

10:40

11:40

13:10

14:10

16:10

17:40

18:40

20:40

21:43

EXP

Sapporo

=

D

7:15

8:04

8:42

10:44

11:44

13:14

14:14

16:14

17:44

18:44

20:44

21:47

A

8:03

8:44

9:29

11:16

12:16

13:46

14:46

16:46

18:17

19:17

21:17

22:26

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

8:46

9:44

11:21

12:20

13:50

14:50

16:53

18:38

19:21

21:35

22:29

10:57

12:52

13:30

14:57

19:46

20:50

22:45

23:38

Otaru

= A

8:07

7:50

9:20

9:41

D

6:27

7:52

9:28

9:44

Hirafu

D

6:35

8:00

9:36

Niseko

D

6:43

8:08

9:45

Kutchan

=

9:57

16:17

18:01

13:43

16:42

18:05

20:52

13:50

16:51

18:13

21:00

13:58

17:01

18:22

21:13

NISEKO - HIRAFU CHITOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT HIROFU - KUTCHAN - OTARU - SAPPORO - NEW CHITOSE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 1

EXP

1

D

6:43

7:36

9:08

10:36

13:26

Hirafu

D

6:50

7:44

9:18

10:47

13:35

A

6:57

7:51

9:27

10:55

13:42

Kutchan

16:00

15:58

16:15

17:47

19:03

21:13

16:08

16:25

17:55

19:11

21:23

16:14

16:17

16:33

18:03

19:19

21:31

D

5:22

6:22

6:58

8:02

9:42

11:00

12:23

14:04

15:15

16:22

16:40

18:06

19:21

21:32

A

6:34

7:23

8:01

9:16

11:00

12:19

13:30

15:29

16:30

17:40

18:13

19:13

20:42

22:50

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

=

D

6:38

7:28

8:18

9:34

11:04

12:34

13:34

15:34

16:34

17:42

18:34

19:28

20:56

23:00

A

7:24

8:17

8:58

10:06

11:36

13:06

14:06

16:06

17:06

18:24

19:06

20:13

21:42

23:54

Otaru

Sapporo

=

New Chitose International Airport

=

D

7:35

8:25

9:10

10:10

11:40

13:10

14:10

16:10

17:10

18:40

19:10

20:17

A

8:13

9:01

9:46

10:46

12:16

13:46

14:46

16:46

17:46

19:16

19:46

21:15

EXP Niseko EXPRESS: 23 December 2010 - 20 February 2011

*Schedule for 23 December - 20 February

JR website http://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/

D = Deperture Departure A = Arrival

Contact JR Hokkaido Information Centre

54

Airport/Bus Info

↑ JA EXIT L A

= Transfer = Transfer

Niseko

011-222-7111

Meeting Point for after 7:00PM DOMESTIC AIRLINE TERMINAL ARRIVALS

↑ ARK KYM &S JAL EXIT B

7:36

A

6:11

DOMESTIC AIRLINE TERMINAL 2F DEPARTURES 1F ARRIVALS

= Transfer = Transfer

D

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TERMINAL 3F DEPARTURES 2F ARRIVALS

CONNECTING PASS

1F FLOOR MAP

CHITOSE NEW CHITOSE INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AIRPORT - SAPPORO - SAPPORO - OTARU - OTARU - KUTCHAN - KUTCHAN - HIROFU - HIRAFU - NISEKO - NISEKO

D

4F 3F 2F 1F

Sapporo : 2,300yen Adults and

2010 - 2011 JR TRAIN New Chitose International Airport

NEW CHITOSE AIRPORT MAP

Service Desk Opens 11:00AM - 7:00PM

RESORT LINER COUNTER

↑ DO AIR A& AN EXIT

INTERNATIONAL EXIT ↓

SkiJapan.com

SERVICE DESK

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE TERMINAL ARRIVALS CONNECTING PASS 2F FLOOR MAP DOMESTIC AIRLINE TERMINAL DEPARTURES

TIMETABLES FOR LOCAL TRANSPORT YUME Night NUS

Yumeguri Onsen Ticket Kutchan Night Go Bus Niseko United Bus

Niseko Niseko Bus Niseko Niseko Bus Donan Donan Bus

Kutchan-Ikoi no Mura Niseko Station ⇄ Konbu Onsen Kutchan Station ⇄ Hilton Niseko Village

Operates: 11/12/2010～26/03/2011 Operates: 01/12/2010～31/03/2011 Operates: 11/12/2010～26/03/2011

Fare: Adult One Way 500yen / Child One Way 250yen Fare: Monthly Pass 200yen / Season Pass 500yen

Operates: 01/12/2010～31/03/2011 Operates: 23/12/2010～20/02/2011 Operates: Year Round

Fare: Adult One Way 500yen / Child One Way 250yen Fare: Adult One Way 500yen / Child One Way 250yen

Niseko All Mountain Pass holders ride free. For non-pass holders normal fares will apply.

*Routes marked with ☆ will operate everyday from 20/11/2010～03/04/2011 Saturdays and Sundays Only from 10/04/2011～25/04/2011. Everyday 29/04/2011～05/05/2011

Niseko All Mountain Pass holders ride free. For non-pass holders normal fares will apply.

*The timetable below applies from 17/12/2010∼13/03/2011

YUMOTO ONSEN → ANNUPURI SKI RESORT → HILTON NISEKO VILLAGE → HIRAFU → KUTCHAN Yumoto Onsen (Yukichichibu）

Niseko

Operating Hours ★ Extended ：

Konbu Onsen

15:16

Kanro no Mori Moiwa Junction（Yugokorotei Onsen）

★ NUS 8:00

Hotel Niseko Ikoi no Mura Niseko Northern Resort - Annupuri

Niseko

★

8:35 8:36

NUS 9:00

NUS 9:50

Niseko

NUS 10:50 10:30 10:51

10:32 10:52

11:22 12:02 12:42

9:56

10:36 10:54

11:26 12:06 12:46

∥

∥

∥

∥

8:10

8:42

Hokuei Junction

8:13

* Milk Kobo

8:14

** Higashiyama Pension Village

9:10

↓

9:05 9:07

9:17 9:19

10:07 10:47 11:01 10:09 10:49 11:03

↓

9:26

Donan 9:14

Hilton Niseko Village

8:24

** Higashiyama Pension Village

8:26

↓ ↓

↓

↓

9:01

9:20

Donan 8:27

* Milk Kobo

7:40

Kabayama Primary School Kabayama North

↓

Hirafu Crossroads

∥ ∥

Hirafu Gondola

Hirafu Welcome Center

Arrival Departure

Prince Hirafutei Hotel Hirafu Crossroads Izumikyo

7:45

8:34 8:36 8:39 8:44 ★

9:07

∥ ∥ 9:30

9:27 ↓

Donan 10:15

↓

↓

9:32

10:17

↓

↓

9:11

9:35

10:20

∥

∥

∥

∥

9:40

10:25

9:19

7:56

9:20

↓

10:26 11:06 10:29 11:09 ★

11:47 12:27 13:07

↓

↓

12:04 12:44 13:24 Niseko 13:25

↓

11:24 11:32 ↓

11:26 11:35

11:32

↓

11:56 12:36 13:16 11:59 12:39 13:19

11:22 Donan 11:30

↓

↓

11:54 12:34 13:14

∥ ∥

↓

∥

13:51 14:26

15:16

13:54 14:29

15:19

∥

↓

↓

↓ ∥ ∥ 14:35

↓

↓ 14:37

↓

↓

13:29

14:40

13:37

11:35 11:40

↓ 14:25

13:27

13:35

∥

11:34

★

↓

13:38

14:07 14:42

14:08 14:43 ↓

↓

↓ ↓ 15:21 ∥ ∥

14:25 15:00

↓ ↓

∥

∥

∥

14:45

16:27 17:02 16:30 17:05

16:35 17:10

↓

↓

↓

11:37 11:41

13:40

14:46

15:36 15:40 16:25

Kutchan Crossroads

8:03

10:26

Machi no Eki Platt / Takiguchi Sports

∥ 8:15

9:24 9:25

↓ 9:50

↓ 10:35

11:39 ↓ 11:40 11:50

13:42 13:43

↓ 14:55

↓ 15:42 16:27 15:45 15:42 16:28

JR Kutchan Station

14:47

↓

17:06

NUS

↓

18:30

↓

∥

↓

↓

18:31

↓

↓

18:34 18:35

↓ ↓

19:07 20:07 19:10 20:10 ∥

∥

19:11 20:11 19:14 20:14 19:15 20:15

↓ 18:38 ↓ 19:18 20:18 18:31 18:40 19:41 19:20 20:20 18:34 18:45 19:44 19:25 20:25 18:47

↓

↓

18:48

↓

↓

↓

↓

↓

18:55

↓

↓

17:33 17:58 ↓

17:40 18:05 17:42 18:07 17:45 18:10

∥ ∥

17:50 18:15

18:57 19:00

∥ ∥

19:27 20:27

19:28 20:28 ↓

↓

19:35 20:35 19:37 20:37 19:40 20:40

19:45 20:45 17:25 Niseko Night Niseko 18:46 Night 19:56 Night Night Night Night 18:00 18:30 18:53 19:30 20:15 21:15 22:20 23:20 ↓

19:05

↓

18:31

↓

18:35

↓

17:30 18:04 18:36 18:57 ∥ ∥

↓

19:31

↓

20:16 21:16 22:21 23:21

↓

17:17

19:36

↓

↓ 18:46 ↓

20:27 21:27 22:32 23:32

19:44

19:06

20:29 21:29 22:34 23:34

↓

↓

19:46

↓ 19:08

↓

19:47

↓ 18:17 18:49 19:10 17:45 18:18 18:50 19:11

↓

↓

↓

20:31 21:31 22:36 23:36

↓

17:37 18:16 18:47 19:09

17:19 17:20

20:21 21:21 22:26 23:26

19:42

18:12 18:44 19:05

17:36 18:15

↓

18:50 19:35 20:00 20:20 21:20 22:25 23:25

18:10 18:42 19:03

17:35 18:13

↓ 17:16

15:37 15:41 16:26

∥ ∥

↓

17:14

↓

↓

18:27

↓

↓

17:32 17:57 ↓

NUS

17:27 18:02 18:33 18:55 18:49 19:33 19:59 20:18 21:18 22:23 23:23

17:12

15:37 16:22

↓ 17:15

↓

17:03

17:05

15:34 16:20

↓

13:41

17:01

↓

9:41

11:38 11:42

Night 17:00

↓

↓

10:27

16:25 17:00

15:35 15:38 16:23 ↓

↓

15:50

9:22

9:42

↓

15:42 15:45

∥

9:23

16:18 16:53

↓

15:30 15:29 16:14

∥

17:16 17:41

17:19 17:44

↓

19:23

19:25

↓

↓

∥

16:15 16:50 17:05 17:30 17:55

15:27 15:28 16:12 ↓

∥

16:01 16:36

16:17 16:52

Donan 15:27 Niseko 15:25 16:10 ↓

∥

16:08 16:43 17:00 17:23 17:48 16:10 16:45 17:02 17:25 17:50

14:15 14:50 15:22 15:40 14:17 14:52 14:20 14:55

∥

19:21 NUS

18:21 18:23 19:31 19:03 20:03

16:05 16:40 Donan 17:20 17:45

15:33

19:20

18:19 18:20 19:29 19:00 20:00 18:20 18:21 19:30 19:01 20:01

17:15 17:40

16:04 16:39

15:32

7:57

Shiribeshi Crafts Centre

15:42

11:44 12:24 13:04 14:15 14:05 14:40 15:10 15:30 11:46 12:26 13:06

11:16

10:34 11:14

9:36 9:39

↓ 9:17

↓

∥

11:37 12:17 12:57 14:10 13:58 14:33 15:13 15:23 11:39 12:19 12:59 14:12 14:00 14:35 15:12 15:25

↓

9:44

↓

∥

10:17 10:57

∥

18:15

17:08 17:33

15:15 15:36 16:00 16:35

11:34 12:14 12:54 Donan 13:55 14:30 Niseko 15:20

10:14 10:54 11:05 10:16 10:56

∥

11:30 12:10 12:50

↓

10:24 11:04 11:17

9:09

∥

10:04 10:44

∥

15:08 15:31 15:53 16:28

13:50 14:25

11:33 12:13 12:53

↓

9:34

∥

Lerch Park Sanpachi Ramen

∥ ∥

↓

9:24

∥

Self Defence Forces Base Kutchan Bridge

9:02

9:10

7:48 7:51

Log Village

8:50

∥

10:00 10:40 10:57

10:03 10:43

8:46 8:48

Green Leaf Hotel

∥

9:13

↓

8:17 8:19

Niseko Village Ski Centre

∥

13:43 14:18

11:29 12:09 12:49

18:13

NUS

17:12 17:37

9:52

9:06

JR Niseko Station

NUS

15:12 15:33 15:57 16:32

9:02

8:39

10:39 10:56

NUS

13:47 14:22

8:37

9:59

NUS

17:05 17:30 17:06 17:31

8:06

9:09

15:24

15:05 15:28 15:50 16:25 15:06 15:29 15:51 16:26

8:02

8:41

NUS

13:40 14:15 13:41 14:16

Annupuri Ski Resort Entrance

8:09

NUS

19:10

18:11 ★

NUS NUS NUS 11:20 12:00 12:40

Annupuri Ski Resort Fujiyama

NUS

★

15:20

YUME

18:00

18:10

15:18

Konbu Onsen Entrance（Grand Hotel）

YUME

↓

↓

↓

20:32 21:32 22:37 23:37

19:49 19:50

20:34 21:34 22:39 23:39 20:35 21:35 22:40 23:40

KUTCHAN → HIRAFU → HILTON NISEKO VILLAGE → ANNUPURI SKI RESORT → YUMOTO ONSEN Niseko Donan 8:00

JR Kutchan Station

8:01

Machi no Eki Platt

Niseko

8:30

Donan Donan

9:55 9:56

↓

9:55

11:10

↓

↓

Niseko Donan

Niseko

Donan

13:01

14:16

↓

13:00 13:35

8:02 8:03

8:32

9:57

9:57

11:12

Shiribeshi Crafts Centre Yotei Maru Sushi Train

↓

↓

↓

↓

↓

8:05

8:34

10:00

9:59

11:14

Lerch Park（Max Value）

↓

∥

↓

∥

∥

↓

Self Defence Force Base

8:07

∥

10:02

∥

∥

13:07 ↓

↓

Kutchan Crossroads

Kutchan Bridge

8:13

Log Village Izumikyo Hirafu Crossroads Tokyu Sansou

Hirafu Welcome Center

Arrival Departure

Hirafu Gondola

8:33

8:39 ↓

↓

8:42 ∥

10:09 ∥

8:18

8:50

NUS 8:00

NUS 8:45

NUS 9:30

8:05

8:50

9:35

8:10

8:55

9:40

★

∥

∥

∥

∥

Kabayama North

8:22

↓

8:23

8:52

* Milk Kobo

↓

∥

** Higashiyama Pension Village

↓

∥

8:31 8:33

9:05 9:07

Niseko Village Ski Centre Green Leaf Hotel

Hilton Niseko Village

8:35

** Higashiyama Pension Village

↓

* Milk Kobo

↓

Hokuei Junction JR Niseko Station

8:43

9:10

9:58

10:08

↓ 8:15 ∥

Hirafu Crossroads Kabayama Primary School

9:58

8:08

8:53

↓

↓

↓

9:02

9:47

8:21 8:23 8:28

8:30 8:31

8:34

9:03

9:06 9:08 9:13

9:15 9:16

9:19

∥

9:38

8:17 8:18

10:13

∥

13:02 13:37

11:13

↓

10:18

10:25 11:05 11:45 12:35 13:45 10:28 11:08 11:48 12:38 13:48 ↓

↓

↓

↓

↓

10:37 11:17 11:57 12:47 13:57

↓

10:01

↓

10:50 11:30 12:10 13:00 14:10 10:51 11:31 12:11 13:01 14:11

10:04 Niseko 10:35 10:54 11:34 12:14 13:04 14:14 10:10

∥

∥

10:05 10:16 10:36 10:55 11:35 12:15 13:05 14:15 10:08 10:19 10:38 10:58 11:38 12:18 13:08 14:18

Annupuri Ski Resort

8:50

9:20 9:23

Niseko Northern Resort - Annupuri

8:49

8:44

9:29

10:14 10:23 10:42 11:04 11:44 12:24 13:14 14:24

Moiwa Junction(Yugokorotei) Kanro no Mori Konbu Onsen Entrance(Grand Hotel) Konbu Onsen

Yumoto Onsen(Yukichichibu)

8:48

8:42

9:27

∥

∥

∥

∥

∥

∥

10:12 10:25 10:42 11:02 11:42 12:22 13:12 14:22 ★

∥

↓

∥

14:22

∥

15:57

∥

↓

↓

14:28

15:14 YUME

↓

↓

14:30 ∥

15:45

17:15 ↓

↓ 18:14 ↓ 18:16

18:33 ↓ 18:35 ↓

↓

10:22 10:41

10:28

10:32 10:34 10:36

↓

↓

↓

↓

19:04 19:59 20:59 22:04 23:04 ↓

↓

↓

↓

↓

19:06 20:01 21:01 22:06 23:06

17:17 18:18 18:37 19:08 20:03 21:03 22:08 23:08

16:03 16:34

YUME

17:00

15:17 15:46 16:05 16:37 ∥ ∥ ∥

17:23 18:24 18:43 19:14 20:09 21:09 22:14 23:14 ↓

18:25

↓

19:15 20:10 21:10 22:15 23:15

17:01 17:25 ∥ 18:45 ∥ ∥ ∥ ∥ ∥ ∥ 18:27 ∥ 19:17 20:12 21:12 22:17 23:17

∥ ∥ ↓ 13:57

14:25 14:28

∥ ∥

14:55 15:35 14:58 15:38

14:30 14:37 15:00 15:40

↓ ↓

↓ 14:37

14:38

14:38

↓ ↓

↓ 15:07 15:47

∥ ∥ ↓

16:20 16:23

16:25

↓

↓

↓

16:32

∥ ∥ ↓ 16:47

17:05 17:08

17:10

∥ ∥ ↓

↓

↓

17:17

↓

17:40 18:35 19:05 19:40

21:20

17:45 18:40 19:10 19:45

21:25

17:43 18:38 19:08 19:43 ↓

↓

↓

↓

21:23 ↓

21:36 21:38

8:35 8:38

Hotel Niseko Ikoi no Mura

↓

∥

↓

15:55 16:29

10:24 10:41 11:21 12:01 12:51 14:01 14:10 14:41 14:46 15:11 15:51 ↓ 16:36 17:00 17:21 ↓ 17:56 18:51 19:21 19:56 10:25 10:43 11:23 12:03 12:53 14:03 14:12 14:43 14:48 15:13 15:53 15:58 16:38 17:02 17:23 17:13 17:58 18:53 19:23 19:58

10:38 11:18 11:58 12:48 13:58

∥

Annupuri Ski Resort Entrance

∥

17:13

↓

15:08 15:48

↓

16:33

↓ ↓

17:18

↓

17:53 18:48 19:18 19:53

10:27 10:48 11:28 12:08 12:58 14:08 14:15 14:48 14:50 15:18 15:58 16:01 16:43 17:05 17:28 17:16 18:03 18:58 19:28 20:03

10:00

∥

15:09

Night

10:15 11:30 13:18 ★ 15:25 16:08 ★ 17:28 18:28 18:48 19:18 21:13 NUS NUS ★NUS NUS NUS 13:55 NUS 14:33 NUS NUS 15:49 NUS 16:45 NUS 17:04 NUS NUS NUS NUS 20:13 NUS 22:18 23:18 10:20 11:00 11:40 12:30 13:40 14:20 14:50 15:30 16:15 17:00 17:35 18:30 19:00 19:35 21:15

8:44 8:46

Fujiyama

14:20

Night

17:12 18:13 18:32 19:03 19:58 20:58 22:03 23:03

15:53 16:28 ↓

Night

21:32

↓

9:58

15:52 16:27

15:08

Night

17:10 18:10 18:30 19:00 19:55 20:55 22:00 23:00

↓

17:52 18:47 19:17 19:52

↓

9:51 9:53

17:11 18:11 18:31 19:01 19:56 20:56 22:01 23:01

15:50 16:25

↓

13:15 13:47 ∥ ∥

10:17 10:30 11:10 11:50 12:40 13:50

9:48

Niseko Night Niseko Night

15:51

15:07

13:13 13:44

↓

Niseko Donan

↓

14:18

↓

13:05 13:39

10:07 11:22 ∥ ∥

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13:15 14:25

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14:54 ∥ 14:55 14:58 15:02 15:04

15:05 ★

★ Extended Operating Period

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16:45 16:46

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16:50 16:53

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16:49

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15:32 16:12 16:14 16:57 15:34 16:14 16:15 16:59

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21:45

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18:10 19:05 19:35 20:10 18:13 19:08 19:38 20:13

17:42 17:29 18:17 19:12 19:42 20:17 17:44 17:30 18:19 19:14 19:44 20:19 17:35

21:43

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Airport/Bus Info

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30TH SAPPORO WHITE ILLUMINATION

26th Nov - 13th Feb @Sapporo Spend an evening in Sapporo and witness the spectacular light display in the main streets.

CHRISTMAS EVE

YUKITOPIA FESTIVAL

Have yourself a White Christmas in Japan! Skyrockets will be launched after night skiing finishes. Many restaurants prepare special Christmas dinners.

Celebrate Winter with the Kutchan locals! Yotei Taiko drumming performance, fireworks, giant snowman, dance performances and bingo are all just a short bus ride from Niseko!

24th Dec @Hirafu

NEW YEAR’S EVE 31st Dec @ Hirafu

Celebrate your New Year’s Eve with torch-light skiing and countdown fireworks at the Kogen Hotel. Skiers and snowboarders will light up the slopes with a flare run and entertainers will keep the party going throughout the night.

AUSTRALIA DAY 26th Jan @ Hirafu

Celebrate Australia Day in one of the many bars in the village that will be hosting an Australia Day party.

Seasonal Events

LAKE SHIKOTSU ICE FESTIVAL 28th Jan – 13th Feb @ Lake Shikotsu

Be amazed at the multi-coloured ice sculpture displays by local artists. It’s an ice world experience which displays the beauty of ice in many forms.

OTARU SNOW LIGHT FESTIVAL 4th Feb -13th Feb @Otaru

The streets of Otaru’s historical canals are lit up with snow candles and lanterns. Don’t miss out on this romantic night festival that attracts thousands of visitors every year!

62ND SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

THE TOYOTA BIG AIR COMPETITION

Japan’s biggest Winter event. Join the crowds to see the hundreds of beautiful statues and massive ice sculptures lining Odori Park, the grounds of the Community Dome Tsudome and the Susukino main street.

Witness the spectacular Official PSA Invitational Event in Sapporo. SkiJapan. com run a tour to this world-class event.

Get in early to book a seat.

7th Feb -13th Feb @ Sapporo

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19th Feb – 20th Feb@ Kutchan

26th Feb @ Sapporo

NBS HQ located in Alpen Ridge

8AM - 8PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

*During peak winter period

T 0136 21 5050

Alpen Ridge

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Ch air

Let our team of professional and experienced staff show you a fun, safe and memorable snow experience!

SeicoMart

info@nisekobase.com

for more information or to book online

www.nisekobase.com

NBS 2nd Location