Powderlife Magazine Issue No.14

WINTER SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT REAL ESTATE FREE
issue 14 Feb 7 20 2009
www.powderlife.com
livin' on SHIRETOKO ICE FLOES
t h e e d g e a frozen natural wonder
LOST IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

tips that could save your life
SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

japan's biggest winter event
Nisekos powder lifestyle magazine fresh every two weeks

SEKKADINING
SEKKA Dining is an experience in modern interna-
tional cuisine fusing Hokkaidos fresh seasonal fish,
herbs, vegetables and meats with admired culinary
traditions from around the world.
DINNER 18:00~ T: 21-5022
MAKI LOUNGE
Cultivate your knowledge of Japans best sakes and
the worlds finest single malts at the Maki Saki
Lounge. Perfect for fire-side drinks after dinner as
Sekka
the snowflakes drift down.
DRINKS 17:00~ T: 21-3070
SEKKA DELI
Get set for the day ahead with Sekkas famous house
made Granola or wile away the afternoon with the
delicious Hokkaido flavours of a SEKKA Deli lunch.
Ready to eat or takeaway immediately if there are
pressing engagements on the slopes.
BREAKFAST 7:30~ T: 21-3088
SEKKA TECA
Our resident sommelier has handpicked some of
the worlds best wines for you to buy at SEKKATECA
Wines or tipple at the bar. Weve also stocked a
fantastic selection of international foods and house
made goodies to eat at home.
SHOPPING 10:00~21:00 T: 21-3088
w ww. j - s e k k a. co m
intro T contents page
GROOMERS
NEWS PEOPLE PARTIES ETC
11 Page Seven // Village news and happenings

12 Niseko News // Be the first to know
14 Cross Country // Offbeat news from across Japan
16 Snap // Faces and fashion on the mountain
17 Flash // Nisekos nightlife and party scene
18 Nightlife // The day really begins aprs
19 In the loop // Whats on in Niseko
20 Powder Tools // Essentials for Niseko powder
22 Meet the Locals // Introducing Niseko locals
23 Irasshaimase // Great little local businesses
FEATURES
A WAIST-DEEP LOOK AT NISEKO
24 LOST IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

Powderlife gives you some essential tips on how to
survive when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere.
26 SHIRETOKO ICE FLOES

Hokkaido's most spectacular natural wonder attracts
many visitors to this land bridge made of ice.
36 SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

This festival, made entirely of snow and ice, is Japans
biggest winter event.
38 SEKKA DINING
A hip taste of class, warmth and space
in the heart of Hirafu.
winter print run 50,000+

publisher Bevan Colless
managing editor Kristian Lund

51 NISEKO'S ORIGINAL DEVELOPER
Izumikyo Company, Hirafu's first developer, is still going
strong after all these years.
52 Geothermal heating
associate editor Matthew Thomas
designer Geoffrey McRoberts
contributors Lorne Calhoun, Derek Chamberlain, Niseko is a geothermal hotspot, which is being
David Garrick, Stirling Goldman, Yuri Hamada, Nick Jackson, harnessed to save money, and the environment.
55
Chris Lane, Greg Lund, Jerod McCann, Chika Matsuda,
Naoki Miyamura, Shukin Moderski, Saoka Wakasugi, Q & A WITH TETSUO IKEE
photography Glen Claydon Photography, Jahl Marshall,
Powderlife spoke to the owner of IKEE, Tetsuo Ikee, who
Niseko Photography
shared his thoughts about the village development.
advertising inquiries
ads@powderlife.com
/ subscriptions / past issues BACKCOUNTRY
info@powderlife.com HIKE OUT THE BACK FOR THE REST
Powderlife Niseko Magazine is a Niseko Media Publication
32 A Thousand Words // Pictures for your wall

40 Japanese Cooking // Omuraisu
170-5 Aza Yamada Kutchan-cho
43 Music Reviews // Nicolas Cruz
Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
tel 0136 22 2000 fax 0136 22 2011
44 Learning Japanese // Japanese for Powder People
www.powderlife.com
46 Kutchan // Yukitopia
48 Men Who Ride Mountains // Stirling Goldman
2009 Niseko Media KK 50 Real Estate News // info on Niseko Real Estate
Contents of Powderlife are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in 56 Course Map // Mountain info
part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publication 58 Walking Map // Must have village directory
of editorial does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of views or 59 Phone Directory // Your town pages
opinions expressed. The publisher does 61 Local Information // Essential tips and info on Niseko
not accept responsibility for statements made by advertisers. 62 The Last Word On Health // ACL Reconstructions
Nisekos first English language periodical magazine published every

two weeks in Niseko between December and March and once outside
winter as Summerlife

cover Niseko Backcountry photographer Glen Claydon skier Tim Myers
6 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com

intro T editors note
editors note... ...

AS we approach the middle of the season, it has become apparent that the shift
towards growing numbers of Asian visitors to Niseko is a firm reality. Australians were
the initial impetus for the globalisation of Niseko, but with the current weakness of
the Australian dollar, Asian visitors are beginning to make their presence felt. As the
Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean and Malaysian currencies have not decreased in
value to the same extent as the Australian dollar, the Asian visitors have more
spending muscle, and have been flexing it on the streets of Niseko. Restaurants are
generally still very well patronised, and lift ticket sales are on par with previous years.
As most Asian visitors are beginners in the skiing stakes, more advanced level
skiers and boarders have been enjoying fresh tracks in their favourite powder
stashes for longer than in previous seasons. Stories are circulating around town 4
about skiers and boarders still getting fresh tracks just off the piste at four in the
afternoon which is generally unheard of harking back to a Niseko of old.
Freshies at last light and later, where else in the world can you get that?
In this issue we take a look at a true Hokkaido highlight, the Shiretoko ice floes,
an experience so awe-inspiring we felt it needed a full feature just to do it justice.
We also offer an education into how to survive if you are lost in Nisekos
backcountry, look forward to Sapporos world-famous snow festival, and also
Kutchans own Yukitopia (snow festival). The increasingly popular Stirling
Goldman has graced us with his presence again, and weve got another great
selection of photos, plus all your favourite regulars.
We at Powderlife wish you yet another fortnight of long tracks and deep powder.

2

Kristian Lund, Powderlife Managing Editor kris@powderlife.com kris@powderlife.com
Photo: Ideapark

page seven T news
By Bevan Colless and Matthew Thomas
Niseko back on top

WHILE the boom in international visitors taking skiing trips to Japan
shows no sign of abating, the 08/09 season has seen many visitors
venture beyond Niseko for their Japanese ski experience. Many,
however, will have been reminded that in terms of snowfall, there is
only one Niseko. Its a little ironic that the past two seasons have seen
Niseko experience unprecedented growth in its economy and
international visitor numbers, while at the same time the snowfall has
been well below the annual average. Deep Powder Tours were the first
foreign tour operator to bring large volumes of international tourists
to Niseko, run tours all over Japan, so they keep a close eye on
DEEP TURN... Matthew Thomas discovered first-hand why Niseko Sanpachi Ramen
is No.1 for powder in Hokkaido. Photo: Jahl Marshall.
snowfalls across the country. They rounded up some statistics and AMONG many other dishes, Hokkaido
found that at the time of going to print, the stats dont lie, Niseko average years here; normally it just snows and snows. is famous for its ramen big hearty
was head and shoulders above the rest of the country. Nisekos peak Although more international visitors are venturing to other bowls of noodles topped with
base was 315cm, compared to Hokkaidos other main resorts resorts, Niseko is still my favourite the snow is the best vegetables and pork, and served in a
Rusutsu (145cm), Furano (105cm), and Tomamu (100cm). Honshus and youve got the village, the best aprs ski in Japan and a thick flavoursome soup. For most, a
resorts were a mixed bag, with perennial favourite Hakuba leading good mountain where you can do backcountry as well. bowl of ramen is likely to leave you
the way with a 205cm base, followed by Nozawa Onsen (195cm), So, is Glenn worried about the future of international feeling like you don't need to eat
Shiga Kogen (165cm), and Myoko Kogen (140cm). visitors to Japans ski resorts? Apart from the strength of anything for a day. For those who
DPT co-founder Glenn Goulding gave us his run-down on Nisekos the Japanese yen at the moment, the future of Japanese can't get enough, Sanpachi Ramen,
snowfall. We have had more snow here than anywhere else this skiing is great, its starting to become really popular all on Route 5 in Kutchan, currently
season, which is a return to the norm, he says. Weve had two below over the world. offers "Mega-Ramen" three times
the noodles and twice the soup, veges
and pork. The owner says many
A board for each foot: the ultimate powder tool people finish it, even some women!
TOKI-SAN from local retailer and hire shop Niseko 343 was
the coach of a national ski team, and has been in Niseko for a
long time so you can imagine he knows a thing or two
about how to ski powder well. Hes watched snowboarders
float over the white stuff while he was sinking into it for
years, so one day he decided, if you cant beat em, join em.
So Toki-san fashioned a pair of skis out of two snowboards to
get him gliding over the powder with even more float than
the boarders. He tried a few different methods of fitting the
ski bindings to the board, and this season settled on the
perfect system. Ive used the K2 Pontoon (one of the fattest
skis on the market), but these give me 10 times the flotation
Powderlife in
of those, he says. They give your inner thighs a real workout your inbox
on the groomed runs, but on a powder day these are
unbelievable. Ive never felt flotation like it. Ive used them 10 POWDERLIFE is now offering an
times so far this season, and been down from the peak three email edition of every new issue
times. Does he get some strange looks while wearing them? delivered to subscribers for free as
Yes, people are always stopping me to take photos and soon as each edition is published.
asking me what they are like, he says. And what if someone So, no matter where you are in the
BUILT FOR wanted to have a try of them for themselves? I wouldnt world youll always have your finger
POW... Toki-
san with his want to hire them out, I think theyd probably do themselves on Nisekos pulse. Go to the
custom skiis an injury, he says. Okay, Toki-san, well leave it to you. Powderlife.com homepage to
subscribe. Meanwhile, while youre
visiting our site, have your say! Last
Ice bar a cool experience year, Powderlife started the Best of
Niseko Awards, recognising the
MANY drinkers refer to good bars as cool, but few watering businesses that consistently
holes can be described as such in literal terms. performed at the top of their fields
About 300 tonnes of Nisekos powdery snow was melted, throughout the 07/08 season. This
refrozen and carved by skilled hands into an assortment of year, were calling on you to vote
different shapes to build Hirafus Ice Experience, a novelty bar and let us know who your favourite
located in the Middle Village on Momiji-Zaka Street. The main is. Winners will be announced in
ingredients are an abundance of snow and cold weather, which Issue 17, publishing on March 23.
Niseko has in abundance, ice builder Kendo Hamaguchi says. Have your voice heard log on to
Made entirely from local snow in a fashion revealed only as a vote at www.powderlife.com
business trade secret developed through the years, the Ice
Experience is all ice even down to the glasses, bar, seats, tables Last years winners:
and other sculptures. It begs the question, though, how are the Best restaurant Kamimura
dishes washed? Thankfully, the toilet isnt made from ice there Best izakaya Kakashi
simply isnt one. The Ice Experience has a magical affect on Best bar Wild Bills
people regardless of age and sex, Kendo-san says. It gives off a Best onsen Yugokurotei
fairytale experience and is one of the most photographed places (Annupuri Onsen)
in Niseko during the winter. Kendo-san says the Ice Experience is Best caf Graubunden
also an eco and green concept. All of the construction materials Best convenience store Seicomart
of ice and snow melt back into the grounds in the spring, waiting Best souvenir shop Omoshiroi Box
to be used again for next years Ice Experience, he says. Best resort Annupuri
Kendo-san says to keep an eye out in Niseko in future Best snowmobiling Niseko
seasons for an Ice Experience Resort, featuring an Ice Hotel and FROZEN FUN... enjoying a cool Snowmobile Adventures
Ice Chapel. drink at the Ice Experience
www.powderlife.com february 7 february 20 2009 ISSUE 14 powderlife 11

news T niseko news
By Matthew Thomas
Public still hungry for restaurants

ALTHOUGH visitor numbers in Niseko are visibly down year, but the Chinese New Year bookings in late
this year, walking in off the street and getting a table at January saw us finish somewhere near the same
a restaurant without a booking can still be a near- numbers as last January. The 2008-09 winter has seen
impossible task. a major shift in clientele demographic for Kamimura.
Niseko is almost as well-known for its East meets West Last season, when the Aussie dollar was strong against
eateries as it is plentiful powder. The villages bustling the yen, we had mostly Australian guests. This season,
and varied food scene in a diverse array of styles such we have had many more guests from Asia, such as
as izakaya (Japanese tapas style), degustation, bars, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, who come in
cafes, yakitori, up market fusion, pizza, curry and more large numbers with their families. YUMMY... Japanese girls enjoy
have, for many businesses, been as busy as ever. This is Moving onto Italian fusion and fine wines, with a local a feed at A-Bu-Cha
all the more reason to book sometimes weeks or Japanese flavour, the classy J-Sekka in Hirafus Middle
months in advance particularly if youre trying to get a Village has also been experiencing ups and downs, said in the Suiboku building at the start of this month. The
big group in. While things may have slowed down for food and beverage manager, Mick Nippard. new A-Bu-Cha is designed in a similar forest style, and
many this month, some restaurants were booked out Weve had really busy nights where we have done offers the same sort of food as the original. However,
every day of January. Powderlife interviewed several resets, which means we clear a table and set it again for the newcomer will boast a bigger sake, cocktails and
restaurateurs, and ups and downs in customer numbers a second sitting. he said. We have even been taking liqueur menu, said Otani-san.
seem to be a recurring theme this year. bookings from overseas when they call before they Masanobu Saito, owner of Bang Bang, one of
Winner of Powderlifes Best Niseko Restaurant for arrive in Japan. Mick said other nights, in comparison, Hirafus busiest izakaya restaurants, said there wasnt
last season, Kamimura, experienced a steady start to had been unusually quiet. I think whats happening is much difference in business this year, when compared
the season in December, booked out with a waiting list people are having one special night out a week, he said. to last season. Business was still booming for Bang
until early January. After that, business dropped off a While Nisekos big-name Japanese dining icon Bang, he said. We already had bookings before the 08-
little with quiet and busy nights, but the fine-dining A-Bu-Cha has still been quite busy this season, 09 season even started, said Masanobu-san. January
degustation restaurant in Hirafus Upper Village was business has dropped slightly compared to last year. was basically fully booked out and tables were all full.
once again booked out from late January through to Usually we are all booked out until mid-February, but He said we already have plenty of bookings for
early February. Numbers wise, December this season this season we only have a few bookings in February, February. So far business has been great and the
was better than last season, restaurant manager said manager Tsukasa Otani. current economy hasnt affected us at all, said
Michael Phipps said. January wasn't as busy as last A-Bu-Cha opened its second restaurant, A-Bu-Cha II, Masanobu-san.
Nisekos parks reach new heights Niseko skier in

NOW that winter has kicked in, Hanazonos park, the
Stomping Ground, has been able to reach close to its
between tiny (3m) to monstrous (15m). Keep in mind,
the more snow Niseko gets, the bigger the jumps will
World Cup
full potential. get, too. HOT young Niseko skier
Designed with beginner and advanced riders in The half-pipe will be better and longer this year; it is Ryuunosuke Okoshi (pictured)
mind, the park started out little by little at the being built and used for the Hokkaido Half-Pipe has just participated in the
beginning of the season and is by no means finished Championships (Feb 7-8) and the Kissmark Cup (Feb 6-7), 2009 World Cup Mens slalom
(when is a park ever finished?) but recent heavier and will officially open to the public after that. race in Croatia.
snowfalls mean things have really started to go ahead. The iconic bus also returns this year, with park rats The 20-year old son of the family who runs Pension
There are even a few new additions to the park this once again able to jump on and off the vehicle, and Locomotion placed 41st in his first run and didnt
BLACK DIAMOND
season, including a selection of straight and curved perform spins, carves and more from the roof. qualify for the second, but the Hokkaido Shimbun
boxes, and a wall ride. A rainbow-shaped rail is also Hanazonos park is open until the end of the season. A Press described his tenacious skiing as an expectation
proving challenging for this years park riders. big thanks needs to go out to all park builders at the resort, of a long-awaited new star.
Proof that the kids still love going big, the jump lines the Hanazono grooming team, and NISS instructors for Okoshi has previously won the All Japan Junior
are a favourite this season. Hanazono has put on big teaming up and putting this years park together. Slalom two years running and grew up training on
and small jump sequences, boasting smooth flows Hirafu also has a smaller park this year, with jumps Hirafus Alpen Course, preferring the thrill of speed on
between jumps, a variety of styles, and gaps that range and a half-pipe located on either side of the gondola. hard-packed snow over Nisekos famous powder.
RESTAURANT & BAR

Japanese & Western Cuisine
Good Tunes, Vids, Drinks
Free Shuttles (call for pickup)
GUIDING Private Terrain Park
Niseko Off-Piste Pool Table
Niseko Back Bowls
Rusutsu Tours
Kokusai Tours
Kiroro Tours SKIER: JP AUCLAIR
Backcountry PHOTO: DAVID LEVIN
Where have you been this week?

www.blackdiamondtours.com reservations@bdlodge.com
info@blackdiamondtours.com 090-2054-8687 www.bdlodge.com 0136-44-1144

news T cross country
Offbeat news from across japan
Thanks for the heads-up Official business In other Itoman news, a 68-year-old
The Japan Society of Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery released a statement urging
consumers not to inject themselves
Kanagawa governor Shigefumi
Matsuzawa agreed to exempt pachinko
parlors from the prefecture's new
company president and marathoner
from Chiba arrived on the island after
a 3,280km road-running odyssey that
Stats
with hyaluronic acid. smoking ban "after receiving strong began in Nihonbashi in April 2006. 1,500
As part of its effort to combat opposition from the private sector." Police say a fire that burned down Tons of buried "mines, rockets
greenhouse gasses while safeguarding Matsuzawa had previously excused the home of a 71-year-old woman and other explosives" that
Japan, the SDF announced that it will small restaurants from the ban-even was caused by a candle the occupant have been removed from the
introduce hybrid fighting vehicles. though such establishments make up lit because her electricity had been Okinawan islands since the
A Cabinet Office panel has some 70 percent of eateries in shut off due to her failure to pay utility end of World War II
determined that meat from cloned Kanagawa. bills.
cows and pigs is safe to eat, which It was reported that the government It was reported that 46 survivors of 2,500
means that consumers may be seeing is planning to restore the jukambo the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake Tons of materiel believed to
cloned beef and pork on supermarket (small cells) which housed Hansen's died alone last year in public still be buried on the islands
shelves in the next couple of years. Disease sufferers at a World War II-era housing complexes built in the
The Agriculture, Forestry and sanatorium in Gunma Prefecture. The quake's aftermath. 700
Fisheries Ministry reported that produce cells measure 4.5 tatami mats and were A suicide prevention hotline serving Number of banned items
and seafood products falsely labeled unheated despite the fact that Japan's largest Brazilian community in confiscated daily from
as being of Japanese origin were wintertime temperatures in the area Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, is in danger of passengers boarding aircraft
"rampant" in Taiwan. would drop to minus 20C. folding due to the "economic at Haneda Airport
It was reported that a group of 2,200 Officials in Tochigi announced plans downturn affecting Portuguese-
middle managers at Toyota have agreed to preserve a 400-year-old cedar- speaking volunteers." 108 million
to buy cars from their employer in an lined roadway by banning cars and Approximately 20 Japanese Letters sent out by the Social
effort to boost flagging sales. turning it into a pedestrian walkway. At macaques hailing from the Insurance Agency in October
37km, the thoroughfare in Nikko is the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori were to alert people about possible
Good luck with that world's longest tree-lined avenue. relocated to Ueno Zoo to prevent them errors in their pension records
At a summit meeting in Seoul, Prime A group of 103 Japanese atom from being euthanized. The primates
Minister Taro Aso and South Korean bomb survivors arrived in Tokyo Port are considered a National Treasure but 2.78 million
president Lee Myung Bak vowed to "set after an around-the-world cruise during had been damaging crops in Aomori. Number of these letters
aside their historical and territorial which they visited 20 countries. Headline of the week (via the Daily returned as undeliverable
rows." Yomiuri): Photograph of Crab Eggs
Irish prime minister Brian Cowen Ends 60-year Dispute
and representatives of 70 Irish
companies visited Tokyo on a trade Dumping grounds
mission, no doubt in response to the 18 A survey of 517 coastal areas in
percent drop in Japanese imports of Okinawa revealed that 1.7 million
goods from Ireland in 2008. pieces of garbage have washed ashore
Local residents massed in protest during the past ten years.
after the Inagawa-kai crime syndicate Just 4 percent of the trash was
set up its new headquarters in a Japanese, while 24 percent came
building in Akasaka-about 250 meters from other countries. The origin of Compiled from reports by
from the HQ of a rival gang. the rest was unknown. Japan Today, The Japan
Japan's Fair Trade Commission Eighty percent of the garbage was Times, The International
ordered ANA, JR East and three other Here and there plastic and "therefore not subject to Herald Tribune/Asahi
companies to stop marketing a An explosion at a construction site on the rapid decomposition." Shimbun, Mainichi Daily
leather wallet as "Made in Japan" Okinawan island of Itoman is believed to It was revealed that a TV Asahi quiz News, Time, AP, AFP and
when in fact it was manufactured in have been caused by a World War II-era show which posed questions about Kyodo
China. bomb. Although the blast shattered trivia found on the web got its
windows at a nearby retirement home, no "information" from blogs written by
one was seriously injured. the show's staff.

FLASH
people T snap flash T people
Powderlife asked skiers and boarders Powderlife hit the town for the joint Chinese
what was their favourite run and why. New Year / Australia Day festivities.
Annie
'i n t h , M i y u m i
e VIP a
' into nd Oli via
and the snow the w in
ee ho Splash, g
, mum Miyuki, o. This is my Year in blo
blos
DAD Jonathan up fro m To ky ur s o o
f Oz t down inese New
are Ch
princess Maya as she shares d ay.. celebrated
sk iin g, Maya says of buddies
ten th tim e
up on re tu rn ing from their This group ed bar.
m
her skiing story, Super Ridge. oriental-the
the PAUL from
favourite run, th
time out fr e UK, and Clint from
om their da Australia,
bombs an ngerous jo take
d la bs
pick of the ndmines from the Vi clearing
runs is Stra etnam War
because it w . Their
offers som berry Fields, which
ething for th
everybody ey like
.
Inskis Stack of the Week

THE Powderlife Stack of the Week competition is back by popular demand.
Weve been receiving a flood of emails about why the competition hasnt returned this
season so here it is again. The inaugural entrant is Matty Sterling, whose yard sale
was snapped by mate and photographer, Jahl Marshall. Mattys epic stack happened in
Hanazonos Blueberry Fields. You cant see his face for all the powder, but we were able
to positively identify him by jacket and ski bottoms. Hokk
Good on ya, Matty youve won yourself a Salomon Ranger helmet courtesy of Inski hat, aido Tra
ALL-Austra w c
Skis, Boards and Snow Wear for your troubles. Your prize should keep you nice and safe lian park ra Auss hile Nis ks Richa Emma,
Liz
during future stacks. Stack of the Week will continue throughout the season, so if you stomping
tric
ts Julian, D
ou
ie ch e r
ardo ko Gour d wore h still man z, Amy and All
they re no ks on jumps at Han g, Hugh, Houlieo an nnay met s is aged to i swapp
all look ed
have any embarrassing, painful, funny, unfortunate or otherwise pics of wipeouts, email
riding pow
t in the te
rrain park azonos Stomping Gr d Oliver love
. Tess patrioti
s gorgeou make-up for A
enjo s. ustralia
hi-res photos with a short blurb to ed@powderlife.com. Happy stacking! der in Stra , thes ou yed a m on his n
wberr y Fiel e lads like taking na nd. When glass
flags
and
Inski Skis, Boards and Snow Wear ph: 0136 21 3267 ds. tural drop of
s and
shut,
d eyes wide ght
ide open an ni
With eyes w e friends partied the
os
these two cl .
lash
away in Sp
Brooke, Hannah and Elise

wore T-shirts that expressed
what were all thinking.
w,
der sno
a rd a n d Nana os super pow orking at
h ek r w
rne, Ric love with Nis eko-style afte favorite
Ross, Lo in Nis eir Seiji a
for the Nicolas, locals! Being superb day , by riding th n
relatio d Shantala
e to Niseko e fu .
isu ke an d Takuma cam ng the peak and a
MEET th s are having tition at Hira s Superstition ns in S w
plashs orked on cr
Takahiro, Da all massive fans of hiki lk pe ge
TOKYO boys re these fo t Big Air Com , Niseko Villa VIP. oss-cu
ltura
gether. They s famous powder. en n
first time to the rec nger secret ru l
th ro ug h Niseko and no
lo
snorkelling
Mountain
style
WHO says Kutchans not a hub of style? Posing for
Powderlife as gangsters, Kutchan-born teens Daisuke
and Junya know where to ride and shop. Most of their
bright wardrobes are hand-picked from the latest
boarding mags and ordered from 'American', a funky
boarding shop in Sapporo. Daisuke sports a perfect
colour combination with Helly Hansens green jacket
and SPI Design punk pink pants. Junya styles it up with
Burtons punchy comic prints on his pants.
Both riders have their helmets adorned with pro- ght out.
YUKARI and Megum their big ni
i are the charm of
the Centre Four lift snowboarder autographs, and thrash the powder with This gang hit the e roof at Splash on
Both came from the
west coast of Japan ie cre w. na
Day at Tanuki Ba il on the head, as they partied us ei raised th
back for their secon (Os
d season. If they had aka and Okayama) and are
matching Burton boards and bindings. Respect to K-Town! egu and Ko
Strawberry Fields
rs nomihodai. early on Australi
a Yusuke, M
forever. it the ir way, theyd be hittin
g
16 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 7 february 20 2009 ISSUE 14 powderlife 17
events T nightlife in the loop T events
in the loop
Saturday, February 7 Tuesday, February 17 January 25-March 31, 2009 6 pm for half price Pizza. Sing for you
TDancehall Night @ Yuki Bar, 9pm T 250 Yen Drink Specials! @Samurai Bar TReggae party @ The Brick, 10pm-late. TKanronomori Steak Fair, 5pm9pm supper! Ever y Wednesday the best
Reggae night with local DJ from Kutchan Four delicious drinks are 250 yen - all night! 3 DJs and MC. Free entry. All welcome. Unleash your taste buds on five karaoke performer will have their pizza
Read Head, Chloe Mango, Splice and Toblerone. different kinds of meat: Niseko duck, for free.
Sunday, February 8 Friday, February 20 Aussie beef, Japanese beef, Tokachi
THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pm Sunday, February 15 TBreak Beats Night @ Yuki bar, 9pm beef and chicken leg. Cost :1350 For more information, please contact T Taiko drum performance, 3.30-
Kenji Matsumoto (tenor sax) THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pm Niseko-based Aussie DJ Scratch Unique For more information, please contact 0136-23-3371. 4pm
No cover charge, order minimum of one drink Toshi Arimoto Trio (piano) 0136-58-3800 Experience tradition with a Taiko beat.
No cover charge, order minimum one drink Saturday, February 21 125331 Free traditional Japanese drum
Friday, February 13 TDJ Maco presents @ Java Bar, 10pm performances every Sunday outside of
TRed Bar Beats Party Volume 4, TNiseko Utari Festival presents Natural @The Cover charge 1,000 with one drink. Hokkaido Tracks office (next to
10.30pm-4am, Northern Fox, 6.30pm11.30pm 10am 8pm(7:30 Seicomart).
Cover charge 1,000 with one drink. Tickets available @ Northern Fox and Mina Mina pm) 900
House and techno music by Koji Eguchi from for2,000 5pm 9pm 1350
Tokyo (Sound Discovery), Doggy Hero #8 0136-58-3800 Saturday, February 14 700
Monday, February 16 TSinging contest @ Hanazono, 1pm 0136-23-3371
TMicka Etheridge live @Samurai Bar, 8pm TMicka Etheridge live @Samurai Bar, 8pm Saturday, February 7 Grab the mic and pick from the song list 3:30pm
Micka is from the Melbourne, Australia, band Micka is from the Melbourne, Australia, band TJapanese Cultural Tour in Kutchan, 3-6pm for your chance to win Roxy/Quiksilver TNordic Ski Walk, 8.30am-10am,
Symbiosis, No cover charge Symbiosis, No cover charge Indulge yourself in a bit of history over Goggles, beanies, Niseko badges, fleece meet in front of Kutchan Town Gym
a cup of teaor sake. jackets and K2 T-shirts. Live music Enjoy the view of Mt. Yotei while meeting
Saturday, February 14 Tea ceremony, natural history museum, For more information, local snow enthusiasts! Saturday, February 21 - Sunday,
THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pm Niseko Sake Brewery. Bus leaves in please visit www.skihanazono.com For more information, please contact Mr. February 22
Toshi Arimoto Trio (piano) with a special guest front of Seicomart. Cost :1000 Okamoto at 0136-23-3371. TYukitopia Festival, 9.30-8pm
Mikio Egawa (trumpet) For more information, please contact Biggest snow festival in Kutchan.
No cover charge, order minimum of one drink 0136-23-0222 Twice as many events as last season.
Got an event on between February 21 and Reservation required. Snowman making , food stands,
TJava Dancehall @ Java Bar, 9pm March 6? Get it on this page in the next edition 27 paintball, and much more!
Cover charge 1,000 with one drink. of Powderlife input it in to the events page on 1pm Where: Kutchan Central Park, Niseko
Reggae DJ from Hakodate our website by March 4. www.skihanazono.com 8:30am 10am Grand Hirafu
213 6 For more information, please visit
TReggae Lounge Night @ Yuki Bar, 9pm 3pm 6pm TJapanese Cultural Tour in Kutchan, 3-6pm 0136-23-3371 www.town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp
Local DJ Kutchan Rockers
34 1000 Indulge yourself in a bit of history over a See p46 of this issue for more information
cup of teaor sake. Tea ceremony, Sunday, February 15
0136-23- natural history museum, Niseko Sake TRail Jam Comp # 2, noon-6pm

More events at www.powderlife.com/niseko/events/
0222 Brewery. Bus leaves in front of Seicomart. All riders welcome. Entry forms at the
Cost :1000 bar. For spectators, check out the thrills
Sunday, February 8 For more information, please contact and spills from the comfort of the bar
TTaiko drum performance, 3.30-4pm 0136-23-0222 with a drink in hand.
Experience tradition with a Taiko beat. Reservation required. 9:30 8pm
Free traditional Japanese drum
performances every Sunday outside of
Hokkaido Tracks office (next to
Seicomart). www.town.kutchan.hokkaido.jp
3pm 6pm
1000 12:00pm 6:00pm

3:30pm 0136-23-0222

TValentines Day special, 10am-8pm 213 6 Got an event on between
(last order at 7:30 pm) Any plans for February 21 and March 6? Get
Saturday, February 11, 18, 25 Valentines Day? Graubnden offers a it on this page in the next
TThe return of Niseko Pizza staff nights special sandwich and cake menu for you 34 edition of Powderlife input it
The Niseko staff, half price pizza night and that special someone. in to the events page on our
returns. Every Wednesday in February Sandwich with soup for 900, cake with website by March 4.
and March come to Niseko Pizza from coffee or tea for 700. www.powderlife.com/niseko/events www.powderlife.com/niseko/events
gear T powder tools
By Bevan Colless
Haglofs Colouir Jacket
MOST mountain clothing labels make an instant
statement about their wearer. Burton: Im a
boarder; Spyder: Im a skier; Billabong: Im
more of a surfer. Wearing Haglofs just says I
know my stuff. This Swedish brand is one of
my favourites and in Northern Europe the
mountain-hardened locals wont be seen in
anything else. Built from Gore-Tex soft shell
fabric, the Couloir is 100 % waterproof,
and, due to its fleece backer,
warmer than most Gore-Tex
Volkl Chopsticks shells on the market. It has two
Volkl have just about the biggest team of test skiers hand-warmer pockets and a
in the business, and they listen to their skiers useful chest pocket to hide
feedback. Consequently, Volkl are now one of the essentials, and the big helmet-
most decorated ski manufacturers in the world. When compatible hood will shield
youre smashing fresh lines after a 50cm dump, a you from Siberias winds. It has
reverse camber ski will allow you to fly through the big cuffs to fit over gloves and
pow, but still allow you to jib off anything and ride mittens and an internal snow
switch. Alongside K2s Hell Bents, the Volkl skirt that clips onto your pants,
Chopsticks are the leaders in the reverse camber so youll leave the powder in the
game. The Chopsticks pack a full wood core, bowls where it belongs instead of
symmetrical side cut, a low profile rocker to taking it home in your pants.
boost your fakey take offs and a boasts a meaty Available from Niseko 343 Call: 0136
128cm under foot. Available from Larry Adler. 23 0343. 73,500. Quality costs.
Call 0136 21 4050. Buy the Volkl branded
chopsticks in the ski wrapping for 85,000
and theyll throw in the skis for free.
Nitro Gun Powderstick

I am Shark Man. I am Hungry. So says the opening
line of the classic Car Danchi 2 DVD, overlayed on
a shot of a diminutive Japanese shredder ripping
some incredible turns in deep powder on one of
the notorious Nitro Guns. If this 181cm deck is
not too long for him then its not too long for
you either. This board also graces the DVD cover
of Car Danchi 3. Just the look of it screams of
deep, deep snow. If you think youve got an all-
mountain board that will perform as well riding
switch in the Stomping Ground as it does on
extra deep days in the back bowl, youre wrong
theres no such thing. Genuine Nisekophiles
should be packing a directional powderstick,
and Nitros is one of the best. The massive
swallow tail and signature sharks mouth base
graphic will make sure you turn heads in the lift
queues but this board is more than just for show.
The nose will rise above the lightest and deepest
powder and it is built with plenty of flex so you
can really whip your turns, and bend it to fit it in
the Gondola. Available from Victoria Sports in
Kanda, Tokyo 78,000
Hotronic M4 Foot Warmer

Love skiing but hate cold feet? You can spend all your
dough on flash skis, boards, pants and thermals, but if
your toes are frozen and about to fall off youre unlikely
to be having much fun. Hotronic is the original all-day
battery powered foot-warmer and they ve been
constantly improving their product since launching 15
years ago. A rechargeable battery back clips onto the
back of your boots and is wired to a paper thin
electrode that sits under the ball of your foot. The
electrode heats up from 1-4 depending on your needs,
and a fully charged battery provides between three to 21
hours of power, depending on the level of heating
required. Your toes need never be cold again. The M4 is
their top of the line unit and it has been used on a number
of Mt Everest summits, so it should get you to the top of Mt
Annupuri or Yotei easy enough. Available from Larry Adler
Call 0136 21 4050. Now on special for 28,000
community T meet the locals welcome irasshaimase T community
By Saoka Wakasugi By Saoka Wakasugi
Niseko Toyru
Yutaka Takanashi came to Niseko in 1992 as a
20-year-old who had just spent a year in nearby
Rusutsu, and got hooked on Nisekos size after visit-
ing for a day. He started skiing before switching to
snowboarding. He loved the feel of riding through
powder but felt the urge to be different and realised
no one was telemarking here. He took to it like a
hound to powder and ended up competing on the
world circuit. These days hes still skiing hard and is
one of Grand Hirafu Resorts poster boys. Six years Toy r u
ago he opened Toyru ski store in Hirafu, specialis-
ing in telemark gear and back country equipment. Toy ru
Toyru is just near the Hirafu gondola.
LIFTIE KIYO GROOMER Koutaro Patrol-AIBON

Nupuri Caf and Restaurant
INSIDE Niseko Towns classic European-style train sta-
Name Kiyotaka Sakiyama Name Koutarou Minamiya Name Ai Tanaka age 30
24 Hometown Nagano 30
tion is a classic little European-style coffee shop. Owner
Age 33 Hometown Okinawa 33 Age 24 Hometown Muroran
How long have you lived here? Time in Niseko 4years Time in Niseko 1month Tamotsu Matsuda was born in the area became a pro-
about 3 weeks So you like 3 Do you like powder? love it 4 do you like powder? Yes, 1 fessional skier in his late teens. He travelled the world
powder? Love it. Ski/board? Ski/board? Board very much. Ski/board? Ski competing, and while in Europe became interested in
Snowboarder How long have How long have you been ski- How long have you been its caf culture. He decided when he settled down he
you been skiing for? 4years 4 ing for?11years skiing for? 26years 26 would one day have his own caf. After retiring from
Why did you come to Niseko? Why did you come to Niseko? 11 Why did you come to Niseko? the ski circuit he travelled Japan with his wife, living
I want to see snow love Mountains and snow Friends recommendation
out of a camper van, looking for the perfect place to
What did you do in summer What did you do in summer? What did you do in summer
call home. At the end of it all, they ended up right back
time? Stayed in Middle East Forestry time? Garden maintenance,
blueberry farm
where they started in Niseko and have been here ever
and South America What languages do you speak?
What languages do you speak? Japanese, and English What languages do you since. To meet a great local character and eat some
Japanese and little English Trips overseas? Yes speak? Japanese Trips over- excellent local food and coffee, jump in a taxi and
Trips overseas? Yes Where do you want to go seas? yes , France and Hong head for Niseko Eki. Closed Wednesdays.
Where do you want to go next? New Zealand Kong Where do you want to
next? Africa and South America Favourite go next? Beautiful place
Favourite Colour red, white, blue Capita,686 Favourite
Colour prime colours 308 Brand Capita, 686 Colour blue BLUE BERRY FARM
Pension Berg
Brand Solomon Food Japanese noodle, Soba Brand Blue berry farm
RUNNING pensions runs in the family for Pension
Food Meat and fish Restaurant Restaurant Loaf lounge Food anything but celery

Berg owner Miwa Hirokawa. Miwa-san was born
308, tower beer is the best! Bar Loaf lounge Restaurant please tell me
Bar Abucha Onsen Norikura Onsen Yugokoro tei Bar please take me in Sapporo and later moved with her family to
Kougen Onsen (Nagano) Ski Ski run Strawberry, Stomping Onsen Local onsens Sounkyo a famous hot spring resort below Mt
run Strawberry fields Where Ground, Super Ridge Ski run still exploring Kurodake in central Hokkaido to run a pension
else do you want to go skiing How long will you be in Where else do you want to go there, before moving to Niseko in 1990 and open-
overseas? Whistler, Canada Niseko? Forever skiing overseas? anywhere ing Pension Berg in the centre of Hirafu. After she
How long will you be in Nise- Where else do you want to go How long will be in Niseko? finished high school she moved to Tokyo and stud-
ko? till the season ends What skiing overseas? do not know until Spring What does niseko
ied to become a professional koto (a traditional
does niseko need? net caf What does niseko need? need? Macdonalds
Japanese stringed musical instrument) player. She
and Macdonald Niseko secret? nothing Niseko secret? Patrol, Charac-

later moved back to Niseko to take over the pen-
The secrect garden(Hanazono) Niseko secret? do not know ter festival
club Whats your life philoso- Whats your life philosophy? Whats your life philosophy? sion from her family. She and her husband now http://big-hokkaido.
phy? go with the flow Family, Snowboard Antenna have three kids and continue to run the pension. com/berg/menu.htm
safety T niseko survival guide
Lost: the dark side of Nisekos WHITE-OUT... In a matter of minutes you can
easily become lost in Niseko's backcountry
backcountry
By Matthew Thomas ONE minute youre enjoying the run of your life, the next your face, let alone the way you just came down, or a
youre completely and utterly lost. route out of there. Everything is immersed in a white,
Scanning your surrounds, its all unchartered, lonely foggy, confusing haze, and the outlines of a whole lot of
and white backcountry which, while you were riding trees that all look the same. You dont remember taking
down waist-deep, was your best friend. But when youre a wrong turn on the way down that could have taken
lost, and because it is near impossible to trudge through you much out of your way, but who can be sure you
the deep powder now swallowing you, is all of a sudden were having the time of your life. Maybe you went over a
your worst enemy. There are no tracks to follow, and ridge too far? How did you get into this situation? And,
nobody is around to be seen or heard. Where did your more importantly, how are you going to get out of it,
friends just go? They were right there Glancing because the sun is disappearing, and its about to get
downwards, you can barely see your glove in front of really cold and really dark really quickly.
Many people have experienced this problem when Mobile phone in Japan, mobile phone coverage is back to more familiar ground, or is the wind blowing
out in the backcountry, and its easy to get yourself generally pretty good. But if you are headed into them away?
scared even if youre not really that lost, and just a more remote areas you may consider taking a What time is it? Do you have much daylight left or is
little further off the piste than perhaps you should satellite phone. As a lighter and cheaper alternative, night time approaching? As darkness falls, so will the
be. Something about being out there by yourself at the very least let someone know where you are temperature and visibility, compounding your
tends to play tricks on your mind. Many tourists and going and when you plan to be back. And dont forget predicament.
locals are forever coming back from the hill with to keep your phone charged! Consider if it is possible to call in a rescue with
sketchy stories of getting themselves into unsavoury Extra warm clothes a down coat is the ideal extra your phone. Of course you will need to describe your
situations, and having to hike themselves out of it. layer that you want in the backcountry. Down offers location, and if the weather is extremely poor, then
Long walk-outs can be a fact of life here, or any the best thermal properties to keep you warm, even rescue attempts may be futile.
resort. Niseko is infamous for its white-out when you are not moving, is relatively light for the
conditions, which dont make things any easier. With benefit it offers and packs nice and small to fit in 5. Pick a good location to wait it out. If you are
Nisekos open, liberal backcountry policy, its quite your pack. totally lost, rescue is impossible, the weather is
easy to drop yourself into a dire situation. It only Food and water - cold weather and hard work takes getting worse and you see no choice other than to
really takes one bad decision, poorly made a little a lot out of your body. Make sure you stay hydrated wait out the night or the storm, then you need to
later in the day, and you may need to spend several and well-fed throughout the day. start thinking about the best place to hole up for the
hours by yourself in the bitter cold, with only your Emergency survival kit - waterproof matches, night. Your first consideration should be to protect
thoughts and worries to keep you company. You may lighter, candles and emergency blankets are essential.
yourself from the wind and the elements. If you are
even be facing the prospect of spending an entire You can also put in instant heat packs, signal mirror,
in the alpine and cannot descend below the tree line
night in the cold. So, its time to make a decision flares and firestarters. safely (if visibility is extremely poor you dont want to
what should you do? run the risk of falling off of a cliff or cornice), then
2. Moderate your body temperature try to try to find some sort of wind protection behind rocks
Youre lucky that decision is not all up to you. avoid sweating and stay warm. The easiest way to stay or a terrain feature, such as a ridge line. You also
Powderlife spoke with experienced Black Diamond comfortable is to regularly adjust your layers to keep need to consider if you are in avalanche terrain and
Lodge tour guide and certified Canadian Avalanche your body temperature even. A common mistake is to need to get into a safer place. Ideally, if you get
Association guide, Andrew Spragg, who offered some start hiking with all your warm clothes on, then wait below the tree line, you will have better protection
helpful tips for surviving being lost in the until you are overheating before removing your top from the elements, as well as access to wood for a
backcountry layers. This means that your important skin layers are fire.
wet and cold from sweat early in the day. When you
1. Of course, carry the three essential start hiking, remove a couple of layers before you 6. Get home. If youve made it through the night
backcountry tools: an avalanche beacon, probe start walking. When you decide to take a break, and the storm has subsided enough that you can see
and shovel. But other items may come in handy: quickly add extra layers before you get cold. Its much where youre going, you need to calmly consider your
Headlamp in winter, the days are short and its easier to stay warm rather than try to get warm. next move. Do you have contact with the outside
easy enough to run out of daylight and end up world (mobile/satellite phone) and the ability to get
returning in the dark. 3. Never go into the backcountry alone two help? Or can you now see enough to determine what
Spare batteries for your headlamp, transceiver and people working together will greatly increase the direction you need to go to get out? If you decide to
radio. chance of each other surviving. start moving again, make sure to take note of
First aid kit no explanation needed. whatever reference points you have available and
Cam strap/ski straps these can come through in a 4. Consider your options. If you do get lost, keep track of your direction. Carefully consider what
pinch to resolve a number of problems. For example, calmly evaluate your situation and options. youre objective is before starting out: are you
if your skin glue gets too wet through the day and will Do you know where you are? Are there any heading to a higher location in search of mobile
no longer stick to your skis, you can use straps to reference points you can see? Where was the last phone reception or a better view of your
attach the skins. For snowboarders, they can be used place that you did know where you were? Is there a surroundings, or are you heading down a valley in
in place of a broken binding or snowshoe strap. nearby high point that would get you a better view of hopes of finding a road or trail to take you home?
Tools basic set that will allow you to repair your your surroundings? Or are you stuck in a white-out
bindings or other gear that may break over the course with next to no visibility? Pick up a copy of the next Powderlife for Andrews
of your day. Can you retrace your steps following your tracks handy tips on how to build a snowcave.

feature T shiretoko ice floes shiretoko ice floes T feature
PHOTOGRAPHER'S DREAM... There's plenty to
Shiretoko Ice Floes

be seen in, on and above the water.
By Greg Lund
ICEY PERCH... native birds are

attracted to the ice floes to feed.
THE Japanese archipelago was once a part The southern edge of this vast expanse of drifting several hundred passengers at a time on a genuinely heaving mass and look back at the coast from one of without very experienced local leadership.
of the Asian mainland. The connecting bits sea ice brushes past the top edge of Hokkaido until it exciting trip out through the ice, crashing through the more unusual vantage points to be found Even more adventurous types can elect to dive
have vanished over countless millions of hits the Shiretoko Peninsula, a long, thin, dagger-like the metres-thick cover with reinforced hulls and anywhere in the world. A starting point is the town under the ice, and we came upon one such group,
years, but if you look to the north of projection of forest-clad basalt rock on the far north- powerful diesel engines. All to an amazing of Utoro, about halfway out along the peninsula on similarly clad in warm dry suits, who had found a
Hokkaido, the island of Sakhalin whose eastern coast, typically from around the end of accompaniment of creaking, groaning, swishing and the inner side. A walk out on the ice there leads small opening, dropped a line through it to the
northern tip is just off the coast of Siberia January. It remains snagged there for more than a gurgling, and the sounds of fractured ice rasping around rocky headlands to see frozen waterfalls that bottom, and were taking assisted dives to view the
stretches to the south to fall just short of month, wrapping around the tip of the peninsula down the length of the hull. And the cries of an plunge from cliff tops into the sea, to marvel at the ice, and the myriad of marine creatures that thrive
Wakkanai, Japan's northernmost town. and pressing up against the Pacific coastline as well. enormous cloud of sea birds, all wheeling and diving diversity of wildlife from the deer that pick at around it from below.
The resulting arctic-like spectacle of white pack ice, in the boat's wake to take advantage of the rich food sparse foliage in precarious positions on cliff sides, A day out on the ice or under it is exhilarating
This land bridge of the past brought people, extending from the beaches and cliffs on both sides opportunities opened up by the breaking of the ice. to the seals that travel with the ice from Siberia, and and very rewarding, but totally exhausting, and it
animals and many of the cultural influences that of the peninsula right out to the horizon, is one of However, a more adventurous approach is to hire the predators that hunt them. pays to be ski-fit to tackle it. Fortunately, Utoro has
shaped Hokkaido's early history. The hard physical the more dramatic sights visitors to Hokkaido can an experienced guide to take a trek out onto the On many of the raised outcrops, and wheeling in a number of very comfortable small hotels and inns,
connectives have long since gone, but other links see. It is, in fact, unique in the world at such low the sky above, you can see the beautiful Owashi, or where a soak in the outdoor hot spring with a flask
between Hokkaido and the mainland remain strong, latitudes.
particularly in the depths of the region's long, cold The ice is extraordinarily rugged, pushed
"The arctic-like spectacle of Stellar's sea eagles magnificent black and white
feathered creatures with two-metre wingspans and
of hot sake or a bottle of wine can bring the lucky
bather the sound of the sound of the Shimabukuro
winters. constantly by the wind against the unyielding basalt white pack ice, extending bright yellow hooked beaks and fierce eyes that miss (Blakiston's fish owl) on its nightly hunt. The
The Amur River, which forms the boundary
between Russian Siberia and north-eastern China,
cliffs, and compressed and driven upwards into
amazing, fantastically shaped outcrops.
from the beaches and cliffs nothing that moves.
The guide who led our expedition issued us all
Shimabukuro is another beautiful bird that is,
unfortunately, close to extinction. In recent years,
empties a huge volume of nutrient-rich fresh water In addition to simply marvelling at this panorama on both sides of the with protective dry suits and boots, and himself however, it appears to be responding to serious
into the northern end of the Sea of Okhotsk, near
the island of Sakhalin. This fresh water rapidly
from the peninsula, which is now officially on
UNESCO's list of World Natural Heritage sites, visitors
peninsula right out to the dragged a large inflatable raft a very necessary
precaution against sudden rifts, that in seconds can
conservation measures to replace its breeding
habitat artificially, and more sightings and
freezes in the open ocean, and is driven more than to the area in winter can actually experience getting horizon, is one of the more leave wide expanses of open water rimmed by nocturnal bird calls are being registered over a
1000km by the annual north-west monsoon the
same wind that brings Niseko its fabled powder
out amongst the ice floes in a number of ways.
The easiest is to take a ride on an icebreaker
dramatic sights visitors to greenish-blue tinged sheer ice walls, where
beforehand there had been only a jagged and
much wider area. They are very large birds, with
some standing 70cm tall, and in winter wear a
snow out across the Okhotsk Sea into the north cruise boat out of the port of Abashiri. Large and Hokkaido can see." seemingly solid way ahead. It should be stressed that spectacular snowy white plumage.
Photo: Yasuhiro Yamamoto
Pacific Ocean. comfortable and very stable, these boats carry this is not an activity that should be contemplated T Continued over page
feature T shiretoko ice floes shiretoko ice floes T feature
MAJESTIC VIEW.. The ice floes are dwarfed by

giant mountain ranges.
T From previous page Amur Rivers journey through Siberia, locked up in Statistically, it can be seen that between 1970 and 2000, Abashiri was locked
One of our favourite haunts in Utoro is the Iruka the ice, together with plankton and algae on the in by ice floes for an average of 87 days a year, and on at least two occasions
(Dolphin) Hotel, perched right on the shoreline at under surfaces, which are released in the seas off this extended to over 100 days. Between 2004 and 2007, this had declined to 65
the entrance to the town, and overlooking a wide the northern Hokkaido coast as the floes melt to days a year, with nothing exceeding 100 in the past two decades.
expanse of ocean. Iruka is owned by Yasuhiro feed a thriving fishing industry. Local old-timers suggest that back in the good old days when they were
Yamamoto, a wildlife photographer who not only Sadly, this spectacular winter event appears to be children, the ice floes were as high as mountains, instead of the thin cover
likes to share a drink and great stories about the falling victim to the predations of global warming. seen today. And when you look now at the cliffs rising sheer out of the ocean,
peninsula at night, but also knows better than most Evidence being compiled by ice floe watchers points it is indeed possible to see the gouges and striations marking old ice activity
how to make the most of your Shiretoko adventure. to a steady decrease in the amount of ice and on the rock faces many, many metres above where today's floes end.
In the warmer months, he operates a cruise boat consequent negative economic impact on the region. The captains of the icebreakers will tell you that where once the floes were
from which we have had stunning bear-watching The Okhotsk Sea Ice Museum of Hokkaido, in the there to be ploughed through until as late as May, now they sometimes have
experiences along the peninsulas beaches in late nearby town of Monbetsu, says sea temperatures to go looking for good, solid areas of ice to entertain passengers even as early
summer and early autumn, just as the annual have raised almost one degree Celsius over the past as late February.
Photo: Yasuhiro Yamamoto
salmon run gets under way. But even in the depths century, and the amount of drift ice has shrunk by All this suggests that there is no better time to start planning a side tour to
of winter, he can point you to a small minshuku as much as 40 per cent. Shiretoko from Niseko soon. This year would be a good time to start, or make
(guest house) by a stream in a narrow river valley sure it is part of your plans for next year. There are flights from Chitose to
where sightings of the owl are (almost) guaranteed. Local old-timers suggest Memanbetsu, with a bus ride to the peninsula, or train services to Abashiri
Shiretoko also boasts the largest concentration of and bus connections from there.
Hokkaido brown bears on the entire island, but in that back in the good Information about the Iruka Hotel can be found online in English at http://
winter, they are all hibernating in the rugged
mountains that dominate the landscape. Deer are
prevalent, and indeed, because they are protected in
old days when they www.iruka-hotel.com/en/index.html
the national park, are almost in plague proportions,

and when food is scarce in winter, are now killing off
were children, the ice (And by the way, there is a small local ski slope close by, so you can even
take your skis or boards along for the trip).
trees in the pristine forests by eating the bark.
In addition to being a wonderful tourist spectacle, floes were as high as
mountains...
the annual ice floe phenomenon brings enormous
wealth to the Shiretoko Peninsula and surrounding
regions. There are waterborne nutrients from the
FEATHERED FRENZY... A boat tour attracts some

of the local wildlife.
photo essay T powder polaroids
Powder poster
rider Tim Myers, Niseko Backcountry photo Glen Claydon
AIR TIME a mystery boarder hangs
high and proud. Photo: Jahl Marshall.
u s a nd
A tho s...
word
WAIST-DEEP a unique view from behind of Nick 'Parko' Parkinson

dominating Hanazonos backcountry. Photo: Glen Claydon.
HIGH-FIVE credit where credits due for the sheer

size of Ruffys spray. Photo: Niseko Photography
BLUE STREAK with no tracks ahead, dynamo skier Kelly

MacEwan writes her own lines. Photo: Niseko Photography.
JUMPING YOTEI... anonoymous boarder gets high alongside IN THE SHADE... a Niseko boarder taking cover from the
Niseko's icon on a rare Niseko bluebird. Photo: Jahl Marshall morning sunshine. Photo: Niseko Photography.
Photo: Jahl Marshall
Photo: Niseko Photography
Photo: Jahl Marshall
Photo: CJ Zimmerman
UNTRACKED skier Lee takes makes the most of a crystal- EYE ON THE PRIZE while some take the lift up, skier Eske
clear bluebird in Niseko. Photo: Jahl Marshall takes advantage of early first tracks. Photo: Jahl Marshall.
events T sapporo snow festival sapporo snow festical T events
Sapporo Snow Festival

By Derek Chamberlain
International Snow Sculpting Competition will be on display at West 11.

Over the past 60 years feature sculptures have been made depicting landmark
buildings from countries all around the world. The Sydney Opera House,
Londons St Pauls Cathedral, Romes Trevi Fountain, Amsterdams
Concertgebouw, Seouls Kwang-Hwa-Mun, Egypts temple at Abu Simbel, and the
Brussels Stock Exchange to name a few. This year, the feature sculptures are the
ICE HOUSE... The Sapporo Snow Festival is home to Old Hakodate Court Building on West 5, Seouls Nandaimon Gate on West 7, and
some of the finest ice carvings in the world Tokugawa Ieyasus Castle Hamamatsujou on West 8. Sculptures representing
famous people or characters from books, TV programs or movies are also
popular, as are scenes depicting major events of the previous year. All of these
The Sapporo Snow Festival is Japans 290 snow and ice sculptures in three locations about
Sapporo and 2,159,000 visitors. In 1955 Japans newly
feature sculptures are first done in scale models from which the sculptors can
identify problem areas and which they use as blueprints for the actual build.
created Ground Self-Defence Forces began Many of these models are now on display at the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum,
biggest winter event and one of the most popular participating in the festival, trucking in tons of snow located at the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
and building or preparing the large sculptures that One of the most amazing aspects of the festival is the Citizens Gallery, where
Japanese festivals both in Japan and internationally. are such a prominent feature. The largest sculpture every year so many groups apply to participate that the organising committee
ever built was the 25m-high statue of Gulliver, which holds a lottery to see who will be given space for their designs. These groups can,
AROUND two million visitors flock to Sapporo every more interactive with slides, concerts, a skating rink, sat outside the entrance to the venue for the 13th and do, include anyone aged about 12 years old and up. This year there will be 112
February for the week-long Sapporo Snow Festival. live shows and a snow maze built into the front of one Winter Olympics in 1972. sculptures in the Citizens' Gallery at West 12. One of the other features that bears
This years event, held from February 5-11, is the of the stages. The third site, which is moving this year It was at the Sapporo Olympic Games, with mentioning is the West 6 Hokkaido Winter Food Festa, where there will be dozens
60th, and is shaping up to be one of the best yet. There to Tsudomu, will continue the tradition the third site international media focussed upon Sapporo, that the of shops selling local cuisine like giant crab, ramen, gengisukan and yakitori.
are several celebratory events scheduled, including an has always maintained, to be a winter fun-park for snow festival gained international attention. It might Construction starts a couple of weeks before the opening and its quite a sight to
Anniversary Fiesta in Sapporo Dome on January 31, children of all ages. Snow golf, snow rafting, tube well have been the spirit of the games that inspired the see the massive blanks slowly growing as army trucks bring in tons of snow for the
and the Happy Candle Night on February 7, when 7000 slides, cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoe Snow Festival Committee to create the International festival. Then, the morning after the official closing of the festival, large
candles will be used to light up Odori Park like a giant hiking names only a few of the activities available at Snow Sculpting Contest, which started in 1974. Over 20 earthmoving equipment arrives to knock down all the sculptures. This is done to
birthday cake. All the other lights in Odori will be the Tsudomu site. different countries have participated in the event at keep them from becoming a hazard, as the snow softens and the 20m piles
turned off from 4pm until 4.30pm on the February 7 to The Sapporo Snow Festival follows traditions that one time or another. Most of the teams are either collapse. Most people advise getting in early to see the sculptures whilst theyre still
promote ecological awareness and, of course, to show go back to the first years of Japanese settlement in national teams or teams from Sapporos sister cities. pristine because, though every effort is made to repair damage and remove snow
the candles in their best light. Hokkaido. The Sapporo Snow Festival has been an This year, teams from Indonesia, China, Finland, Hong after a storm, winters just arent as cold as they used to be, and even a slight
Unlike most festivals in Japan, which are usually annual event since 1950, when a group of high school Kong, Korea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, warming into positive digits can blur the edges of some of the more graceful
religious and/or cultural celebrations, the Sapporo students made the first snow sculptures in Odori Park Portland, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and the USA will designs. They also advise people that, whilst there are public lavatories, none of
Snow Festival is an entirely secular celebration of and provided the spark around which the first festival be competing. Most of these teams are selected and them provide toilet paper, so its best to take your own in the form of pocket
winter and winter activities, with a large helping of art coalesced. At that first festival there were only six sent by their country, and the event has as much to do tissues.
festival thrown in. Odori and Susukino, the two central sculptures but there were dog sled races, American- with tourism advertising as it does snow sculpting, but
sites, have been until quite recently almost entirely style square dances and other winter activities and they have produced some amazing art work over the NGS is running day-return trips from Hirafu to the festival for 4000. Departing
about the sculptures. Over the past few years, however, contests. That first year, 50,000 people attended out years. Last years winners were Thailand, Hong Kong from the Hirafu Ski Area Parking Lot #1 at 1.30pm, returning to Hirafu at 10.50pm
Odori has been returning to its roots by making its site of a population of just 300,000. Last year, there were and Japan. The sculptures created for the 36th every day of the festival. Contact NGS to book on (0136) 21 7151.
food T restaurant review restaurant review T food
Sekka - A hip taste of class,

CLASSY... Located in the heart of Hirafu,
Sekka oozes all that is high-class and
sophistication.
warmth and space

By Vanessa Gibson
By Vanessa Gibson
AUSTRALIAN BOTTLESHOP PRICES

LOCAL businessman Shouya Grigg has fronted wine cellar and a lovely Niseko and us! Having come from a beans was also constructed with a touch
formed the brand name Sekka into uncomplicated bar with a quaint background working in some great of brilliance.
Nisekos own version of Virgin. It is a Japanese tree sitting at the end. A restaurants all over the world, they are We followed Kats suggestion to share
brand so flexible it can to be applied to projector shoots grainy old Japanese film dyed in the wool foodies. our dishes, so we got to try a bit of
almost any business, giving it credibility footage onto the wall, a signature of We were finding it difficult to choose a everything, especially useful as we
and style. designer Shouyas hip and funky edge starter they all looked so enticing. Kat followed the usual routine of fish for
Top quality Western Australian wine
The Sekka restaurant was the original that he puts to everything he touches. helped our decision with her thorough the female and meat for the male. I Delivered to your Niseko
chic eatery in Niseko, and they now also Once escorted to our table, our setting knowledge of each dish. We ended up opted for the pan-roasted hamachi accommodation next day
operate Nisekos most stylish function was completed with an exquisite large with hamachi (snapper) cured with sake, served with Niseko potato, negi,
centre, delicatessens, and they have Reidel glass, not common in Japanese served with scattered Hokkaido plump cabbage and saffron citronette. A
Pay in $AUD on your credit card
successfully created a property dining. With the glass and the wine cellar green olives, capers and wisps of saffron. balanced, tasteful and elegant No fees, no conversions
development arm. The Sekka restaurant I would dare you to resist ordering some The dish was light and delicate and the ensemble if ever there was one. My
has just become better and better, and wine here. My partner was quite excited combination of flavors really enhanced partner predictably ordered Sekka's Enquire about Japan based Membership
this year, with the addition of some by the availability of the boutique draft the hamachi. This went so well with my renowned slow-cooked Tokachi beef or wholesale buying
great new talent in the kitchen and on Otaru beer being available the only wine, which we enjoyed so much, we cheek, which was as excellent as he
the floor, it is the best it has ever been. place in the Niseko area where you can decided to order a whole bottle. The remembered from last year. To call www.nisekowinesupply.com Tel: 080 6066 4321
From the moment you enter Sekka, get it on tap. Indeed it is only available other starter we tried was a renowned these dishes fabulous would be an
you are overcome with warmth and from a handful of locations worldwide, favourite, large, plump Hokkaido understatement. To complement the
class. As you wind your way down from as it can only travel 100km from the scallops (hotate) served with Otaru mains, we ordered two sides: a mixed-
street level to emerge in a beautifully brewery. I plumped for a glass of the cherry blossom wood-smoked chunks of leaf salad and roasted Japanese root
lit, intriguing hallway, you are greeted Alkoomi Semillon Sauvignon Blanc. We bacon, seared soya bean and bean vegetables, a great variation to your
warmly by your host and drawn to a enjoyed the beer with some fresh puree, a unique but tasty combination of standard roast vegetables, providing
life-size print of two sumo wrestlers homemade flatbread dipped in good flavours. I wanted to close my eyes while more taste and texture.
entangled mid-battle. As far as the quality oil and fresh aromatic dukkah, eating it to savour the experience. We finished off the meal with a
restaurant entrances I've experienced, which I had previously eyed off in their For the second course, Ni, we chose a refreshing scoop of pure mandarin
this is certainly up there. attached deli. delicate linguine with good-sized sorbet and a hazelnut brittle with
After such an impressive entrance, The menu was small, which my dining portions of fresh Hokkaido crab. A subtle burnt-orange caramel sauce. A
the dining room does not disappoint, partner and I are fond of, as you feel taste of chili came through and, delightfully sweet end to an indulgent
continuing with the theme of class and more confident the produce is fresh and thankfully, Kim showed a deft touch, as evening. We were tempted to try the
warmth. High ceilings and a large open- turning over regularly. Sekka has always it was by no means over-powering. great selection of Hokkaido cheeses,
plan design provide a feeling of space had Italian-Japanese fusion influences, Whilst waiting for our second entre, a but couldnt fit them in, and instead
and grandness so often missing in the but this season there has been a subtle large, aged Peccorino parmesan cheese gratefully accepted a sample from the
increasingly cramped Hirafu. Peeking shift to serving more Hokkaido-based barrel was pushed on a trolley for our aforementioned cheese barrel.
into the corner of the room, a delicacies, cooked with variety of neighbouring diners caught our eyes, Prices at Sekka were fair,
surprisingly open view of the large imaginative techniques and methods. and to be more accurate, our noses; considering the quality ingredients,
kitchen is on show. There is also a Katherine Bont and Kim Wejendorp are holding a wild mushroom risotto inside unique creations, and the high-class
mezzanine level that looks like it could recent additions to the Sekka team, and the massive block of cheese. Our second service. Most dishes ranged between
be used to host high rollers in a VIP we understand they are to be here for entre of grilled prawns served on soft 2,000 - 3,000.
section with ease, a floor-to-ceiling glass some time, which is great for Sekka, white polenta, Okhotsk rind and braised
MODERN... a look inside Shoya Grigg's

Sekka Dining.
food T japanese recipe
Omuraisu Ingredients:
By Jerod McCann & Naoki Miyamura of EN in-house fine dining Serves 2

2 cups cooked rice, any type
THE word 'omuraisu' comes from 'omelet and rice', as you may have guessed. 1 boneless chicken leg, skin off, cut into small
Omelet, pilaf and other French classics from abroad came to Japan in the late 1800s. The Japanese faithfully cubes
followed some Western recipes, and adapted flavors to suit their own tastes. Before long, these variations 1 onion, roughly diced
began spreading throughout kitchens all over Japan. 1 cup ketchup
2 tblsp oil
This recipe only involves a couple ingredients, little preparation and packs enough energy to keep you going 5 eggs, de-shelled
through dinner. 10 steps in 10 minutes... Salt and pepper, to taste
Method:
343
1. If the rice is cold, microwave until just warm.

Then set aside.
2. Get your pan smoking hot and add the oil. (A
Chinese wok works best for this, as you will need
to stir the mixture - it could get messy otherwise.
3. Lower heat and add the diced onion, saut for
five minutes. Add the chicken cubes and
Enjoy great food anytime of day in a family friendly atmosphere.
continue cooking for another five minutes until Breakfast, Lunch, Apres Ski and of course Dinner.
white.
4. Add all the cooked rice and stir fry as if
making fried rice. Blast the heat for a couple of
minutes to get the rice slightly crispy making
sure not to burn the onions.
5. Add cup of the ketchup and lower the heat.
Gently mix, taste, cover, and set aside.
6. Whisk the eggs (do not add salt to raw eggs as
it will break down the enzymes making them
watery).
7. In another large, non-stick pan over low heat
pour in half the whisked eggs and let cook until
firm. Do this twice using up all the eggs.
8. Spoon the tomato rice evenly between two
plates. (To really impress, heat your plates in a
warm oven; keeps your food hot during the
entire meal).
9. Drape the open omelet over the rice and
drizzle with the remaining ketchup. Dust with
fresh parsley and serve.
10. With a bit of practice, this should take 10
minutes start to finish. Sure beats the sloppy
burger joint around the corner!
Bon Appetit!
powder tracks T music
By Nick Jackson
Nicolas Cruz Loyalty to Loyalty, Cold War Kids, 2008

THE Cold War kids have been bashed around by critics
lately for the mismatched vocals and their odd style of
WE caught up with French pro-skier and rhythm. It is true that the music is a little odd, and lead
past Powderlife cover boy Nicolas Cruz singer Nathan Willets voice is not quite on keyever.
to find out everything from his DIN But hey, that makes them them. The first track from
settings to what tunes are getting him the album, Something is Not Right With Me even had an
down the hill this season. early cameo in this season of HBOs Entourage. Overall,
a very good album and is definitely down for one of
Name Nicolas Cruz Mermy my favourites of late 08. Rating: 3.5 Off-Pitch and
Nickname Tortionnaire/Zurc/Cru/Bambi Whineys out of 5. Songs to listen for: Something Is Not Right With Me, Mexican
Born October 1, 1982 Dogs and Golden Gate Jumpers.
Sponsers Amplid, Electric, Hestra, Discrete, Chatel, Skullcandy, Eleven.
Setup Amplid Cholesterone, reverse camber, 184cm, Amplid i Soulja Boy Tell em, Soulja Boy, 2008
binding 816, 13 DIN, centre-mounted WHAT do Soulja Boy and Adolf Hitler have in common?
Favourite terrain La Leche, Chtel/Entre Rios, Las Leas, secret spots in Niseko Neither of them knows what the hell hip-hop is, and
Favourite move S Dobardo Capoeira Move, Big Cork 3 when I manage to they both committed serious crimes against humanity.
throw them (not often), 0 spin Sure, Soulja Boy's first commercially released song,
Time in Niseko At the time I answered these questions one month, three Crank That (Soulja Boy), was a hit in the commercial
days and some hours world, but thats where he should have stopped. Chant,
Time riding Since age two be inane, repeat! This should be the album name.
Rating: 1 Thank You Soulja Boy For Making Everyone
Else Look Goods out of 5. Songs to listen for: Quite
Top 10 Powder tracks simple for this one dont bother at all.
1. Shook One Part II Mobb Deep You Have No Idea What Youre Getting Yourself Into,
2. Adrenaline Mobb Deep Does It Offend You, Yeah?, 2008
3. Fall Back Big L DOES It Offend You, Yeah? is one hell of a dance-rock
4. Dile Don Omar group that recorded one hell of a dance-rock album
5. Le Son Qui Met La Pression Lunatic and puts on one hell of a live performance. This is an
6. Alive (whole album) Daft Punk album that you should really tune in to when you are
7. Abbesses Birdy Nam Nam boarding. You will attempt a double back flip off a 50ft
8. Bun Down the System Collie Buddz drop with one foot locked inand you will definitely die
9. Turn Me Up (feat. Abzibiza doing it. But wow, at least you will be listening to some
Satisfaction Version) Benassi Bros damn fine music. Rating: 4.8 Powderlife Or Any Of Its
10. Dammit Blink 182 Contributors Are Not Liable For Death Or Injury While Listening To This Albums out of 5.
Songs to listen for: the whole damn album is great. Buy it and listen to it all.

how to T learning japanese learning japanese T how to
Japanese for powder people kaisha? (What kind of company is it?) When youre ready to move on to the next
topic, just say: Ah, sou nan da? (Oh, really?) If a fellow resident/seasonal worker
finds out youre in Niseko for the season, theyll probably ask: Doko de
by studio tdes hataraiteru no? (Where are you working?), followed by: X chan shitteru? (Do you
know X chan?)
Lesson 5: Making conversation
7. Nihongo jyozu!
APART from the fun youre having sliding down the mountain and eating up a Your Japanese is excellent!
storm the highlights of your holiday in Niseko are likely to be the interactions
you have with the locals. Why not make them even more memorable by trying If you attempt to say a few words in Japanese, but you clearly arent proficient in
out some of these phrases? Also, if youre here for the season, todays lesson has the language, someone is likely to clap their hands excitedly and exclaim:
some essential language to help you in your mission to make friends or special Nihongo jyozu! (Wow, your Japanese is excellent!) This may seem strange, but
friends dont worry, theyre probably not taking the piss, theyre just trying to be nice
and encouraging. You can respond by smiling shyly, shaking your head regretfully
1. Hajimemashite and saying something like: Iie mada mada desu (No, Ive still got a long way to
Nice to meet you. go). Or you could buck the trend and see what happens if you confidently say:
Hai, tensai desukara (Yes, because Im a genius).
When you meet someone for the first time, say: Hajimemashite. Depending on
the situation and the degree of formality required, you could do some kind of 8. Nani gata?
semi-bow or bow when saying this. If you meet someone in a bar in Hirafu a Whats your blood type?
bow-type nod is usually enough.
If someone suddenly asks you what your blood type is Nani gata? - dont be
2. Onamae wa? alarmed, its not because theyre a
Whats your name? doctor getting ready to administer a
blood transfusion. Its just small talk,
Normally people will introduce themselves, but if they dont, you can ask them: like asking someone what their star sign
Onamae wa? After they say their name, you can repeat it back to them to make is. If you dont know, just pick one of
sure youve heard right, adding san to the end. Just remember, san is only for the following: O, A, B or AB. If someone
adding to other peoples names, youll sound foolish if you add it to your own you ask turns out to have the same
name. Say your name by itself, or add desu. Bob desu (My name is Bob). After blood type as you, you should look
youve exchanged names, say: Yoroshiku onegaishimasu. This doesnt have an surprised and overjoyed and say:
English equivalent, think of it as: nice to meet you, part two. Honto?! Watashi mo! (Really?! Me too!)

3. Doko kara kitano? 9. Karaoke suki?

Where are you from? Do you like karaoke?
If youre a Caucasian in Niseko, dont be surprised if people skip this question If someone starts asking you if you like various things, they could be trying to
and ask: Oosutorariya jin? (Are you Australian?) If you ask a Japanese person segue into giving or eliciting an invitation. So, if youre on the market for
where theyre from and they answer Japan, ask them: Nihon no doko? someone to help keep you warm during the cold Niseko nights, be sure to
(Whereabouts in Japan?) respond enthusiastically! Karaoke suki? (Do you like karaoke?) Daisuki! (I love
it!) Jya kondo isshyo ni ikou ka? (Lets go together sometime.) Zehi! (That sounds
4. Nan sai? great!) This is the perfect lead-in to exchanging keitai (cell phone) numbers, or
How old are you? meado (email address).
cafe
In Japanese conversation, its common 10. Syashin issyo ni toru?
to ask how old people are partly to Shall we take a photo together?
figure out what kind of grammar you
Now roasting... can get away with. If you dont want to
reveal your age you can say: Naisho (Its
Now that you know each others name, blood type and email address the only
thing missing is a photo! Suggest taking a photo with someone: Syashin issyo ni
a secret) or Yada, iitaku nai! toru? If someone asks you, say: Ii yo!
Fresh roasted, organic coffee Hazukashii! (I dont want to tell you! Its (Sure!) If youre the person with the
embarrassing.) Or, if youre obviously camera, say: Cheezu! (Cheese!) Then
Coffee cocktails middle-aged, you can turn it into a joke wait for them to say: Mou ikkai! (Please
by saying: Hatachi (Im twenty). Theyll take another one). And if youre in the
probably laugh and say: Uso! (Youre lying!) If you ask someone their age, they photo, dont forget the gesture in
Locally grown gourmet food might say: Nan sai ni mieru? (How old do I look?) The easiest way out of this Japan you could get arrested for not
nasty trap is to say: Wakaranai (I dont know). making a peace sign in a photo!
5. Nihon wa hajimete? Pronunciation guide: Since this

Is this your first time in Japan? magazine cant talk, your best bet is to
find a Japanese person and ask them to say the words and repeat after them.
Early on in the conversation, theyll Then buy them a beer
probably want to know if its your first
time here: Nihon wa hajimete? If it is, studio tdes produces a daily online English language show, based in Kutchan:
say: Hai (Yes). If not: Iie, ni/san/yon/go www.thedailyenglishshow.com
kai me (No, its my second/third/fourth/
fifth time). Other common questions
are: Dono gurai iru no? (How long are Need more practice?
you here for?) and Doko de tomatteru
Breakfast, lunch and no? (Where are you staying?) Have fun learning basic Japanese every Sunday afternoon with tdes. We
dinner in a warm teach useful words and phrases for English-speaking tourists in Niseko.
6. Shigoto wa nani?
lounge atmosphere What do you do? Day: Every Sunday
Place: Samurai Bar, Niseko Yurt Village
This is not always a brilliant question in Japanese conversation, since people will
Open 08:00 - 22:00 Time: 4pm to 5pm
Opposite Seicomart often give you a very vague answer, like: Sarariman desu (I work in an office). If Entry: 1000 yen (includes 1 drink)
Free Internet Ph: 090-7516-7898 youre really interested, youll have to ask something more specific, like: Dou iu More info: thedailyenglishshow.com/nisekojapanese
neighbourhood T kutchan k-town kutchan k-town T neighbourhood
Introducing Kutchan Yukitopia: Kutchans snow

WHILE Niseko becomes a thriving modern international ski resort in winter,
just a 10-minute bus ride away is an authentic little rural Japanese town,
Kutchan Night-Go Bus 100 for an unlimited pass
festival
Kutchan affectionately known by foreigners as 'K-town'. Its the closest big By Shukin Moderski
town to Niseko with a population of about 15,000 people. Kutchan is the
service town for surrounding rural villages in the region, including Niseko,
but in years gone by it has been quite a thriving little entertainment district
on the back of past ski booms. Kutchans nightlife these days is pretty tame
compared to what most foreigner visitors would be used to, but therein lies
its charm. For the younger crowd at least one night exploring the back alleys
of Kutchan for a quirky little bar or karaoke joint is a must it could well
be one of the best experiences of your trip. For those not after a party, there
are countless possibly a hundred or more unique little restaurants to
choose from. For ideas about where to head check out www.powderlife.com/
magazine/kutchan
THE Japanese love a festival and February sees the winter festivals throughout
many of the alpine regions. While most people will have heard of Sapporos
world-renowned snow festival (see p.36 for Powderlifes run down), Nisekos
service town, Kutchan, has its own snow festival, Yukitopia (Yuki means snow).
If you own a pair of skis or a snowboard that isnt just collecting dust and
growing rust in your shed, chances are you came to Kutchan to enjoy Nisekos
snow. You are well aware of its serene beauty, friendly people, and of course its
fluctuating climate. It can rain one day, just to give you an excuse to take a
break and go have a coffee, get cashed up, have a massage and an onsen, and
wake up to find the temperature has dropped and its knee deep at your
doorstep! Well rested, you hit the slopes once more to find your self saying:
That was the best day ever! A phrase I put as much stock in as Im never
drinking again!
While most of us enjoy playing here, spare a thought for the men and women
who move more powder in one winter than Pablo Escobar did in a lifetime the
people of Kutchan who clear the snow. While you might be enjoying a night on
the town, singing karaoke, or West Australian wines in front of your fireplace,
some Japanese wives are up at 2am preparing breakfast for their husbands who
8:00am ~ 8:00pm [closed on tuesdays] ph: 0136-22-0050 have to be in their snow plows by 3am. Year after year these nocturnal people
keep the city going by pushing powder.
21 years ago, some of these guys got together to find a way they could spend
a couple of days having a few drinks and playing with their kids in the snow
while they still recognized them, and hence was the birth of Yukitopia! This
years Yukitopia will be held Feb 21st & 22nd at the giant ski jump behind
Kutchan train station.
Below you will find a list of events;

Feb. 21st (Sat) Feb. 22nd (Sun)
9:30~13:00 Snow Camping Demo 10:00~15:00 Snow Camping Demo
10:30~17:00 Giant Snowman with 10:00~15:30 Food / drink Stalls & Flea
slippery slide Market
10:50~11:00 Daiko drum extravaganza 10:00~14:00 Snowmobile Experience
11:00~18:00 Food / drink Stalls 10:00~10:30 Character Show
11:00~17:00 Flea Market 10:00~12:30 Human Donkey Race
11:00~11:20 Festival Opening: Rice 10:00~14:00 Paintball Comp
Cake Grab 11:30~12:30 Lets make Mochi (rice
11:30~13:00 Human Hammer Throw cakes)
12:30~14:00 Snowball Fight (adults) 12:00~13:00 Hot Pot (Nabe)
13:00~14:00 Bobsled Extravaganza
14:00~15:30 Snowball Fight (children) 12:30~13:15 Treasure Hunt
14:00~16:00 Song and Dance Event 13:15~13:30 Rice Cake Grab
15:00~16:00 Snowball Target Practice 13:30~14:00 Character Show
16:00~17:00 Raffle Draw 14:00~15:30 The Great Water Trial
17:00~18:00 Hot Pot (Nabe)
Extravaganza For more information call:
17:00~17:30 Candle Light Event 22-1121(ext. 242)
18:30~20:00 Kutchan Pub Crawl
TUBING... There's fun to be had for all

ages at Kutchan's Yukitopia.
humour T men who ride mountains
Men Who Ride Mountains

By Stirling Goldman
Hailing from the extreme terrain of Mt Baw Baw in Australia, Stirling Goldman
was bred on waist-deep, man-made powder and extra steep chutes. Stirling has
conquered the most beastly mountains across the world, and recently moved to
Niseko. Stirling soon sensed that both local and international punters needed to
be taught a thing or two and luckily for us, has decided to settle here for good.
Stirling Goldman: a man who rides mountains.
Greetings ladies and wannabes, Stirling No. 4 People who keep lift passes attached
here. The Powderlife punters have asked me to their jackets from previous seasons. Stirls
to write another piece for their feeble mag. is a well travelled man, he doesnt need a
Clearly they have some sense and realise grubby Baw Baw 02 lift pass attached to his
that Stirls provides PL with some serious jacket to prove it. Only punters do.
kudos, and has increased their female Thankfully the Niseko passes are electrically
readership by close to 600 per cent... so they scanned, so punters can't include Niseko in as Nee-say-ko. Or Seicomart as Psychomart. A mirror sometimes I forget how good
now have six female readers rather than this form of punterism. Source some scissors Or Yotei as You-tie. Its not that hard, punter!looking I am.
one. Lets be honest, the ladies are too busy punter. So there you have it. If you avoid these 10 Q: Stirling I heard a rumour when
chasing Stirls to have time to read anyway. Number 5: People using skiboards - a.k.a points, Stirling may give you the OK tag. reading a gossip mag recently that you
So, it got me thinking I use the word mini-skis, big foots, etc - these things Except for the ladies - they just get the were in line to become the next James
punter quite a lot. Therefore, I thought I should be contraband at any ski resort or Goldman tag. Happy skiing! Bond, but changed your mind at the last
would write an article about 'punterism'. hire shop. You should have to sign a minute. Is it true? (Susie, UK).
Check up Wikipedia and you can see one waiver form to be awarded lifelong Q: Stirling, Im a massive fan. Just A: Susie, the secret was generally quite well
definition of a punter as: a beginner puntership just to hire them. wondering what you carry when you kept, but yes, it is true. I had the gig but
skier or snowboarder, especially one with Number 6: Anybody who thinks he can enter the backcountry? (Pedro, France). knocked them back. There were several
particularly bad style. Now Stirls concedes out-drink, out-ski or out-spade Stirls with A: Pedro, who isnt a massive fan? Quit the reasons:
this is fairly accurate, but it lacks the the ladies. Instant punter status. Lets be small talk. But good question all the same. 1) They wanted me to cut my locks, and we
Goldman edge, and lets face it, even S.G honest nobody competes with Goldie. Stirling always has his beacon and backpack all know Stirls changes for no one.
was a beginner skier with bad style once. Youll only die trying. when going out the gate. And Stirling also 2) The filming was scheduled for six months
Although that was for my first 30 minutes Number 7: Anyone claiming to have skied carries the following: ahead of when I signed, in anticipation that
on skis, and I was 9 months old. And having all of Niseko once they have done Shovel is how long previous actors had needed to
skied all over the world, from Baw Baw to Strawberry Fields twice. While Goldman Electric space blanket... but usually a lady get in shape. Once I ripped my shirt off at
Zermatt, Stirls will outline in further detail concedes it is good at the right time, there will come and keep me warm (see below) the audition, they soon realised I was ready
the top 10 things that make a Niseko are usually more punters than not in there. Extendible probe but I was born with to go. They were unable to bring the
punter. Number 8: Any fat bastard who claims to that. shooting dates forward and it was to mean I
Number 1: Any snowboarder enough be a good skier. No athlete is fat. Except Water from my Evian sponsors would miss the Niseko winter.
said. Except my buddies from Car Danchi sumos and John Daly and they dont ski. Mars (another sponsor, as I do like to 3) The film had only scripted liaisons with
they go alright. And Lorne from Only a true punter would boast about their work, rest and play) two ladies (and they had to be acted) over a
Ridgerunner he goes OK too. ability while bulging way over their belt. Mobile phone and little black book it is two month filming period, which was a little
Number 2: Anyone, and I mean anyone, Stirling works hard to maintain his chiseled amazing how many ladies are willing to risk below Stirls regular quota.
who skis or snowboards home on the road. frame, as should all the alpine elite. their lives and come for their one shot at So they ended up going with Jenny Craig or
This is a huge leap to upper level punterism Number 9: Those starting fights at the Stirling time when I get stuck in the back whatever his name was. But dont worry
and remains one of the worst sights in the pub or stealing jackets. All aboard to country. P.S. I never call the favourites in Susie, Stirling is coming to a cinema near
world of alpine sport. punter central. Stirling does his talking on case they dont make it. you, and he will provide some oh-oh seven
Number 3: Anyone claiming they get face shots the hill, not with fists or with theft. Just My patented Stirls Snorkel Stirling gets times - just for you!
of powder yet never leaves a groomer. The only look for the signature S cut in some fresh deep in the pow.
face shot they will get is from Stirling when he pow and you know Stirls has owned it. iPod with my I Just Wanna Ride with Got a question for a man who knows? Fire it
hears this. You want deep get off piste. Number 10: Anyone pronouncing Niseko Stirls classic hit on repeat. to stirling@powderlife.com.

real estate T real estate news real estate news T real estate
By Lorne Calhoun
HK Developer capitalises on subdivision COUNTRY RESORT... Hong Kong

developers are loving it here. Nisekos original developer
THE long-vacant Country Resort sub- Niseko Resorts Group was founded by Group, said there were many new and By Chris Lane, Izumikyo Company client advisor
division, created by Izumikyo Real Estate, its managing director Chi Guillemette, exciting plans for the project. As well as
is now being populated by Hong Kong- who fell in love with Niseko after her first having another 15 houses available, we
based developer Niseko Resorts Group. trip here from Hong Kong in 2003. Over also have plans to build a recreation
Country Resorts clearing, sub- the last two years the group has built centre including a cafe/restaurant and
division and roadworks were originally and sold 25 homes ranging from 130sqm children's room in the Country Resort
completed by Izumikyo Real Estate to 1300sqm, creating a little village of sub-division, he said. We are also pre-
more than six years ago, creating flat, sorts in Country Resort. Using Niseko marketing Akazora, a collection of 15
developable blocks that ranged from Resort Design and Construction as the condominiums in middle Hirafu Village.
500sqm to 1,300 sqm. The area then lead builder, the group is continuing the Niseko Resort Group also offers a
remained quiet for four years until development of the area. guaranteed yield of 7 per cent for two
Niseko Resorts Group took interest in Andrew Hooper-Nguyen, the years, 24-hour concierge service and
the project. operations director for Niseko Resorts on-demand shuttle bus service in winter.
AFTER... One of Izumikyo
THIS IS THE LIFE... A taste of FINE LIVING... modern life Company's projects the
the country. inside the resort final product.
IZUMIKYO Company has had a hand in the free ski shuttle bus service which serviced all of the
creation of the Niseko resort area since 1973. village.
After successfully developing such integral sites as During the Japanese economic slump
the Hirafu Middle Village, Izumikyo, St. Moritz and commencing in the early 90s, Izumikyo Co. still
Country Resort, the pioneering developer is about to continued its sustainable development campaign
release what it calls its newest and greatest project, and successfully released the St. Moritz Village.
Hanazono Hills, with the release to be announced, Times were tough in Niseko during that period, and
but on-track for this year. business didnt really pick up until the first foreigner
Izumikyo Co. with an office now based in came and bought land from Izumikyo Co. in the
Izumikyo 2 has spent the last 36 years creating Resort Land development back in 2003.
HT spreads to Furano New Alpen project sells well infrastructure around the Niseko resort, and says it
takes pride in sustainable development efforts.
Izumikyo Co. says it is also proud of dealing directly
Over the last six years, international buyers have
been flooding into Niseko and snapping up
everything the developers can release once again, BEFORE... Photos of the
HOKKAIDO Tracks has expanded its compared to Niseko. There has been AUSTRALIAN developers Consolidated for Consolidated Properties, said with the customer and cutting out the middle man, says Masahiko-san. prime patch of land ahead
of construction
operations out of the Niseko area, very little new development for 10 Properties and Hutchison Builders everyone involved with the Alpen Ridge which is the real estate agent. As we are the Niseko land wholesalers, we
choosing the Furano ski fields as a first years, and there are no self-contained announced they have secured enough project helped make it a huge success. Izumikyo Co. first emerged as a developer front- depend on turning over sales at a discounted rate as
point of focus. accommodation options close to the pre-sales to go ahead with the The biggest complaints we received runner in Niseko just before the bubble years of opposed to sitting on a single prime piece of real
A new Hokkaido Tracks office is ski lifts, he said. We recognise an construction of their 26-unit Alpen from owners were regarding the lack of Japan. The 78-year-old head honcho of Izumikyo Co. estate for an indefinite time period, he says.
functioning on the future development opportunity to provide a level of Views development. scissors in the units and the dish towels Masahiko Nishimura reminisces about the good old Masahiko-san says Izumikyo Co. has a busy and
site, open Saturdays 1pm-5pm, Sundays accommodation that we know will suit With Alpen Ridge completed, and that were nearly waterproof, he said. days, when Niseko went through its first boom and prosperous future ahead. Rest assured that we are
9am-2pm, Wednesday 1pm-5pm, and the needs of the emerging local and the construction of Alpen Views to We used the combination of Australian was promoted to the domestic market as Japans ski working hard to release our next high-grade sub-
Thursday 9am-12pm. international travel market. commence this April, the Brisbane- Cottee Parker Architects and Japanese paradise. He says property was taken off the market division, he says. As all eyes are on Hanazono, we
Furthermore, the Shibisey apartments Gallagher said locals were hoping based developers also announced they HNS Architects for design and Iwata the same day it was listed. Back then, you couldnt are busy preparing our 52-home village within
in Furano will be located in front of the the development would boost were working on securing two builders for the construction. The team get listings fast enough, as there was always a buyer walking distance of all the action, to be created by
Mount Furano gondola base. visitation and business in Furano, additional Upper Hirafu locations to worked perfectly for the Alpen Ridge hoping to get in on the action, Masahiko-san says. Hanazonos owners; Pacific Century Property
Hokkaido Tracks sales and marketing adding that they also hoped building continue with the development of the building and we plan to continue to use In 1985 Izumikyo Co. developed Izumikyo 1, 2, Development (PCPD). We are happy to report that
manager James Gallagher said the and occupants respected the unique Alpen brand. the same team for our future and 3, which remain titled as such today. everything we have planned is on schedule and
market was totally undeveloped, local culture of Furano. David Tarantini, a project partner developments. A major milestone was the commencement of a slated to be released within the year.
real estate T real estate news
Geothermal: heating of the future

By Matthew Thomas
MANY parts of Japan are considered to be geothermal heating. Compared to burning petroleum fuels, there are
hotspots. And one of these hotspots is Niseko. zero emissions with geothermal heating, besides a little Distribution
system
This snowy little village may be chilly above-ground electricity to run the pumps, he says. Imagine a typical
Cold
in winter, but below the Earths surface it is blessed year, where most houses go through around 2000L of Hot
with shallow, easily harvestable resources. This means kerosene each ski season. You go through zero of that
sustainable energies systems like geothermal heating kerosene with geo-thermal heating. Paul says the only Heat exchanger
can be installed and used without many problems. negatives are a larger initial set-up cost, and a slightly
Niseko sits atop active soils, and is home to many an more complex and slower operating system, when
Underground loop
Earth-heated onsen (thermal baths). compared to the basic immediacy of kerosene heating.
Many believe that because geothermal heating Paul also mentions a problem is that most
doesnt rely heavily on the burning of fossil fuels, it developers arent interested in geothermal heating due
producers a smaller carbon footprint. This means less to the costs. Geothermal heating is especially practical How does geothermal heating work?
of a contribution towards global warming something for those interested in the long-term payback, such as The heating process starts when a pressurized, bio-
of concern to snow-loving skiers and snowboarders. governments or commercial properties. Its perfect for degradable refrigerant gas usually anti-freeze is
In Laymans terms, geothermal heating is defined as governments who want to heat roads, for example, and expanded and circulated within a closed,
the use of the Earths thermal energy for space and for property owners who want to come here and enjoy underground loop. As the temperature of the non-
water heating. It is a concept that has been utilised the lifestyle for a number of years and are happy with toxic gas drops as it expands within in the loop, it
since the time of the Roman Empire, as a way of that long-term payback. Paul says geothermal heating concurrently gets reheated by the Earth's warmth.
heating buildings and spas by using sources of steam usually pays for itself in between six to 20 years. For After exiting the loop, the heated refrigerant gas is
and hot water that exists near the Earths surface. The an average property, geothermal heating usually costs made hotter by recompression, and then transferred
geothermal heat pump system exploits the around 8 million to 20 million to set up, he says. to a heat exchanger where it cools off, in turn
temperature differential between below and above- Experienced architect of more than 20 years, Tokyo- warming the house. When reversed, geothermal
ground environmental conditions, converting that based Riccardo Tossani, of Riccardo Tossani heating can have a cooling effect.
differential into carbon emission-free energy used for Architecture, has much experience and a strong belief
heating or cooling. Temperatures in this area of the in environmentally sustainable design. He is currently
Earth remain at 10 to 16 degrees Celsius year-round. building a private residence between Hirafu and Mount the system becomes more popular in residential
Niseko has many commercial and private residencies Yotei that will employ geothermal heating. The system construction, Riccardo argues. These added costs are
that utilise geothermal heating to maintain offers significantly reduced costs for heating rooms, subsidised in some communities, and should be
temperatures on a propertys floors, panels, roofs and floors, driveways and walkways over conventional considered in terms of life-cycle to asses the financial, if
roads, for example. systems, says Riccardo. not environmental, viability.
He says the positives of geothermal heating are Rett Anderson, from Niseko Resort Design and
You dont need to feel guilty substantial. With this technology we can supplement or Construction, is a builder responsible for Hirafus Ezo
even replace conventional heat exchangers and air- Views development in Izumykyo 1 to be finished by
economically, environmentally conditioners with a non-polluting, inexhaustible November this year. Moving away from the obvious
or otherwise for leaving the alternative, which can be run at very low cost, he says. environmental, cost and durability pluses of geothermal
Coupled with radiators such as the PS variety, commonly heating, he mentioned several everyday positives. You
heater on all day and night. used in Niseko and Hokkaido, it is quiet and non- cant really distinguish any difference between geothermal
allergenic, safe and compact. and conventional heating, besides a lower power bill, he
One of the most experienced development and Riccardo says this local residential project was says. But there are no unsightly vents on the wall, no
project management companies in the field of conceived from the outset with thermal performance forced air as well, so the air in the house will not be dried
geothermals is West Canada Homes. WCH has been principles, to reduce demand on artificial energy and the out either because geothermal heating is radiant heating,
involved with five Niseko projects that implement emission of greenhouse gases. For areas as which is also much cleaner than fuel heating. Geothermal
geothermal heating Asahi, Mangetsu, Setsugen, environmentally sensitive and beautiful as Niseko, this is is very maintenance-free once you have done the pipe
Zekkei and the Tancho Centre, which was WCHs first no small concern, he says. work, there is little to nothing to do. You dont need to feel
geothermal project. President of WCH, Paul Nikel, Riccardo also agrees that initial installation costs for the guilty economically, environmentally or otherwise for
sights the positive environmental factors of geothermal system will be higher. However, costs are coming down as leaving the heater on all day and night.
riccardo ad
real estate T real estate news
Geothermal: heating of the future

By Matthew Thomas
MANY parts of Japan are considered to be geothermal heating. Compared to burning petroleum fuels, there are
hotspots. And one of these hotspots is Niseko. zero emissions with geothermal heating, besides a little Distribution
system
This snowy little village may be chilly above-ground electricity to run the pumps, he says. Imagine a typical
Cold
in winter, but below the Earths surface it is blessed year, where most houses go through around 2000L of Hot
with shallow, easily harvestable resources. This means kerosene each ski season. You go through zero of that
sustainable energies systems like geothermal heating kerosene with geo-thermal heating. Paul says the only Heat exchanger
can be installed and used without many problems. negatives are a larger initial set-up cost, and a slightly
Niseko sits atop active soils, and is home to many an more complex and slower operating system, when
Underground loop
Earth-heated onsen (thermal baths). compared to the basic immediacy of kerosene heating.
Many believe that because geothermal heating Paul also mentions a problem is that most
doesnt rely heavily on the burning of fossil fuels, it developers arent interested in geothermal heating due
producers a smaller carbon footprint. This means less to the costs. Geothermal heating is especially practical How does geothermal heating work?
of a contribution towards global warming something for those interested in the long-term payback, such as The heating process starts when a pressurized, bio-
of concern to snow-loving skiers and snowboarders. governments or commercial properties. Its perfect for degradable refrigerant gas usually anti-freeze is
In Laymans terms, geothermal heating is defined as governments who want to heat roads, for example, and expanded and circulated within a closed,
the use of the Earths thermal energy for space and for property owners who want to come here and enjoy underground loop. As the temperature of the non-
water heating. It is a concept that has been utilised the lifestyle for a number of years and are happy with toxic gas drops as it expands within in the loop, it
since the time of the Roman Empire, as a way of that long-term payback. Paul says geothermal heating concurrently gets reheated by the Earth's warmth.
heating buildings and spas by using sources of steam usually pays for itself in between six to 20 years. For After exiting the loop, the heated refrigerant gas is
and hot water that exists near the Earths surface. The an average property, geothermal heating usually costs made hotter by recompression, and then transferred
geothermal heat pump system exploits the around 8 million to 20 million to set up, he says. to a heat exchanger where it cools off, in turn
temperature differential between below and above- Experienced architect of more than 20 years, Tokyo- warming the house. When reversed, geothermal
ground environmental conditions, converting that based Riccardo Tossani, of Riccardo Tossani heating can have a cooling effect.
differential into carbon emission-free energy used for Architecture, has much experience and a strong belief
heating or cooling. Temperatures in this area of the in environmentally sustainable design. He is currently
Earth remain at 10 to 16 degrees Celsius year-round. building a private residence between Hirafu and Mount the system becomes more popular in residential
Niseko has many commercial and private residencies Yotei that will employ geothermal heating. The system construction, Riccardo argues. These added costs are
that utilise geothermal heating to maintain offers significantly reduced costs for heating rooms, subsidised in some communities, and should be
temperatures on a propertys floors, panels, roofs and floors, driveways and walkways over conventional considered in terms of life-cycle to asses the financial, if
roads, for example. systems, says Riccardo. not environmental, viability.
He says the positives of geothermal heating are Rett Anderson, from Niseko Resort Design and
You dont need to feel guilty substantial. With this technology we can supplement or Construction, is a builder responsible for Hirafus Ezo
even replace conventional heat exchangers and air- Views development in Izumykyo 1 to be finished by
economically, environmentally conditioners with a non-polluting, inexhaustible November this year. Moving away from the obvious
or otherwise for leaving the alternative, which can be run at very low cost, he says. environmental, cost and durability pluses of geothermal
Coupled with radiators such as the PS variety, commonly heating, he mentioned several everyday positives. You
heater on all day and night. used in Niseko and Hokkaido, it is quiet and non- cant really distinguish any difference between geothermal
allergenic, safe and compact. and conventional heating, besides a lower power bill, he
One of the most experienced development and Riccardo says this local residential project was says. But there are no unsightly vents on the wall, no
project management companies in the field of conceived from the outset with thermal performance forced air as well, so the air in the house will not be dried
geothermals is West Canada Homes. WCH has been principles, to reduce demand on artificial energy and the out either because geothermal heating is radiant heating,
involved with five Niseko projects that implement emission of greenhouse gases. For areas as which is also much cleaner than fuel heating. Geothermal
geothermal heating Asahi, Mangetsu, Setsugen, environmentally sensitive and beautiful as Niseko, this is is very maintenance-free once you have done the pipe
Zekkei and the Tancho Centre, which was WCHs first no small concern, he says. work, there is little to nothing to do. You dont need to feel
geothermal project. President of WCH, Paul Nikel, Riccardo also agrees that initial installation costs for the guilty economically, environmentally or otherwise for
sights the positive environmental factors of geothermal system will be higher. However, costs are coming down as leaving the heater on all day and night.
riccardo ad
question and answer T real estate
Q&A
MASTERPIECE... One
of several Ikee
designs in Niseko
with Tetsuo Ikee

Interview by Yuri Hamada
WHEN you see the stylish houses being built in Hirafu, you Including my time in Sapporo, I have built over 500 chicken wire boxes of old to a much neater-looking, log
often see the sign IKEE. Powderlife spoke to the owner of houses; in Niseko about 100. Almost all of the projects house-style shed. This is a good example of the
IKEE, Tetsuo Ikee, who shared his thoughts about the Ive been involved with were either condominiums or changing mentality of people who are already picturing
village development and Nisekos future growth as an duplexes. Its important to consider the needs of the Hirafu Village as one. If we have a building code to
international ski resort. tourists and the big consumer, the Australian market. follow, it would be a huge step in the right direction.
For this reason, I think it is important to build what
Can you tell us about some of your background, they want, not what we as the developers want. At the Niseko might be the first case in Japan where
including the reason why you started your same time, its important for all developers to consider foreign developers outnumber Japanese. Is
business here in Niseko? their own abilities, and the possibility of utilising this that the case, and what do you think about it?
I was born in Sapporo, and studied architecture at college. to create a more harmonious village. As of late, I would I would like to see more Japanese companies in this
My father had his own construction company, so Ive spent like to step back and start seeing the village as a whole, area. After the Japanese bubble burst, it has been quite
most of my career learning what I know from him. When I and not just the next project. hard for most Japanese companies to collect money for
was in college, I often came to Niseko both in summer these kinds of big projects. If Japanese companies and
and winter to hike around Mt. Yotei, and the surrounding What kind of architecture has been your foreign companies could meet in the middle to support
mountains. Since then, Ive dreamed about living in biggest influence? each other and work towards the same vision, it would
Niseko and developing this home away from home. I dont really have one, but when I went to China three lead to a more successful village-wide development in
years ago, I was overwhelmed by the number of people Niseko.
Compared to the first time you came here, how and the variety of buildings in the cities. After that trip,
has Niseko changed? IKEE started to import high quality building materials Do you think the boom in Niseko over the past
If you drive through the Lower Village, you will see many from China. That way we can offer better prices for few years was a bubble, or do you think Niseko
houses crammed into each block. When I first started homebuyers without lowering our standards. still has a bright future?
developing in 89, my first building was where the IKEE I dont think this is a bubble, but there is a lot of truth
office is now located. At that time, most of the houses What do you think of the development boom in regards to the rising value of land in Niseko. The
here were small pensions owned by Japanese with much that has happened in Niseko? land value jumped up to 15 times more than it used to
larger lots. But four or five years ago, many Australian Too many things happened at one time. There wasnt be. This is crazy, and also too good to be true. This year,
developers started spending their holidays in Niseko, enough communication between companies who built construction has decreased 70 per cent since last year.
which has led to the big property development you see their buildings next to each other. If possible, I would With this being said, I still continue to believe in
nowadays. like to have government support for the development. Nisekos future as an international ski resort. Thats the
Niseko is a gorgeous place, but having so many reason I am so concerned with the village as a whole. A
The development in Hirafu is mostly different styles of buildings, and with exposed power harmonious Hirafu Village, combined with Nisekos
condominiums. Do you like doing this style of lines everywhere, Nisekos natural beauty is super high-quality powder snow, would make Niseko a
building, or do you prefer building more unique diminished. The Lower Village community has put lots very difficult world-class international ski resort to
styles of houses? of effort into changing the garbage stations from the compete with.
phone directory T directory
Six-digit (local numbers) need the prefix 0136 if dialing
from mobile phones, pay phones, or outside Niseko.
Kumagoro

Services
23 3381 [MAP B3] Boot Solutions
Restaurants, Grandpapa

Landmark Deli

221-025 [MAP D2]
Rosso Rosso
cafes and eateries 0136 23 2244 [MAP B3] 23 4285 [MAP E2]
Niseko Photography
Graubunden Loaf Lounge 21 7100 [MAP B3]
A-Bu-Cha Casual steak house with a 22 5764 [MAP D2]
23 3371 [MAP E4] 22 1022 [Kutchan] contemporary flavour. Juicy,
22 5620 [MAP C2] tender wagyu and Kobe beef,
Call for an
Specialities variety of imported wines. appointment or
Bs Caf and Bar Buta don 850 just drop in. Ph.
Tempura Set 1350 0136 22 0399
22 1480 [MAP D1] Sashimi 1350
Tendon 950
Niseko Physio
Hana Jizoh Bakery Maru
22 0399 [MAP B2]
23 0331 [MAP F4] 22 5020 [MAP E3] Your English speaking sports
Amazing sweet and savoury Traditional Japanese donburi injury centre in Hirafu. Aus-
Sekka Deli Cafe
breads and pastries. Must try! restaurant. 11:30am-2pm/5- tralian trained winter sports
Bang Bang
Get the free village shuttle to 11pm. Pick up available. physiotherapists.
21 3088 [MAP B2]
bus stop 27. Reservation required
22 4292 [MAP C1] House-made produce using
Owner Masanobu Saito local ingredients, cheeses, Skybus
chooses the best ingredients Hirafu Fleur Mina Mina meats, wines. Breakfast to 22 2108 [MAP D2]
in Japan. One of Hirafus dinner, dine in or take away. Sapporo office 011 788 4994
most popular izakayas. 23 3306 [MAP E1] 23 4471 [MAP D2]
Ichimura Soba Mokoraya
Delis, food outlets
Barunba Lawson Hirafu
23 0603 [MAP F3] 090 8279 0598 [MAP F3]
090 8907 9399 [MAP B2] if Caf Mozart 23-1230 [MAP C2]
M-Pocket Kutchan
Menu Selections 22 4770 [MAP B3] 090 2699 6387 [MAP E4] Sekka Dining M-
Salmon pizza 1300 22-1070 [MAP Kutchan F7]
VenisonHamburg1250 Jam Caf Bar Nami Chan Chi 21 5022 [MAP B2]
Pasta 1000~
Buffalo wings 600 Experience the taste of Hok- Niseko Wine Supply
23 0700 [MAP D2] 21 2258 [Kutchan] kaido in style at Sekka Dining. 090
Black Diamond Lodge Restaurant
Japanese Kitchen Bouken Nathans Hotdogs International fusion cuisine 6875 5931 [MAP XX]
using Hokkaido ingredients.
Seicomart Hirafu
0136 44 1144 [Higashiyama]
22 3759 21 3121 [MAP E3]
Just 300m ski or bus from
the Hilton Niseko Villlage. Java Bar and Caf Niseko Gourmet Shokusai Hirafu 23-3271 [MAP C2]
Check out or great Western Sekka Deli
and Japanese menu. 090 2871 6781 [MAP D3] 080 5584 1313 22 1105 [MAP C1]
Niseko Pizza Shunsai 21 3088 [MAP B2]
Blo Blo Bar Sekka Landmark Deli
21 6888 [MAP D2] 23 1882 [Kutchan]
22-12-69 [MAP D1] Paddy McGintys Slalom 23 4285 [MAP E2]
Bouken Kazoku Sekka Teca Wine Shop
JoJos Caf and Bar 55 8020 [MAP C2] 22 1105 [MAP C1]
22 3759 21 3088 [MAP B2]
23 2093 [MAP E3] Spur Chinese Restaurant
Chidori

A 13 cm Original Burger, po-
tato gnocchi and fries from

22 1105 [MAP C1] Hotels
23 2831 [MAP F4] local potatoes. Generous Tsubara Tsubara Hotel J-First Niseko
portions of food
Curry Goya
Pauls Cafe and Bar 23 1116 [MAP E4] 22 2350 [MAP E1]
23 3688 [MAP F4]
Jyuu Okonomiyaki 090 9083 6764 [MAP C3] Hotel Niseko Alpen
Downtown Specialising in Belgian beer
44 2336 [Higashiyama] and rotisserie chicken. More 22 1105 [MAP D1]
23 3354 [MAP B3] Kakashi than 30 beers on tap or in Hotel Niseko Scot
Dragon Wine and Food Bar bottles. Belgian Waffles.
23 2622 [MAP D2] WIld Bills 23 2311 [MAP E1]
21 7700 [MAP B2]
Kame Payoka 22 5652 [MAP D2] J-Sekka
Come for dinner, stay for
22 0339 [MAP E3] 22 0117 [MAP E1] drinks. Hirafus most popular 21 6133 [MAP B2]
Piccolo House bar and Tex-Mex cuisine Niseko Kogen Hotel
restaurant. See you there!
23 0311 [MAP E2] 22 0117 [MAP E1]
EN in-house fine dining
Raku Izakaya Yawaraya Niseko Park Hotel

55 8100 [MAP D3] Kamimura 22 6638 [MAP C3] 23 3810 [MAP C3] 22 2122 [MAP C2]
Relax while our in-house
chef does all the work. 21 2288 [MAP D2] Rin Izakaya Youtei Yakiniku Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafu-tei
Your fine dining solutions. Nisekos premier dining
experience. A mix of Japanese 22 1444 [MAP B3] 22 0109 [MAP E1] 23 2239 [MAP C1]
seasonal cuisine, blended Senchou 1 Izakaya Yuki Bar and Caf Yamada Onsen Hotel
with classic French technique.
Fujizushi Sushi
22 2001 [MAP B3] 22 0234 [MAP D2] 22 0476 [MAP E1]
23 2661 [MAP B3] Kila Senchou 2 Seafood Izakaya Yummys
Gentem Caf
070 6646 4715 [MAP C2] 22 5454 [MAP C2] 21 2239 [MAP C3]
23 3154 [MAP B1] Komekichi Onigiri Caf

22 1105 [MAP F1]

directory T phone directory local information T directory
Six-digit (local numbers) need the prefix 0136 if dialing
from mobile phones, pay phones, or outside Niseko.
Real estate Ski schools
AIRPORT Sapporo.......................................011-222-7111 stand in a door frame and watch for falling objects. A privately run orthopaedic clinic providing
Hokkaido Tracks Development NAC Niseko Adventure Centre NBS Niseko Base Sports New Chitose Airport 0123 23 0111 Otaru...........................................0134-22-0771 The safest places are in large open areas such as more time efficient service than the hospital.
Bars NBS
Yuki Bar and Caf www.new-chitose-airport.jp/language/english Kutchan station..........................0136-22-1310 parking lots of ski areas, schools, parks etc. Your X-ray, medical dispensary. 1-4, South 3-jo West3,
21 7202 [MAP C2] 23 2093 [MAP E3] 21 5050 [MAP B2] New Chitose was opened in 1991 and became Niseko station.............................0135-44-2104 accommodation is likely to have an emergency Kutchan 0136-22-1386
22 0234 [MAP B2] Japans first 24-hour airport in 1994. It services earthquake pack.
Angel Karaoke Bar Hokkaido Real Estate Niseko Hirafu Ski and Snowboard School Niseko Sessions INTER-RESORT TRANSPORT
Sapporo and Niseko with direct international
Wild Bills A shuttle bus connects the Grand Hirafu, EMERGENCIES INTERNET
flights from various Asian cities and Australia.
23 1281 [MAP D2] 080 5587 5052 [MAP C2] 22 0921 [MAP D1] 080 6070 2780 [MAP B2] The Tokyo to Chitose route is the busiest domestic Higashiyama and Annupuri ski areas. There is a Police .........................................................110 Most accommodation in Niseko will have internet
22 5652 [MAP D2] route in the world. It is the largest airport in Japanprivate company bus which costs 500 and a free Ambulance and Fire..................................119 access. If you have a laptop, you can try finding
Aprs Bar NISADE NISS Niseko International Snowsports School SAS Scott Adventure Sports
by land mass. shuttle bus which is included in your all mountain Emergency Interpretation.........03-5285-8185 the free wireless hotspots in cafes and bars

23 2311 [MAP E1] Tours, activities
22 0038 [MAP C2]

21 6688 [MAP F1]

21 3333 [MAP B2]
pass. See the timetable on the course map for Japan English Helpline (nationwide around the village. Try Pow Pow, the Java Bar or
Getting From New Chitose To Niseko more information. If you have a 12-point ticket, emergency assistance)...............0570-000-911 Powderlife caf.
Bar Lair
Niseko Rusutsu
Niseko Life Plan

Accommodation providers On arrival at Chitose international airport, visitors one point per trip is needed. Others need 500 for ETIQUETTE Mobile Phones
Sapporo Hokkaido not on a full travel package have a few options to adult and 300 for child per ride. Japan is perhaps the most courteous country in 3G phones only will work in Japan. You can hire
22 0588 [MAP D1] Backcountry Black 44 3584 [Higashiyama] J-Sekka Suites complete this last leg of their journey to Niseko
Diamond Tours the world. Say excuse me (sumimasen) and thank a phone from IXSM travel 0136 21 5855 or Go
Barunba Niseko Property The Australian and back. Although the trip is only 110kms, due Kutchan Night Bus you (arrigato) regularly. Do not eat while walking, Mobile 03 4496 4344. For longer term stays the

snowsports club 21 6133 or 21 7788 [MAP B2] to icy roads and no direct train route, it takes two A free bus runs from Grand Hirafu ski area to or wear your shoes on tatami mats or in most three big carriers have stores in Kutchan:
with its own Kutchan station every night. Step out from Hirafu
090 8907 9399 [MAP C3] Black Diamond Tours 21 5060 [MAP D2] Niseko lodge
to three hours. indoor residences. A bow can be used to say thank au................................................0136-21-5616
NISADE village and enjoy shopping, eating, and drinking
Be. NRE Niseko Real Estate BUS in Kutchan. you, sorry, hello, goodbye and excuse me. It is Soft Bank....................................0136-21-2588
090-2054-8687 Australian Alpine Club Niseko impolite not to return a bow. The deeper the bow, NTT DoCoMo...............................0136-21-6868
Let us privately guide you 22 0038 [MAP C2] The bus is the most convenient and commonly
the more polite it becomes.
556 905 through Hokkaidos best 21 7722 [MAP D2] Niseko Ground Service
used form of transport from the airport. Buses Taxis TELECOMMUNICATIONS
223 006 [MAP E4] depart about every 30 minutes from the airport to Kutchan hire...............................0136 22 1212 EATING
Blo Blo Bar powder stashes and out of the Niseko Realty Sales The lodge has eight western Domestic Calls
way places. Niseko.They take about three hours, including a Misora hire.................................0136 22 1171
style guest rooms Member- 21 2503 [MAP C2] At most casual dining Japanese restaurants Green and grey public phones take coins or pre
rest stop halfway and a dropoff at Rusutsu. 2,300 Niseko hire.................................0136 44 2635 (Izakaya) meals are ordered for the table and paid telephone cards, available from convenience
22 1269 [MAP D1] 23 2221 [MAP C2] ship is available for A$6,500 Niseko Management Service one way and 3,850 for a round trip.
www.aacniseko.com AIRLINES shared. You will often receive a small snack with stores or at some phone card dispensers in some
Dragon Wine and Food Bar Deep Powder Tours Niseko RDC The buses disembark at six designated bus stops your first drink which may or may not be billed. booths. Local calls dont require the 0136, unless
21 5020 [MAP D3] within the greater Niseko United Resort. You will ANA.............................................0120 029 222
Rest your chopsticks across the top of the bowl or made from a mobile phone.
21 7700 [MAP B2] 0136 21 5827 [MAP D2] 23 4844 [MAP B2] find two different points to get off at each of the British Airways............................03 3570 8657 plate never leave them sticking out of the rice! Directory Assistance
Deep powder tours Niseko Powder Connection Cathay Pacific.............................03 5159 1700
main ski areas. Dial 104 (toll call) and then ask for an English
Fridge Door Bar (Gyu +) Good Sports Ridgerunner China Airlines.............................03 5520 0333 DRINKING
21 5827 [MAP D2] 21 2500 [MAP D2] JAL...............................................0120 255 971 speaker. You must know the location and name
Whiteliner Buses It is tradition in Japan to pour from a bottle into to get a number.
23 1432 [MAP B3] 23 4560 [MAP C1] 21 6220 [MAP C2] Hokkaido Tracks Outdoor Travel Japan www.whitelinerbuses.com.........011-242-2040 Korean Air...................................0088 21 2001 your guests small glass regularly. Kampai is the
Qantas.........................................0120 207 020 International Calls
Fuga Pottery Factory Sekka Style Gallery Chuo Buses Japanese word for cheers use it readily! Also International direct dial can be made using any of
Singapore Airlines......................03 3213 1174
23 3503 [MAP C2] 21 2171 [MAP C3] www.chuo-bus.co.jp/kikan/ski...011-231-0500 please remember to stay well behaved when the following prefixes, 001 (KDDI), 0041 (ITJ) and
Donan buses Thai Airways...............................03 3503 3311 under the influence. Poor behaviour by drunken
22 1731 21 7755 [MAP E2] Hokkaido Travel Ski Japan 0061 (IDC). They will cost you.
www.donanbus.co.jp/ski............0123-46-5701 United Airlines............................0120 114 466 Australians in Niseko has received national
IXSM Travel Tracks Real Estate Hokkaido Resort Liner BANKING media attention in Japan. Remember you are an Calling Cards
233 327 [MAP C2] 22 4611 [MAP D3]
www.access-n.jp/ski_info.html..011-219-4411 Yes, we all know Hirafu needs an international ambassador for your country at all times while Brastel
Half Note 21 5855 [MAP D4] 226 977 [MAP E2] Holiday Niseko The Niseko Company DOOR TO DOOR TRANSFER ATM! Until then, use the post office in Kutchan you are abroad. The most popular international calling card

Karada Massage @ J-SEKKA West Canada Homes open 8.45am to 7pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pm TIPPING service is available in Niseko. Known for its flat 24
090-1307-3792 [MAP C3] Skybus offers a door to door transfer service from
21 6221 [MAP A3] 21-7272 [MAP F2] on weekends and holidays. You can also withdraw Although tipping is not generally done in Japan, hour rates as low 6 per minute to Australia from
Only Jazz bar in Hirafu, check the airport to Niseko or Sapporo. Chitose to Niseko
out their jazz events. Billiards, 21 3088 [MAP B2] 21 7500 [MAP E2] Izumikyo from 9000 return per person, or better deals for from the 24-hour Citibank ATM at 3F Chitose some restaurants and bars will include a service any type of phone using a non-toll free access
table tennis, wireless internet private shuttle transfers 30,000 one way for airport and the 7-Eleven near Kutchan station. fee for groups. number. Brastel has excellent customer service
available. 23 3301 [MAP D4] up to 5 passengers, 40,000 one way for up to Most of the cards with Cirrus and PLUS marks available in over 20 languages and the card is
9 passengers, or 50,000 one way for up to 14 are accepted at these places, but round cornered GARBAGE available at several locations in Hirafu and can be
Jam Caf Bar

Rental passengers. Go to www.skybus-jp.com/index.html cards are not. Hokkaido has some of the strictest garbage recharged at IXSM travel or by your credit card.
separation rules in the world. Please try to follow New subscribers get five free minutes. Toll-free:
CAR RENTAL CREDIT CARDS
Demo Niseko 343 them, follow the signs on the bins to the letter. 0120 659 534. www.brastel.com
23 0700 [MAP D2] NAC Niseko Adventure Centre short / long term leas-
If you are comfortable driving in the snow, renting Japan is still a predominantly cash society. Most
NAC ing export / import/ small bars and restaurants in Niseko do not accept Onsen (Hot Spring Bath)
moving assistance 21 66 77 [MAP C2] 23 0343 [MAP C3] can be convenient as it allows you to take a trip Kazak
Java Bar and Caf 23 2093 [MAP E3] 7 pass 4wd from credit cards, but larger hotels, restaurants and Buy a ticket, strip down no swim suits allowed, Rates from 20 for one minute to Australia. The
to Kutchan to stock up the fridge before returning
Lessons and winter mountain 45,000yen/wk NBS Niseko Base Sports Rhythm & Beats hotels often do. keep your clothes in a basket, your valuables in a kazak card is the highest selling card in the Niseko
the car. One way hire from Chitose to Hirafu is
090 2871 6781 [MAP D3] tours, year round activities, American Express.......................0120 020 120 locker. Take a little towel only into the onsen with area. Kazak card is available from your hotel front
about 7,000 for six 24 hours. Nippon Rentacar,
indoor climbing wall, shop, Niseko Auto Rentals and Sales 21 5050 [MAP B2] 22-0165 [MAP E2] MasterCard..................................03 5728 5200 you, wash and scrub your body well before you go desk, Piz Gloria convenience store and from most
Maki Lounge Bar @ J-SEKKA
Mazda and Orix have offices in the Niseko area.
and caf. If you want a car only in Niseko, you can contact Visa Card...................................00531 44 0022 in to the bath. You can fill your towel with cold inbound tour operators.
090-2055-6074 [Higashiyama] Grand Hirafu Ski Hire SAS Scott Adventure Sports water before you enter the onsen. Do not put your 0123 36 4000
21 3080 [MAP C2] Niseko Auto can assist you Black Diamond Lodge in Higashiyama.
CURRENCY towel into the onsen water leave it on your head
with local sales and export. 0136 22 0109 [MAP D1] 21 3333 [MAP B2]
Masukotto Mazda Rent a Car : Chitose airport 0123-45-8756, You can exchange your money into Yen at the and squeeze the cold water out when you get too POST OFFICES
Call for an Licensed auction dealer Niseko Powder Boards Sports Rent Ciao bank, post office, and most inbound travel hot (its best not to bring drinks into the onsen). Look for the red T symbol. Stamps and the post
appointment or Niseko 011-231-0118 (drop off and pick up in
23 1101 [MAP C2] just drop in. 4WD and sports vehicles. operators. Please bring your passport it may be After bathing rinse off under the shower. Finally office box are at Piz Gloria convenience store. For
info@nisekomassage.
Niseko only available on weekdays)
Paddy McGintys com
0901 384 5772 [MAP D3] 22 5178 [MAP F2] Nippon Rent a Car : Chitose airport 0123-26-0919, more convenient to change with your hotel. You dry your body well before you walk back into the other services you will need to go to the post office
can also exchange USD travellers cheques at banks changing room. in Kutchan.
Sun Sports Land Niseko0136-43-2929
or at Kutchan post office.
55 8020 [MAP C2] Niseko Massage Orix Rent a Car : Chitose airport 0123-22-0543, MEDICAL SERVICES TOURIST INFORMATION
23 3220 [MAP A3] Izumikyo (Hirafu) 0134-25-0543, Black DRIVING At present there is no doctor in Hirafu and Kutchan Tourism Information centre
Paul's Cafe and Bar Diamond Lodge : 0136-44-1144
22 0399 [MAP B2] When driving on icy roads the number one Niseko Physio is the only medical service Located on Eki-mae Dori opposite Best Denki, the

Professional Sports and TAXI thing to remember is to drive slowly. Make sure available in walking distance of the slopes. For newly opened tourist information centre provides
090 9083 6764 [MAP C3]
Relaxation Massage in Five
A standard taxi from Chitose to Hirafu will cost the windscreen and back and side windows fractures or non musculo-skeletal cases you an excellent English speaking service for visitors.
Star Luxury. Highly qualified
about 30,000, but you may not fit all your gear are thoroughly de-iced on the outside and de- will need to go into Kutchan. If you cant speak They dispense brochures and can help you book
massage therapists
in it. Prai Taxi charges 20,000 for a small taxi (3-4 steamed on the inside before setting off dont Japanese you will need to bring a translator accommodation. ph: 0136 22 1121
people) or 33,000 for a jumbo (8-10 people). Call simply clear a porthole to look through. Maintain Niseko Physio
at least a five-second gap between you and the Located on the second floor of Australia The Niseko Grand Hirafu Welcome Centre
Niseko Pottery Club 011 207 5166 or www.prai.co.jp.
vehicle in front. Use a high gear to avoid wheel House, staffed with Australian physiotherapy At the main bus stop in Hirafu parking lot the
TRAIN spin, but take care not to let your speed creep up. graduates from North Sydney Orthopaedic Welcome Centre has a wide range of brochures
Red Bar 23 4844 [MAP A3]
This is the most scenic way to get to Niseko. Brake gently to avoid locking the wheels. Never and Sports Medicine Centre (Australias leading and transport information. They can also help
Niseko Snowmobile Adventures Unfortunately there is no direct train from brake if the vehicle skids, instead, ease off the knee clinic). Primary care also available. Sports with booking accommodation if youve arrived
22 6687 [MAP B3] Chitose to Kutchan station (the closest major accelerator and steer slightly into the direction of injuries, back and neck pain, braces and taping. without a booking you risk taker you. 0136 22
Nepalese style curry restaurant 21 5001 station). All trains run through Sapporo and the skid until you gain control. Appointments preferred but not essential. 0109.
and bar open everyday of the
Otaru. The journey takes about three hours www.NisekoPhysio.com Telephone 0136 22 0399.
season. Every Friday is party NOASC ELECTRICITY WALKING ON ICY ROADS
and the cost is about 2,600 for an unreserved Kutchan Kousei Hospital
night with DJs from 10.30pm. Standard voltage is 100v AC. You can use many About 1/3 of all injuries in Hirafu are caused by
seat. If you want a reserved seat, you can ask The major hospital servicing the area is located
23 1688 [MAP C3]
at JR information desk, B1 Chitose airport. higher watt items without a problem but higher 4 blocks from the main intersection of Kutchan. people falling on the street. Wear shoes with good
Splash Paint Ball Field Niseko www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html wattage devices such as hair dryers may not run They have an X-ray, a slightly ageing MRI and grip, buy and attach rubber sole covers with metal
on full power. Plugs are the flat two blades type. medical dispensary. No appointment necessary, studs. Take small steps, walk slowly and never run,
23 1688 [MAP C3] 23 2111 [MAP E4] The train schedules are subject to change so Many recent buildings have 240v with Australian orthopaedics cases taken in the morning only. It keep both hands out of your pockets and free for
it is best to call the numbers below or visit: shaped plugs. will take you most of the day. Address: North 4 balance. Walking with two ski stocks is a great idea
The Brick SAS Scott Adventure Sports and protect yourself instead of the objects being
SAS
www.japanrail.com. EARTHQUAKES East 1-2, Kutchan-cho Tel: 0136-22-1141
carried.
22 3444 [MAP D3] 21 3333 [MAP B2]
Airport.........................................0123-45-7011 In the event of an earthquake, stay out of elevators, Ueda Orthopedic Clinic
health T the last word on health
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

knee reconstruction. What does the rehab involve?
Depending on your surgeon, rehabilitation will start
By Dave Garrick anywhere from the next day to two weeks post
operatively. Many surgeons are not even using a brace
Whether you are sitting in and held in place with screws. This is currently the post operatively now. The goals of rehabilitation are
the orthopaedic surgeons most commonly used technique. Occasionally patients similar regardless of the technique used. Rehab is
room or on a physio will have hamstring strains in the early phases of imperative to your recovery under the supervision of a
treatment table, when you rehab, but this is usually not a long term issue. knowledgeable physiotherapist. It will focus on
hear the words: You have 2) Patella tendon graft. This procedure involves a regaining range of motion, reducing swelling,
torn your anterior cruciate strand of your patella tendon with a piece of bone off improving strength and proprioception (balance
ligament and will probably either end that is then screwed into the bones where reactions), and a graded return to sport.
need a knee reconstruction; the ACL was attached. This is less suitable for those who A general rule of thumb is a full return to sport at six
Dave Garrick
I am sure the reaction is have to kneel a lot or possibly in jumping athletes due months for an elite athlete and closer to nine months
David Garrick is a physio fairly similar. After a few to the loads on the patella tendon with this activity. for the amateur. With regards to skiing, it is
who works at North Sydney expletives and overcoming AFL players often tend to use this technique due to the recommended you start on groomed runs with lowered
Orthopaedic and Sports the shock of the scary higher risk of hamstring tears in these athletes. DIN settings prior than racing for the Niseko back bowl
Medicine Centre in Sydney.
He has completed a Masters
sounding words, you start to 3) Allograft, from a cadaver. This is generally only deeps.
in Sports Physiotherapy wonder whether youll have a used for repeat offenders when the hamstring or
reconstruction and what it patella tendon has already been used, but is gaining So you may be asking how can you prevent
actually involves. Bode Miller, Alicia Camplin, Tiger popularity in the United States, due to the lack of extra rupturing your ACL in the first place?
Woods and even Powderlifes own Bevan Colless have trauma to the body. There is some research involving American female soccer
found themselves in this situation! There is also a new procedure called the LARS players and Scandinavian female handball players that a
The ACL is the main stabilising ligament in the knee technique which involves using a synthetic graft. This is program focussing on proprioception, landing technique
and without it the knee is vulnerable to giving way. not widely practiced and generally only useful in ACL (with the knee bent more than 30 degrees) and
Due to the design and tension of the ligament, the injuries that rupture in the middle of the ligament. The strengthening (particularly of the thigh muscles) may
odds of this healing on its own once it has ruptured are benefits are that the rehab takes about half the time, help reduce the incidence of non-contact ACL injury.
less than 1 in 100. The ligament tends to fray like a and for an elite athlete this could be the difference Although not skiing, this may have some relevance for a
horse's mane when it ruptures so for it to heal between missing a season and not. It will be interesting get fit to ski programme before coming to Niseko.
naturally is quite some task. Sometimes, you can get to see the development of this technique, but it is Happy skiing and with any luck you wont be hearing
lucky and the scarring of the injury may lead to a unlikely to ever be the first choice for an amateur. me talk to you individually about ruptured ACLs at
functionally stable knee, but for most people Niseko Physio.
sustaining this injury surgery is the advised option. So Ive ruptured my ACL. Do I have to have a
The good news is that you are much better off knee reconstruction?
having this procedure done now than 25-30 years ago. The simple answer is no, but it generally means you These are some events you may experience
The surgical techniques are far more advanced now have to modify your lifestyle to straight-line activities. to suggest you have torn your ACL:
than they were back then. These days the entire Contrary to what you may think, you can ski without an A traumatic event that often involves twisting of the
procedure is performed arthroscopically (via a camera) ACL and plenty of people do, often with a brace. knee. 70 per cent of ACL injuries are non-contact and
and usually as a day procedure. You should be walking However, if you want to be involved in directional- are commonly seen in touch footy, skiing and netball.
very soon afterwards and not need crutches for very change sports or activities, knee reconstruction is Swelling that usually develops relatively quickly
long. In days gone by a reconstruction required a week usually recommended, which is why a younger, more (within two hours) after the injury.
or two in hospital, a long zipper scar over the knee, a active patient will usually be advised to take this route. Pain that will often get better quite quickly,
cast and months on crutches. There is a school of thought that stabilising the knee however it is usually enough to stop the patient
via surgery will lead to less degenerative changes over continuing the activity.
These days, there are generally three types of time as there is less wobbliness of the joint. Whilst this A pop sound at the time of injury and a sense
ACL repair techniques being used: makes clinical sense, in reality it appears that the initial that the knee temporarily came apart.
1) Hamstring graft a strand of the hamstring tendon injury is enough to cause wear and tear later in life A giving way of the knee after injury particularly
is cut from behind the knee and then looped 4 times whether or not you have an operation. Surgery will on twisting or changing direction.
and inserted into the bones where the ACL attached reduce secondary meniscal (cartilage) tears over time.
N
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Ha op
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ba

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Powderlife Magazine Issue No.14

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WINTER SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT REAL ESTATE FREE

issue 14 Feb 7 20 2009

livin' on SHIRETOKO ICE FLOES

t h e e d g e a frozen natural wonder

LOST IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

Nisekos powder lifestyle magazine fresh every two weeks

11 Page Seven // Village news and happenings

24 LOST IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

26 SHIRETOKO ICE FLOES

36 SAPPORO SNOW FESTIVAL

winter print run 50,000+

managing editor Kristian Lund

designer Geoffrey McRoberts

Nisekos first English language periodical magazine published every

cover Niseko Backcountry photographer Glen Claydon skier Tim Myers

6 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com

editors note... ...

Kristian Lund, Powderlife Managing Editor kris@powderlife.com kris@powderlife.com

8 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com

Niseko back on top

www.powderlife.com february 7 february 20 2009 ISSUE 14 powderlife 11

Public still hungry for restaurants

Nisekos parks reach new heights Niseko skier in

RESTAURANT & BAR

Where have you been this week?

12 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com

14 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com

Inskis Stack of the Week

Brooke, Hannah and Elise

Nitro Gun Powderstick

Hotronic M4 Foot Warmer

LIFTIE KIYO GROOMER Koutaro Patrol-AIBON

24 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com

Shiretoko Ice Floes

ICEY PERCH... native birds are

MAJESTIC VIEW.. The ice floes are dwarfed by

the national park, are almost in plague proportions,

FEATHERED FRENZY... A boat tour attracts some

WAIST-DEEP a unique view from behind of Nick 'Parko' Parkinson

HIGH-FIVE credit where credits due for the sheer

BLUE STREAK with no tracks ahead, dynamo skier Kelly

Photo: Niseko Photography

Photo: Niseko Photography

Photo: Niseko Photography

Photo: Jahl Marshall

Sapporo Snow Festival

International Snow Sculpting Competition will be on display at West 11.

Sekka - A hip taste of class,

warmth and space

AUSTRALIAN BOTTLESHOP PRICES

MODERN... a look inside Shoya Grigg's

By Jerod McCann & Naoki Miyamura of EN in-house fine dining Serves 2

1. If the rice is cold, microwave until just warm.

Nicolas Cruz Loyalty to Loyalty, Cold War Kids, 2008

www.powderlife.com february 7 february 20 2009 ISSUE 14 powderlife 43

3. Doko kara kitano? 9. Karaoke suki?

5. Nihon wa hajimete? Pronunciation guide: Since this

Introducing Kutchan Yukitopia: Kutchans snow

Below you will find a list of events;

TUBING... There's fun to be had for all

Men Who Ride Mountains

48 powderlife ISSUE 14 february 7 february 20 2009 www.powderlife.com