Pictured below is the Niseko Triathlon Training Camp 2009. 22 Participants and two coaches, including Kevin Clark, the assistant triathlon coach for the Hong Kong National Team.  The camp was held from September 16th to September 20th. NISADE partnered with Tritons Triathlon to host the first inaugural event who wish to thank all sponsors and local volunteer guides.

Lined up outside their accommodation at The Setsumon, ready for another days training in Niseko.

Preparing for the swimming leg at the beautiful Lake Toya, which hosted the G8 summit in 2008.

Following on from the recent success of the second annual Niseko Cycle Week, this event was a success with all participants impressed by the surface of the roads, the natural beauty of Hokkaido along the routes, and of course the quality of the air and food!

Images from around Hirafu Village in Niseko;

Mount Yotei in spring mode.

Golden Week in Japan is spring’s busiest holiday period. This year, the Japanese Government discounted freeway tolls to help stimulate the economy - driving can be expensive here but now with the reduced tolls there was a flood of Japanese visiting the Niseko region.

Niseko’s last day of the season. As usual the blue skies and well groomed parks made fantastic Niseko spring skiing. One of the areas best kept secrets…

Niseko properties unexpectedly woke to spring snow this morning.

With Golden Week  (Japan’s main National holiday period) just around the corner, this is a welcomed sight. With these predictions we will have some awesome spring skiing this week…expected blue skies, perfect parks and top to bottom spring skiing.
 

Courtesy of www.snow-forecast.com

On the other side of the world, Thredbo Australia has its first dump of the season see http://hangwiththewang.blogspot.com/2009/04/thredbo-26th-april-2009.html

Niseko has a vibrant seasonal climate. Ranging from the massive 14m average of snow, super lush summer greenery and the crazy autumn/fall colors - the ever changing themes of its alpine environment never fail to please.

This autumn was no different. With only four weeks till the snow season officially kicks off - the leaves have already  turned>