Niseko’s newest ski complex is teaming with construction workers pushing for the December 09 opening day.

Niseko accommodation [ Nisade ] has been taking bookings this month and is already quickly filling both apartments and hotels rooms. With the word out, Nisade is surprised by the demand within slowing the economic climate ”…you just cannot get ski accommodation like this anywhere in the world - the combination of ski in ski out, traditional Japanese onsens, outdoor pool, cocktails on the après terrace, room service and designer interiors is really second to none” said Lisa Araki, Nisade’s Accommodation Manager.

Video taken on site, April 29th, 2009.

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

The Vale Niseko has all construction hands on deck - the snow is cleared and the driveway slabs have just been completed.

Progress is full steam ahead with works now being seen above ground with the scaffolding of level two in the midst of going up.

With the entry level complete last year and the snow cleared, we can now walk the lobby, restaurant, main onsen (Japanese natural hot spring baths), reception, outdoor pool and apres terrace areas.

Getting to Niseko will be smoother after Haneda (Tokyo) and Chitose (Sapporo) finish their current expansion projects.

Arriving in Haneda now and you will be met with an array of construction machinery on the Yen570 Billion site. The huge expansion boosts runway traffic by over 40%, including a new terminal which is due for completion in December this year (2009) - perfect timing to match The Vale Niseko open day!

March 28th 2009: Sapporo Chitose airport under construction and expansion. Completion date is March 2010.

The construction team appear to be winning the battle against the snow (this week) and preparations for a influx of a mass of men and heavy machinery are being finalised. For several weeks (when the snow was still winning the battle) most of the work was concentrated in the basement level, away from the elements. Now with the sun returning to Niseko more frequently we will see The Vale Niseko begin to reach of the sky!