The super efficient Niseko powder provided a fantastic open day for this years season kick off.

Niseko properties have been blanketed the past week with around two feet of powder - topped off with sunshine and Yen2000 lifts tickets, many a local were grinning ear to ear.

Niseko accommodation in peak season is looking very close to full in many parts of the village. This season looks set to be a blinder with at least three new bars opening in the top village, two new apartment complexes and a host of new guest services.

Niseko…this season has been nothing but spectactular - nudging a 3m base already with the past 4 weeks being a powder day everyday.

With reports stating Niseko has had the most snow of any world ski resort right now, it is never too late to book your ski trip. Niseko’s high season runs into February.

Here’s what the rest of the world is saying about Niseko;

“Niseko is in the top 10 of snowboarding destinations… ”
Chris Moran (former British Snowboard Champion) The Guardian (UK), November 2008

“Niseko is the second snowiest ski resort in the world”
Forbes Traveler, 2007

“The best night skiing in the world”
Tom Collinson, The Guardian (UK), February 2008

“Japan’s powdery slopes emerge as hot new international ski magnet” 
Miami Herald, Nov 11^th, 2007

“The best off-piste skiing in the world”
The Guardian (UK), 20^th October 2007

Niseko gets its first snow for the 2008/09 season.

Not just on Mount Youtei as where it traditionally starts, the white gold fell on the Niseko skiing area (Mt Annupuri) as well. Amazingly this snow arrived three weeks ealier than this time last year.

With only four weeks till open day fingers are crossed we get an opening like last year. November 26th 2007 was a day to remember - knee deep Niseko powder with only a handfull of people out.

With a very short Autumn/Fall this year and a tonne of “stink bugs” in the area (a local myth that their presence means snow); both a great indication of a bumper season to follow.

Fingers (and stocks) are crossed…