The abundance of snow from the 2009|10 winter has paved the way for a perfect summer skiing base in Niseko.

At only an hours hike, locals are heading over the back of Mt An’nupuri to get their summer turns in.

The landscape up the top looks like a moonscape however the spectacular views over Sea of Japan and onsen at the bottom make it a truly awesome Japanese skiing experience.

Photos from May 22 2010;

The 2nd Annual Hong Kong Ski Challenge (post race group photo)

A happy skier clocks a great second lap time.

The “moo-cow brothers” having a beer before the race for luck.

Carving a tight line speeding around the gates, this boarder means business!

Mt Yotei was the perfect backdrop to the race.

Toby proving that spring skiing conditions in Niseko can be lots of fun.

The crowd await the competitors at the bottom to check out the electronic times.

The prizing giving ceremony, Winter Olympics here in Niseko.

Snowboarders VS skiers - the racing didnt finish on the mountain.

The Parfitt brothers Brian & Wayne showed the crowd how the legend Lars Longcox would do it.

Ironmonger Event organisers (IME) Alice & Rob Derry enjoy their second event in Niseko.

The party hit the roof and beyond. Censorship laws and possible libel actions prevent me posting any further photos from this point of the night on.

The Vale Niseko hosts Niseko’s best après ski experience.

Every Sunday at 3:30pm the Taiko drummers will be out on the après terrace complete with a BBQ by the Vale Bar & Grill, outdoor fires and selection of Japanese beers.

Come get your Niseko post powder kick on!

NISADE Chairman Jonathan Martin enjoys the moment at the opening ceremony three weeks ago.

NISADE President Kal Bragg, thanks sincerely the construction partners whose have shown committment to the project throughout and placed their confidence in NISADE that we could deliver on our objectives.

Jonathan Martin bows respectfully to Shibata San, the former owner of Snow Universe, the ski-in ski-out onsen hotel which stood on the spot of The Vale Niseko being been demolished just 18 months ago to make way for NISADE’s masterplan project. Several timbers were rescued from the old hotel and have been used to make the reception desk and onsen door - much to the surprise and delight of Shibata San.

Several Shacho (CEOs) of our partner firms smash open an enormous sake barrel to start the evenings festivities.

Sake to glasses for all the 140plus invitees in attentendance.

Amongst many flowers in water we received from members of the local business community (as is custom in Japan when a new business opens in an area) we received some flowers in ice, which still grace our ain entrance today.

Jonathan and Kal blessing the completed building with local Shinto priest, Project Architects Hokkaido Nikken Sekkei and Builder Nakayama Gumi.

The crowd were wowed by a very unique tribal dance from an authentic Ainu tribe. The Ainu are the indiginous tribe of Hokkaido, and feature in much of the comissioned artwork through the building. We were honored to have the tribes chief come with his tribe and partake in our opening cermemony.

The partying truly began after a powerful 12 person Japanese Taiko drumming performance accompanied by an exciting fire spinning performance. After property tours of stunning condominiums upstairs, an open bar and three course meal at the polished and professional Vale Bar & Grill (VBG) went down a treat with all.

NISADE staff at the party, proudly wearing their uniforms, excited about welcoming out guests to Niseko this winter!

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.