Smashing the powder in Niseko

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Well, it seems like it is about time I update my blog. Since my last update all I have been doing is snowboarding and going out to the local clubs/pubs at night. The lifestyle here is very laid back and social. Snowboarding as a sport seems to be very easy to pick up and there are few better places to learn than Niseko, Japan where the powder comes on thick and strong. The first day I arrived saw a break to a bad spell on the slopes and everyone already in Niseko was celebrating. Apparently over the past week or so, Niseko had received rain and very little snow so conditions were not too good. Luckily with my arrival I brought the snow! On my first day I was lucky to get some tuition from my brother, Dane. The first day for me was spent on the easy slopes, come the second day I tried some more advanced slopes and on the third day I was taken to the most advanced runs on the mountain named ‘strawberry fields’, ‘blackberry fields’ and the ‘super course’. All of these areas are located in Hirafu and Hanazono.

The night life here like any other resort is "on" every night, the bars here are very interesting with names like Fridge bar, (consisting of a little old fashion 100% genuine fridge door as the entrance) Barumba (like a beavers warren with trees branches everywhere and big wooden seats). And half note (A really chilled out place with projector screen showing movies, a pool table and ping pong table and a big card table) Also other odd bars like Jam bar (an old shed) and all ICE bar consisting of a whole building carved of ice, just to name a few. All of these bars are about the size of a couple of regular sized bedrooms.

After about a week I decided to purchase a snowboard and a new mp3 player (my last mp3 player went missing, I was not sure it has been stolen or misplaced) I had them both delivered here, by this time I had acquired a few injuries which were easily fixed with an onsen and some rest (an onsen is the local name for a hot spring) after a few days off I managed to get back onto the slopes and test my new board which was great. Then unfortunately I was delivered news that my brother Dane who was working the season here, had an accident on the slopes and was taken to hospital. After arriving at hospital I found out he had snapped his femur in two and was going to need an operation. He explained that he had hit a death cookie (a hard object under the powder) launching him and spinning him in the air at high speed into a tree. He then spent 30 to 40mins trying to get some help. The operation went well and with today’s technology a titanium rod was inserted inside his femur enabling him a fast recovery. He is expected to walk totally unassisted in 4 weeks and be able to board again in 6 months. Although now he has been forced to return home to Australia and once again plan his round the world trip at a later date.

My last few days at Niseko have been spent organizing a flight from Tokyo to Bangkok so I can kick off my next stage of my journey.

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Photos

Night boarding
My first day out on the slopes followed by this picture taken on my second day to night boarding.

The dorm
This is where I slept most of the time (the dorm held 6 people)

gloo Bar
This is the gloo bar (as in Igloo) we dug a big igloo out the back and named it gloo bar. We threw a party and managed to fit 18 people inside.

gloo Bar
Some beverages served in the gloo Bar

The coffin
My new room, and Danes old room. I named it the coffin as all it could fit was pretty much me...

Hirafu
Heading down to get something to eat.

Hirafu with Yotei in the background
Heading down to get something to eat.

Sub 10
Temp at night drops to more than this, this is a relatively normal night temp.

After a big dumping over night
The trees are almost totally submerged in powder

centre quad
An exceptionally clear day up centre quad heading over past the super course

Night time
Visability at night is the best, except inbetween the trees :-P

Dane in bed
Dane having a laugh, he impressed me with his ability to look to the positive side. Champ.

Comments

[Nishant]

Jealousy
Hey Kimmy boy! from your snaps and looking at how much u have travelled I am of the opinion that u are having the greatest time of your life... dude, m really happy for you, and while u are in Asia, how about a drop in India... it would be great to have you here... I have started practicing at the High Court of Gujarat in India... feels good to be called a lawyer finally... i some times look like a lost little boy in a fancy dress competition wearing those black robes... any ways... do let me know of ur plans further... take care... great going dude.. long way to go

[Odysseus]

Jealousy
Nish!!! hey buddy, long time no speak! That is strange you left me a message here because I was just thinking about Europe and wondering what you were up to. I would love to come to India too, its not far off Thailand either hey. I have been travelling for ages now and feel like I am beginning to get exhausted, since I have not been settled and working so it's just been go go go and relentlessly living out of my small backpack! Better get packing ;-) chat soon mate!