Japan | Day 5

For our last day of riding, we went to Niseko United again. With a little more snow than Day 1, it made for a great last day in Japow!

It’s worth noting how affordable the lift tickets are in Japan. Niseko United was a particularly good deal because Chris had discount buddy pass privileges with his Ikon pass. But even the other resorts were very reasonable. Rusutsu was $50 for a 6 hour pass, Kiroro was $54, and a 4 hour pass at Sopporo Kokusai was around $34.


Due to the continual snow we had this week, the runs (on and off piste) were great. Chris helped us find snow that was less wind packed (more dense / more packed) in favor of lighter, fluffier snow. 






For lunch, we stopped at an authentic Japanese restaurant called Boyo-so on Grand Hirafu. It was our second time there and each time we found a table, good food ($7?!) and $5 beer from the vending machine. And they had a fireplace to warm your gear.

Martina and I - our gear and our shadow :)



Every resort looked like this - trees and shrubs coated in snow.


It was interesting to me that the runs were signed up at the top, but not really throughout the runs like in the states. Maybe because it wasn’t a very complex layout of runs. Made it easy to ride today despite forgetting my contacts :) It was also nice that all the trails were labeled in Japanese and English - same for their trail maps.




Most lifts were rode throughout the trip were either bubble lifts or gondolas - making it easy to grab a snack, ‘hydrate’, and chat.


Miss Martina :)


Hilton at the base of the Niseko Resort. Architecturally, I had to grab a shot of this crazy building. The inside was also interesting. Not your typical ski lodge.


The above photo was my favorite run of the day. We rode it a couple times and each time, the sun came out just long enough for a few good photos and videos. The snow was untouched and so light.

At one point, I split up with Chris & Shawn as they went to explore an area outside of the resort gates. My run happened to be a green (only option at that point) and I had to walk a solid 300 yards. BUT it was a beautiful nature walk and I got this entertaining photo above :) These animal cushions were pretty common. I don't understand...