Niseko's Gate 3 gives access to the best terrain!
We used the lifts to get us quick access to the backcountry.
⭐️Watch Next: https://youtu.be/srx-_t1is9k
I want to take the time to emphasize that this is 100% backcountry terrain that we skied this day. Although it can be accessed via the Niseko lifts, skiing/snowboarding here is not to be taken lightly.
There are hazards everywhere (glide cracks, holes, creeks, rocks etc.) as seen in this video, the snow is often extremely deep and it's almost always difficult to navigate without the proper training, education and knowledge of the area. It's also very challenging (if not sometimes impossible) to make it back to the resort without ski touring equipment. Despite what you may see/read online, this terrain is absolutely no joke. Skiing alone and/or inexperienced here can put you and others in the area at risk of injury or worse.
With avalanche risk at a high during the storm, we opted to play it safe and ski terrain accessible via Niseko's lift system. While this is still definitely considered backcountry terrain after exiting Gate 3, for us it was the safer option over ski touring on a different mountain.
The sunshine from the morning quickly made way for whiteout, blizzard conditions. We chose to ski our first run back into the ski resort so we could do a fun, lift-assisted warm-up lap early in the morning. This proved to be an excellent idea, as we scored almost perfectly fresh tracks the whole way back down into Hanazono.
After our second ascent to the summit, we decided to drop off the north face of the mountain and into the backcountry. This was very challenging given it was impossible to get our bearings in the blizzard, so we made a careful descent until we had more visibility. Shortly after directing an inexperienced, lone skier thinking they were heading back towards the lifts (this happens far too often), we continued down the face until we hit the road at the bottom.
We skinned along the road at the base of the face and picked another small line out before deciding to head back up the mountain into Annupuri ski resort to finish the day.
❤️Subscribe for future videos: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2NDmoEW_qx8uivSSgnlOVw
🚗Need to hire a car in Niseko? https://www.northtreksinc.com/
For seasonal car hire, contact Northtreks directly: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563855637699
---------
❄️ Niseko United Ski Resort is renowned for its 15m average annual snowfall, incredible backcountry terrain, and vibrant ski culture. Experience the magic of Hokkaido, from deep powder runs to peaceful forest glades.
📍 Filmed entirely in Niseko United, including Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri and the surrounding backcountry.
---------
0:00 Using the lifts to our advantage
2:04 Safety first
3:06 Peak season lift lines
4:46 Exiting Gate 3
7:05 Pow into a cloud
9:25 Back to the lift
11:36 How good are lifts?
13:02 Skiing Niseko's north face
15:21 Don't be this guy
15:48 More north face
20:13 Oh it's deep out here
21:14 Skinning our way downtown
22:33 West face pow
24:58 Damn it's windy!
26:13 Mikaeri bowl pow
28:00 Cruising back home
30:08 Good day team
---------
DISCLAIMER:
Some of the areas in this video are shot outside of the Niseko Resort boundary. These areas are unpatrolled and prone to increased risk of accident and injury. DO NOT blindly follow these videos and ride in the areas shown without the proper education, equipment and knowledge of the risks involved. It is always recommended to ride with an experienced guide and carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe (and know how to use them) outside of the Niseko gate system.
---------
Shot on:
Go Pro Hero 13: https://amzn.to/4g9vaiK
Ultra Wide Lens Mod: https://amzn.to/3ZeNC2K
GoPro Shorty Pole: https://amzn.to/49b4goy
Media Mod: https://amzn.to/3VhFzBk
Sony A7iii: https://amzn.to/4g79Ryl
Sony 24-70mm Lens: https://amzn.to/4eYe7zb
---------
Follow me:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blaize2k/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blaize2k