For skiers and snowboarders the words βJapanβ and βpowderβ go together just like sake and pizza (seriouslyβ¦try it. Oishi neh!). But, in order to achieve snow of the quality they are famous for, Hakuba and Nisekoβs weather conditions can often be harsh. For most of us, the thought of visiting places that get between 10 and 14 meters of snow annually brings nothing but visions of endless pow shredding happiness. At some stage in your holiday, however, you will have to spend time off the mountain so here are a few pointers about what youβll need to make the most your aprΓ¨s, no matter what the weatherβs doingβ¦
Winter Boots
Most skiers and snowboarders spend a lot of time trying to decide what kind of footwear they will be most suitable for their chosen sport however, in Japan, your aprΓ¨s boots are almost as important. While the streets are cleared regularly, at some point you will end up trekking through snow so we recommend something thatβs waterproof and also reaches high enough up your leg to keep the snow at bay. A few good examples are the Sorel 1964 Premium in menβs and womenβs, the KEEN Elsa, and the Volcom Sub Zero. All are available from Beats Niseko.
Apres JacketΒ
It goes without saying that the weather in Niseko and Hakuba is often cold and snowy. This is great for skiing and snowboarding but not so good for exploring the town so having a warm aprΓ¨s jacket is an excellent idea. A quality puffy jacket is ideal because they are warm, windproof and waterproof so we recommend the Armada Dante Down Insulator. Also available at Beats Niseko are the Dakine Freemont, the Fera Selene Down Coat, the Spider Leader, Kjus Formula DLX in menβs and womenβs along with the SOS BS Doll Jacket.
Town GlovesΒ
Your extremities are just as likely to feel the chill when youβre walking the streets as they are when youβre ripping the mountain.Β The Oyuki Ultra LinerΒ glovesΒ are perfect because they can double as inner gloves for your mitts on really cold days. They also come with iPhone compatible fingertips for all those insta-worthy shapshots. Say cheesu! Youβll find these gloves available at Rhythm Niseko, Rhythm Hakuba, and Beats Niseko.
Beanie there, done that
In a ski town itβs important to maintain your steeze, even when youβre just walking between the bars so we recommend covering your noggin in a stylish piece of winter headwear. You may wish to choose something slightly warmer than you would for skiing and snowboarding, as youβre less likely to suffer from head sweat between beersΒ than you are between runs. A few excellent choices are theΒ Oyuki Shiro BeanieΒ or any of our Coal, Kjus or Spyder beanies. Youβll find plenty to choose from at any of our stores!