Itβs that time of year again! The snowplows have starting rumbling around the streets, snow is piling up like giant marshmallows on rooftops and, most importantly, lifts in the Niseko area have fired up, ready to whisk skiers and snowboarders off to ride the worldβs best powder.
Decent snowfalls over the last week have accumulated to an 80cm base at the top of the mountain, allowing two lifts to open today at the Grand Hirafu resort area along with two lifts at Annupuri. Skiers and snowboarders were at the gates early this morning, eager to be among the first to dip their boards into some classic Hokkaido fresh.
Town is starting to buzz with shops, cafes, restaurants and bars opening their doors. Majority of establishments will open in the next couple of weeks allowing visitors to enjoy themselves on and off the slopes.
Rhythm Japan in Niseko is now open along with our new backcountry specialty shop, Rhythm Summit. Our partner store Zaka will start trading on 14th December. Each shop is filled to the brim with quality ski and snowboard gear, so youβll be covered no matter what your retail or rental needs are while youβre in Japan!
Snow has also fallen across the Alps in Hakuba and lifts are expected to operate there from 17th December. Or earlier if snowfall allows! Rhythm Hakuba opens on 1st December