Helen ripping Moiwa

Summit:Video

Skiing Day 12:Wednesday Jan 18.

Greg A says: We started believing we could do this thing (boarding), brought down to size in the first 10 mins, finally two days from the end beggared my knee. The company around me were most kind and full of advice. The hospital in Kuchan is very efficient and so I’m hoping on business class for the way home that my Mary is extremely jealous, tuff cookies baby, hope you enjoyed your last day.

Jon says: Great trip, snowed for two weeks, can’t ski anymore… unless there’s 40cm of fresh powder. Old blokes rule! Tod and Tory great company and they lasted the distance. Dave and Mick couldn’t hack 12 days skiing straight… softies! Full note is such a great location and Hirafu / Niseko is the best skiing worldwide. I do love Rusutsu and Moiwa powder. I am looking forward to being back with Sal and the girls. Thanks Cookie for allowing me to again be apart of this great cultural and skiing experience. I just hope I don’t get too old for this too soon!

Tory says:  I could keep going, my legs only kicked in the second week. Rustusu was AWESOME – seeing Eddy blasting down under the lift behind Gregory – Proud mum moment!! The powder off the back in Moiwa today was mint, and the walk made me realise why. Thank you Cookie for organising this, and Thank you Toh-San for being such a spectacular host. Reality was never so sweet. xxx

Tod says: Wow, more powder than Scarface. Incredible skiing, over head powder (really), 2 weeks of untracked (really, really) even better company (really, really, really). I shouldn’t have tried to write this after the onsen (really). Fantastic  job Cookie and Tohsan, See you 2013!!!

Ken says: After 4 years of Niseko powder this year without doubt was the best visibility year.  That would explain why I saw Jon Pittard stealing other peoples lines down the hill. Why I very easily witnessed Neil Herron, do the jump, reverse, one legged, face plant landing. Also saw with great clarity that Tokyo Dave and Brother in law Mick’s heads are too big to fit through the fridge door at the same time. And on one very blue sky day saw the yellow and blue streak that was Quentin and the boy team getting first
tracks from the summit.  Also had the visibility to avoid the Cod guts on the sushi train menu no Chaka Khan for Ken.

Mary A says: I’m getting very fussy, powder’s not deep enough , not enough trees, this hooded chairlift doesn’t go fast enough, too many Danish pastries to choose from, the water in the onsen was a bit too hot to night. I love this group of people they are so funny and kind.  My husband can’t snowboard too old too slow too!!!!!!!!!! No way can he sit in business class with a “hurt knee” without me there too!!!!!!

Sophie says:  Not much, but she has developed a great death stare!

Sarah says: This eventful trip has sadly come to an end and its quite depressing.  This trip has been full of many things such as Mr Pittards ( aka P DOGS) poor leadership and constant bullying but also full of thigh deep powder which brings on many funny stacks. Highlight of the trip was the last day we had at the main mountain when the Churcher girls and I hiked up the steep peak. It was the perfect combination of blue sky, no wind, fresh tracks and a long clear run. It was something we had never experienced and won’t for a long time again and left us adrenaline full and huge grins on our faces. I’ll miss not just the epic snow but the thick toast at breakfast, the onsens after a long day of skiing and the treks after dinner to SeicoMart to get icecream and chocolate.

Helen says: I want more, more and more!  Thanks Cookie and Neil for organising such a wonderful trip and thanks to the team for all those great tips, moral support and wonderful company on the magnificent Niseko
slopes. Looking forward to next year.

Cookie says: Another successful expedition. A positive life experience enjoyed by a community of happy skiers and snowboarders that looked out for each other and made the most of every opportunity.  A powerful and meaningful experience enjoyed by our students.  Character strengths developing and displayed in abundance.  Our Japanese hosts Tohsan and Kahsan and their staff made us most welcome in their home. Thank you to the snow gods who provided endless amounts of fresh powder. We look forward to 2013.

Neil says: The powder! The onsens! The food! The people! The company! The environment! Even “Snake” Baker’s jokes, I will miss it all and can’t wait until I can do it all again.  Farewell Japan until next year. Thanks everyone.

Craig T says: we have had the best powder snow since last year with good company.

Greg T says: Jon’s forcing me to write something.

Until next year, thanks all who made this year so great.

Moiwa was magic

Dan serving: Sorry re quality

Helen Heron tree ripping

Tod in deep

Skiing Day 11: Tuesday Jan 17.

Nothing but a dusting of fresh snow overnight. Oh no shock horror. It is however cold again, -13C, but no wind. Great visibility. The Four Mountain challenge laid down by Cookie included top to bottom at Annapurra, Niseko Village, Hirafu and Hanazono. Easy, done before morning hot chocolate. Temperature falling and crystals of falling ice are glistening in the sun light. By midday it had started snowing again. Big, dry fluffy flakes of snow falling gently, 10 cm by 4.00pm. Everyone enjoyed the quality of snow and quiet stories of secret stashes began to emerge. Everyone has their favourite spot and can find little chutes of nice untracked or lightly tracked snow.

Our crew were all tired, but managed to drag their sorry butts out onto the snow, where the energy began to flow and soon all were riding snow hard.

Dave and Mick headed back to Melbourne and muso Mark also farewelled Niseko and the Half Note Jazz Bar. Dan Pike now has a gig at Full Note. Nice to get a cup of coffee from Dan!

Snow quality today was the talking point as even the groomers had 10cm
of lovely fluff all over by mid-afternoon. But the sweetest news was that the
summit was opened for the first time in days. Despite the crowd awaiting gate 0pening The Boyz, with Alana, Courtney and Sarah ran the full line top to bottom in un-skied 40cm dry powder. Very jazzed and proud of themselves, and rightly so!

Tonight we all ride the Sushi Train! Off to Kutchan to share stories and sushi. Tomorrow there will be a Moiwa Group, a Hirafu group, an Otaru group and recovery group, who will visit Kutchan.

Last day skiing tomorrow before the trek home.

Tracks

Will this powder ever finish?

Steam Boat Restaurant

Sophie in deep.

Skiing Day Ten: Monday Jan 16.

Early morning start this morning. We were on buses before 8.00am and on our way to Rusutsu. Snowing heavily as we left but we were not sure how much had fallen over night until we arrived. Treed areas completely fresh, no tracks from previous days, must have had at least 20cm overnight. Most of the treed areas gave up to mid knee depth. In drops it was deeper, but the quality of snow was superb. Very light and fluffy, an absolute delight to ski in. Visibility during the morning was good enough, the cloud lifted and the snow eased for about an hour around midday and then a wind change with heavy, heavy snow set in at 3.00pm.

All groups found fresh untracked powder. Isola Gullies had some work, but the ridges were still giving a clean run late in the day. Mick and Dave found a lower ridge and skied top to bottom without crossing or seeing another track, it was 3.30pm! When asked about how they went, everyone has just smiled broadly. It has been a fabulous day of skiing.

With everyone accounted for ( Dave gave everyone a fright as dark was descending and Craig A was given a ride on a snow mobile!) most headed for the Rusutsu Hotel Onsen to freshen up before buffet dinner at  restaurant “Oktobafest”. Food was sensational and everyone had a ill and a half after a solid day skiing. Boyz gave the desert bar a real work over, Quentin is the soft serve champion of the World!

Another great day in deep powder snow paradise – Rusutsu!

In summary: Tod buried and lost a ski… but this year he managed to dig it out. Tory skied hard with The B Team all morning but was eventually broken. Dave swapped groups looking for an easier ride, but everyone as charging and he regrouped with The B Team for the best, last runs imaginable. He then got himself lost! Helen is now a tree line powder hound. She did however hit branches at speed and wacked her face, fat lip and bleeding. She didn’t stop however until she had ripped the chute! Jacqui is on the mend as the meds kick in and is keen to ski tomorrow. Sarah and Sophie skied with brother Dan and impressed him with style,
persistence and resilience. He couldn’t ski them off!  Although Sophie managed to tree park with a leg either side, stuck. Many other outs and duffs. Tyrie gets the award for Greatest Improver as he ripped the powder on his board today. Ken skied for the camera with style and grace. Ross chased the fresh lines all day, finishing second often. Ross of course with enthusiasm fell on his wife Margret. He did however get first run at the desert machine and the coffee machine at buffet.
Mick and Dave pack this evening and head out early in the morning – Bon Voyage!

Sarah riding

View from the top!

Destination Risitsu!!

Gate 7

Skiing Day Nine: Sunday Jan 15.

Oh no!! Only 10cm of fresh snow overnight. Temperature still very cold, -15C through the day. Light snow continued to fall all day, although by 4.00pm the flakes are heavier, thicker and persistent. By this stage of the tour all groups are confidently navigating between all four resorts, some skiing between two and heading to a third for lunch. Lunch for most groups today was at the Annapuri Hotel Buffet, all you can eat for 1800yen. Dave was deflated with his inability to “peak” his soft serve ice cream – it continued to droop before he could get it to the table. Of course Dave and Mick disgraced themselves in the gondola on the way home – that’s one gondola that definitely needs a new coat of paint inside! Marg P skied with the B Team for the morning and enjoyed repeated fresh track runs through the trees at lower Annapuri, punctuated by a short Hot Chocolate break.
The Boyz boarded happily through Gate 7 and again through their “secret” spot.  Sophie and Sarah started the morning skiing with their brother Dan, but they dusted him off early, sending back to his lodge! Ross and Margret C began a little later, but still found a few tracks. Margret sounding a little complacent with “just an average day” in paradise!! If the conditions today at Hirafu could be duplicated at Buller, Victorians would be talking about it for years. Ken has fallen in love with his hire skis as they are a little fatter and a bit shorter. Dave has been skiing Kens old skis and negotiations have begun.

Jacqui has finally succumbed to the dreaded lurgy. Type A flu and now confined to her room in isolation. Medicated now and the doctor says she will be OK in a couple of days.

Tonight will be dinner out. Most of our touring party have discovered Dancing Dave from Hobart, who is flogging Indian “cuisine” from a mobile Taj Mahal van. Spicy Chicken seems to have done the job and keep customers regular. Some heading to the Fridge Door for an aperitif.

Tomorrow will be a huge day as we are heading to Risitsu. Early start, full day skiing and Buffet dinner at the Resort Risitsu. The snow continues to fall so we are all hopeful of another outstanding day skiing as close to back country as can be achieved whilst using chair lifts.

Another great day in deep powder snow paradise!

PS.. Hugh supplied these pictures, thanks to him, now please dis-regard the photo I inserted a few days ago with Hugh hugging the Ninja Platypus! Thank you.

Gate 7

Greg getting air!

Snow continues to fall. Deepest morning cover since we arrived.  All crew out early. Lunch arranged for King Bell. Groups headed for Niseko Village, Hirafu and Hanazono. Where ever we went we found fresh light 50cm of powder. Today a bit of vertical was required today as the deep slowed everyone. It did give a bit of courage for crew to charge it a little harder. Temperature was a chilly -17C until midday, for those who skied tonight it was again down to -16C. Cold, cold, cold, lots of hand and toe warmers. Everyone had stories of great runs, secret chutes, untracked heaven and lots of fun. Those nearing or surpassing 50 are feeling muscles that the younger crew won’t admit to, but the oldies” are at breakfast first and ready to ride.

Today we enjoyed 20 minutes when it stopped snowing and the sun nearly broke through. Lots of stories, broad smiles and weary bodies this evening. Dave, Mick, Mary, Greg and Craig headed out for a night ski. It was cold, snowing, but no wind – pretty as a picture. The team skied top to bottom in a dusting of 10-15cm of fresh on the groomers and worked up an appetite for dinner, 1750Y all you can eat! Greg T gave Jon a snow board lesson, much to delight of all as he spent most of the time of his backside!

Jazz night down stairs and the place is packed, some of the more sensible riders are already in bed, resting up for tomorrow!

Another great day in snow paradise!

Skiing Day Seven: Friday Jan 13.

No wind! Snow continues to fall. All crew out early. Lunch arranged for Flags. Other than that groups free to choose from an abundance of fresh light 40cm of powder. If these reports are starting to sound alike …. Well, the snow has been consistently GREAT!! Everyone returned safely to Full Note brimming with stories of “greatest run ever”, Doing it in the powder” even Neil was heard to say “It doesn’t get better than this at Niseko!” Big statements, but it was awesome today. There was still plenty of untracked after lunch.

Helen here: Six turns in a row today- record for Helen J- compensated for the turtle wallow yesterday that Marg has video evidence of. Big day tomorrow for Marg as legs are well rested and raring to go after Abu
Cha pastries and Jo Jo’s hot chocolate and a hot wax. Ken now has all the tips from his lesson with Jaz so look out Niseko village! Ones-ies are ready to add to excess baggage is preparation for the Bulla/Hotham slopes, (or sleepovers and fancy dress). Marg C’s mojo returned-(happened to coincide with the appearance of new boots) and we we’re looking forward to her appearance in the next extreme snow video footage. Tokyo D had yet another exhilarating day, despite a briefly disappointing moment when Mr. Jon stole his ‘fresh tracks’ moment and Neil still hasn’t stopped smiling about the fresh snow tracks he made at Miharishi Ridge run this afternoon. What will tomorrow bring?

And Margret Churcher says: Who says it’s not about the gear. After spending, ”I am not telling you how much dear”, on  a new pair of boots and a hot wax that  resulted in a happy pair of legs and feet that took on the powder with gusto. Yippee.  Trekking up hills carrying skis in below freezing temperatures to experience Neil’s special Maharishi ridge initially seemed ridiculous when you can catch a lift to other runs, but it was reeeaaallllyyyy worth it yeah!!!!!! But we won’t tell Ross about it ok. Some people here just can’t give up their “fashion” statements. Quentin, do long cotton T’s really work in -15 degrees and when are you going to that Onsen?

Ross Churcher says:-we were discussing at dinner that skiing behind Jon’s “fat boy twin tips” create their own weather pattern. All is clear ahead of Jon & it is a full blizzard close behind him. Those in the know stay either ahead or well behind.  Another great day, it could almost get boring
if it wasn’t so much fun. If only those tired legs could do all that the head
demands. Serenaded after dinner by Full note’s Mark – another great day all round.

Alanna Churcher : Setting out for what seemed a wind free day with some good visibility, we headed off to Anapuri excited for another day of fresh powder and new tracks through the trees. It only took us three lifts to realise that perhaps the powder wasn’t always in the trees. Abandoning our carefully planned route to Anapuri, we took a stab at an ungroomed run with fresh powder and close to no previous tracks. We were happy to find that it was, for many, the highlight of the trip so far! Gliding down this open run with the wind whipping past us it was hard not to feel like we had managed to grab a small slice of heaven. From there we battled the wind and low temperatures as we ducked ropes to find that perfect Japanese powder that Niseko is famous for. Although some of our legs were starting to wear, today was once again full of moments of pure bliss as many made a break through. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, and trying hard to
forget the fact that we are now over the half way point!

In summary:  Snow continues to fall, crab dinner diners
made much of a mess.., Onsen is mandatory, everyone has their own story of great powder snow, great ski runs, improvement and tiredness.

Video: Mick with friends

1. Skiing Day Six: Thursday  Jan 12.

   Strong wind this morning and -17C kept many skiers off the hill. Not our crew!! Up early, on the bus and at Hanazono skiing before 9.00am. So few skiers, so much untracked terrain! Top of mountain was closed which made it difficult for skiers to get over out of the wind, more fresh snow for us. After snowing for most of the night, fresh flurries continued throughout the day. Tod had to break track into Water Falls three times, Marg lost the track and ended up on
   the Hirafu Home Trail. Visibility closed for 15 minutes at a time, but then would lift. It was cold but the team tore up Strawberry, Blueberry, Legends, Water Fall and everything in between. The powder is building up and is now approximately 40cm, so ski tracers are essential.

   Mike is enjoying any run he is dragged onto. Dave is loosening up somewhat and beginning to rip it up, Tod was happy with any untracked chute. Ridges were still un-skied at 2.00pm. Hugh and
   Greg T skied with the Go-pro camera and have some great footage. Courtney crossed over to the dark and boarded for the day. However Courtney did impress the Boyz with a number of high speed “duffs”!Helen had a break through moment today in the powder, experiencing the “float” as she enjoyed the untracked on “Cookies Ridge”. She now is stealing untracked from Neil, much to his disgust.  Ken has tried a pair of powder skies the past few days and is now trying to convince Rhythm Ski Hire to swap his old skis for the new ones!

   In summary:  Snow continues to fall, dinner is out this evening, Onsen is mandatory, everyone has their own story of great powder snow, great ski runs, improvement and tiredness.

   

Skiing Day Five: Wednesday  Jan 11.

Rest day today… so what did everyone choose to do? Of course, they all went skiing. Moiwa was the venue for some exceptional powder. The usual crowd was on Moiwa Mountain, so it was no surprise that the mountain staff became very excited when our 20 riders appeared. Tohsan drove his bus to Moiwa, but to ease the load, 8 intrepid riders headed over early and made first tracks! With snow still falling overnight and through the day tracks filled in quickly. The wind helped by blowing dusty powder snow in to the slashes. Of course the wind did blow so hard for an hour or so that the hooded chair closed from midday. There was more than enough skiing to be enjoyed and everyone came back to Full note suitably exhausted on our first rest day.

In summary: Mick has developed head plants into the powder to a fine art, David tried new skies and grew to love them, Tod was prepared to ditch everyone for a fresh track, Neil’s hamstring gives him no grief in deep powder, everyone visited the dark room at some stage, Hugh is loving powder – but hasn’t yet edited the camera footage he has, Grag and Quentin continue to find “secret” places, Moiwa was usual perfection, Tohsan introduced everyone to the Dairy Ice Cream shop, and everyone is asleep by 9.30pm. Please find jpegs as promised.

Ross through Gate 7

Day 4 and we woke to a blanket of snow. We welcomed forty centimetres overnight and snow was still falling heavily. Temperature was a lazy -12C at 8.30am and didn’t really get any warmer as the day went on. Skiing through light as air knee deep powder does chill the toes. No real breeze, but enough to cool the finger tips after a while. We skied Annapurna today and from the very first run to the last there was untracked powder to be found. The Boyz, expertly led by Quentin and Greg enjoyed the south side of the Gate 7 ridge. They smiled broadly but were reluctant to divulge their secret powder stash. It is always a giveaway as they were covered with snow down the front, but relatively clear on the back. Everyone, it seems, has a story of “that caught edge, spin, slide and out!” in 50 – 60 cm of fresh powder, much to the delight of relative ski group members. Jon submarined 6m before surfacing at the base of a rather large tree, David spent a bit of time with his legs up, Craig has great footage of his own spin, crash and bury and everyone else laughed themselves into similar positions. Most of our party have mastered the trees and have re-found previous skill standards. Neil’s hamstring held up OK, until he too endured a spin out in deep powder that somehow involved a tree! Lunch was an un-crowded affair at Anapura, with more snow filling gaps and tracks for the afternoon session. Mick has discovered the sublime pleasures of “fat” skies in powder. He has placed a deposit  on a pair of ChopSticks and has convinced David to give up the skinny skies for the powder. It is still snowing big thick, light snow flakes and tomorrow we head to Moiwa for untracked, un-crowded powder. We plan an early start for the keener members of our group.

Todays summary: Mike can’t stop ginning, dinner was at Full Note – traditional Japanese Subu Subu, everyone is chasing fatter skis for the ever deepening powder, Sarah’s infected toe is back into a ski boot, Jackie has sourced new ski boots, Aspinal boys headed out for night skiing again, Jon spent a couple of hours with his foot in an ice bath, Ross endured a big “out”, just to make everyone else feel good, Greg Aspinal played “plums” again!, Helen skied the powder with every once of “ladyness” she could muster, only dropping the expletive as head narrowly avoid wiping out 7 members of her own group! and Courtney continues to keep the Boyz in check.

Life is good. Powder is fresh and deep. It doesn’t really get better than this!!

Special thanks to Mary, Wayne,Trina, Sue and Sally for posting comments. Great to hear from you. Other  comments always welcome.

Special photo and video extraganza is planned for the Day Five Post. Watch out for it!!

Mick ripping Niseko VillageThe B Team

Skiing Day Three:Monday  Jan 9.

Day 3 and light snow throughout the day with clearing breaks and even some sun shine breaking through for short periods. Temperature was a chilly -10C and stayed around that all day. Morning skiing was at Niseko Village, Higishiama, with smorgasbord lunch at the Hilton for approximately $20Au. David managed to eat his body weight in Hilton Buffet. All skiers are finding their legs and skiing stronger and longer. Powder was hard to find  after about 10.00am, but for the persistent and sneaky there were some patches of thick white fluffy to be found until 1.00pm. Some ate early and skied after lunch, others skied through and enjoyed a late lunch. All were exhausted by 4.00pm as the evening descended. At the Hilton Marg Churcher and Tory indulged themselves at the luxurious Onsen at the Hilton. The Bar has now been raised.

As always the evening meal is a quest to find the best Japanese Niseko has to offer. Last night the Pikes returned to the seafood/oyster bar to indulge in the freshest oysters sourced from the icy waters of Hokkaido. The Herons went to Wasi Bar for Ramen. Others made the most of the caravans that set up every evening and serve
curries and Ramen for the cash strapped students. The Onsen, as always, soothes away the days’ aches and pains.

In summary: Some nice photos were taken and have been included on this page, Jake took lines off Ross – and nearly took Ross out in the process, Courtney got one back on Dad, Tory saved Tod – or at least his ski as it was buried 30cm into the powder and 15m above where the “out” started, Boyz bought animal suits and went skiing under lights, Mick wasted Dave and Jon last run of the day on moguls, Quentin and Greg now managing their own group and Neil’s dodgy hamstring lasted the day!

So another day awaits tomorrow. Everyone is still in good shape and more snow is forecast. (Absolutely bucketing as I sit here – 10.00pm, 20 cm in the last 90 minutes.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ross Cruising

Jon enjoying