Top Mountain Report III

After 2 hours of flying from Kobe, finally town under snow...

Sapporo...


But still not there yet! We traveled 2,5 hours from Sapporo airport to Niseko and this is the rest point on the half way...

At first glance, one cannot realize just how much snow is on the ground here in Niseko…


For example this hasn’t been a huge snowfall season for Niseko, but taking a look around, mountain An'nupuri records 370 cm of snow and it still incoming…


Anyway, that also means one should be particularly careful and informed regarding avalanche danger level before an off-piste / backcountry tour. I have been introduced to how to build a snow cave, and with few tips on how to stay safe and warm in case waiting out the night in my show cave.

Alright, I decide to pass this tips on… So, if everything was going well, but than, you somehow got separated from your mate or group on the mountain and get lost… try to stay dry, insulate yourself, keep moving, urinate frequently and keep yourself well-fed and hydrated (if possible). If you have any questions regarding this, I’m here to assist you =D


Vulcan in the neighborhood


Vulcan in the neighborhood from different altitude


Ready...


for some serious climbing...


1/3 way up...


Half way up...


On the top!


And me...


View from the top! Amazing...


Let see what Mt. Niseko An'nupuri has in store for me :-)


I’ve tried out K2 Kung Fujas model ski and they shine everywhere… from deep snow to steep terrain and tight trees…

There are lot modern Japanese restaurants around, and by the way, this area is famous by the seafood (!?) because there is a huge fish market around Sapporo. So, for example we visited Bang-Bang and I’ve been amazed of the quality and taste of the Akkeshi Kakiwmon oysters.


Home made Wagyu beef, the highest rated beef in Japan. No comment, except, it should be prohibited by law! It is not human to taste something like this and after whiles, just get back to normal beef.


I also managed to polish off a half bottle of Japanese red… Don’t try it at home as it is horrible...

Anyway, the restaurant food around can’t possible stand in compartment with, for example, sushi restaurant Nontaro (see other post) or kaiseki restaurant Kikunoi (see other post) in Kyoto.

This was a special experience and I’m definitely going back there some time soon, and this time around, although it is faster to fly to Hokkaido, I’ll take a luxury overnight train Cassiopeia, operated between Tokyo and Hokkaido! The train leaves from Ueno Station, Tokyo in the evening and arrives at Sapporo Station, Hokkaido in the next morning. In the mean time, one can have a special dinner in the train restaurant and/or other fun activities in the coupe ;-)

One last thing, if you are after a great way to experience traditional Japanese culture, go elsewhere as this place is heavily westernized!

That's it! The ski season is coming to the end :<, but I might have chance for grand closing in Sweden some time last week of March...