100 Days Until Play

If you aren't already packing your bag and marking the days off your calendar until your Winter 2019/20 Niseko trip this will surely get you in the mood! On the 23rd November 2019, the lifts will begin turning and this powder paradise will officially open!

There is no better place to start fuelling the winter hype than a review of some of the best shots and film from Winter 2018/19. Niseko is continually drawing the worlds best in ski and snowboard and last season was no different. 

The first bit of tinder to stoke your flame is from Nordica skier Essex Prescott. He came to Niseko on a mission to create a sensational powder edit and complete this mission he did. His film, Nordica - WORLD. japan., filmed by Peter Wojnar, showcases some big air, big pillows and big powder. It's a must see! We talk to Essex here about his time in Niseko.

Olympic bronze medallist and specialist coach, Jenny Jones, returned to Niseko last season bringing her one of a kind brand of positivity and passion. She held her much anticipated 'Workshop by Jenny Jones' to share her love of snowboarding with other enthusiastic riders. The 2019 edition of her workshop was a stunning success and we were lucky enough to catch up with Jenny while she was here. Check out our interview with her and some awesome footage captured during the workshop! We hear Jenny is already planning to visit again for Winter 2019/20, stay tuned!

We welcomed professional snowboarder and Patagonia Ambassador, Alex Yoder to Hokkaido this season. He visited Niseko to lay down some lines and help promote the release of Gentemstick's 20th Anniversary film - EPISODES. Both Alex Yoder and Gentemstick founder and Niseko local, Taro Tamai, feature in Patagonia's latest meditation on the importance of nature, the Japan focused Treeline.

Arguably the world's most famous snowboarder, Travis Rice, made his mark on the Japan snow scene as well last season with the release of his short film IKIGAI: The Shin Biyajima Story. This reflection on the Japanese snowboard lifestyle is not to be missed. Travis Rice continued his love affair with this great country winning the Japan leg of the Freeride World Tour this year in Hakuba.

If this is not enough and you are hungry for more Japan powder footage, we know we are, then check out this film from a couple of years ago, Horizon Lines: EP2: Japan. It is a beautifully shot and wonderfully authentic look at the Japan snow scene.

The coming 2019/20 season in Niseko is shaping up to be the biggest we've ever had. With opening day just around the corner you cannot delay in sorting your accommodation, booking flights and tuning your gear. This season cannot be missed!

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To see the Niseko Grand Hirafu Lift Schedule and find out when all your favourite chairs will be opening, follow the link! 

Check out all the best faceshots in Niseko from the past winter season in this round-up!