Take Your Powder Riding to the Next Level This Winter

Most people visit Niseko for a taste of the light, dry powder that has made it one of the most sought after powder destinations on the globe. Countless photos of riders gliding effortlessly through the deep stuff give the misleading impression that all you need to do to to encounter something similar is to show up.

But many arrive in Niseko, venture tentatively off-piste on their first day on the slopes, only to discover that powder riding requires a new set of skills that their on-piste experiences haven't equipped them for. After a few spills, a face covered in snow and a pair of fogged-up goggles, they head back to the safety and comfort of the firmer snow and continue on with a newfound fear of anything deeper than a ski boot.

For the 2015/16 season, Gondola Snowsports (GoSnow) has launched a product with this kind of rider in mind. The Intro to Powder Workshop aims to give skiers and snowboarders the technique and confidence to tackle deep powder and tree skiing in all parts of the Niseko United resorts, and is a surefire way to guarantee the Japanese powder experience that you signed up for. Classes of three people or fewer will be headed up by one of GoSnow's elite instructors, whose sole focus will be getting you and your classmates enjoying the best riding on the mountain.

For veteran powder hunters looking to fine-tune their technique, the Advanced Powder Skills Workshop goes one step further in its aim to take your powder riding to the next level. The Workshop is suitable for advanced and expert skiers and snowboarders and includes a guided introduction to the Niseko gates—a feature of Niseko that regularly attracts the best riders in the world.

The advent of fat skis and powder boards has made powder riding far easier than it once was, but there's truly no substitute for quality instruction and guidance from the industry's best. Don't come all the way to Niseko just to spend your time winding down the groomers (though we love that, too!). Experience the snow and terrain that has put Niseko on the map.

For a full list of GoSnow's 2015/16 winter products, head to gondolasnowsports.com.

Learn the basic skills needed to ride off piste in deep powder, tackle steep runs, trees, and be guided to the best powder runs on the mountain.

Suitable for: Intermediate, advanced riders.
Duration: 6 hours
Max class size: 3 persons

For experienced powder hunters, learn the advanced techniques which will take your powder experience to the next level. Groups can ride the best powder runs from any of the Niseko United resorts, including guided access to the Niseko gate system.

Suitable for: Advanced riders
Duration: 6 hours
Max class size: 3 persons

Qualified and professional English speaking guides with intimate knowledge of the best and safest Niseko snow in all conditions. Includes avalanche safety gear and instruction on use for all tours.

Suitable for: Advanced riders
Duration: 6 hours
Max class size: Three day / full day / half day packages available

Book through the GoSnow website or contact [email protected] with preferred dates and classes.