From early season bashing through bamboo to late March freshies under blue skies and all the powder in between, Rusutsu consistently produces the goods and remains our favourite day trip from Niseko. Here are some of the 2011/12 highlights.

•••••••

Japan Journals is a snowboarding web series based out of the fluffy depths of Japan’s snow covered wilderness.

In Episode 3 the guys venture up to Asahidake for some of the deepest snow they’ve seen. With its avalanche barriers and pillows galore the crew get a taste of what riding in Japan is all about. This is the third of the 4 Japan Journals web episodes.

And, for those who missed it, here is the 2nd episode. In Episode 2 the crew enjoy some of Niseko’s amazing powder after dark before making their way to Goshiki to check out the terrain with its deep snow and a hidden jump location.

Stay posted to see what drags the world’s best snowboarders to this incredible part of the world. Episode 4 coming soon!

Japan Ski Experience guests Elliott and Joanne returned to Niseko earlier this month for a second consecutive year of deep powder skiing and cultural adventures.
Once back home in the UK they kindly sent us some of the fantastic footage they shot while skiing in Rusutsu and visiting Sapporo for the Snow Festival. This is the JSE edit.

•••••••

All footage shot in February 2012 by Elliott Piggott. Many thanks Elliott, we hope to see you and Joanne over here in Japan again soon!

What a season so far, more than 12 metres of snow at village level and 17 metres higher up on the mountain at the half way point in February!

Long time Niseko residents Ian M from Niseko WOW and independent ski instructor Mike Pow took the camera out a couple of weeks ago and came back having perfectly captured what it’s like out there. The snow was fresh, the powder light and they got DEEP down into it.

•••••••

•••••••

You can read more about Mike Pow’s epic adventures this season here.

All footage filmed on 27th January 2012 in Grand Hirafu, Niseko.

Last week saw a mixture of great snowfall and sunshine in Niseko and a group of JSE guests made the most of the great conditions by hiring the services of Glen Claydon Photography for the morning. Here are some of the outstanding results.

Steve launches off a kicker with Mt. Yotei in the background

A happy looking Steve going back for more

Ed flying down the hill

Rob cruising through fresh snow

Asif finds a natural hit between the trees

Ivan waist deep in Niseko powder

Steve launches off a cliff

Ivan and Steve loving the deep snow and sunshine

The team pause to take in the stunning scenery

Glen has been based in Niseko for 7 years. A combination of expert technique and local knowledge means he will capture your best moments so that you’re guaranteed to get the shots you’re looking for.

Explore areas of the mountain you may not otherwise find and take home memories of your holiday which will amaze friends and family. Contact Japan Ski Experience or Glen direct if you would like to arrange a Niseko photo shoot. All photo and video shoots can be tailored so you get exactly what you want and come highly recommended.

All photos taken by Glen Claydon on 8th February 2012

Japan Journals is a snowboarding web series based out of the fluffy depths of Japan’s snow covered wilderness.

Check out Episode 1 for Gondola access to some jaw-dropping fun terrain and watch as the guys meet up with Japanese pro rider Taka Nakai and get him to show why he loves riding his homeland so much. Then venture up to Nakayama Pass and explore some good jump spots with some of the best powder earth has to offer.

This is the first of the 4 Japan Journals web episodes. Stay posted throughout the season to see what drags the world’s best snowboarders to this incredible part of the world.

January 21st saw the first Herbie’s Rail Jam of 2012 held outside Niseko’s no. 1 apres ski venue, Herbie’s Umbrella Bar. A large crowd gathered, beers and mulled wine in hand, to watch skiers and snowboarders fail or nail the rail time after time. Sparks were flying! Check out the highlights from 360niseko here:

The next Herbie’s Rail Jam is tomorrow, Monday 30 January 2012, and will start at 5pm. Everything is in place to suggest that tomorrow’s event will be bigger and better than the last one! Herbies is located in Niseko Hirafu across from the Alpen Hotel and behind The Welcome Center.

•••••••

Today is Australia Day. Here in Niseko we celebrated by smashing through deep, fresh powder. And there was a lot of it; over 70cm has fallen over the last couple of days. Not sure if playing in the snow is a traditional way to celebrate Australia Day but it worked out pretty well for us! Take a look at some of the action here:

Filmed 26th January 2012 in Higashiyama, Niseko

Hakuba has been getting some awesome snowfalls lately. Check out this video from the guys at Hakuba Snow Sports School and let them welcome you to 99cm of fresh overnight! Then you’ll have a better idea of just how good it is in Japan right now.

•••••••

•••••••

Report for 11th January 2012: It has snowed a lot. You should be out there.

Filmed 11th January 2012 in Higashiyama, Niseko