Trees in the Niseko backcountry. Image: Brett Ploss.

Report from January 1, 2024

What better way to start 2024 than by breaking out the skins and looking for some fresh snow.

Driving to the backside of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri, there was noticeable snow accumulation on the parked cars.

The sun was shining which made for scenic views.

Snow accumulation on cars. Image: Brett Ploss.

I parked and headed up the skin track passing tons of Sassa (bamboo).

The trees were widely spread out and the snow was deep.

Patches of Sassa on the way up. Image: Brett Ploss.

A cloud rolled through with some flurries and broke just before reaching the summit of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri.

The sun shined on untouched light snow.

Sun shining along skin track. Image: Brett Ploss.

The route down couldn’t have been better after a few days without significant accumulation in the resort. Deep slashes and wide open trees under the Japanese sun would be hard to beat anywhere else.

The parking lot at the end of the road is conveniently located at Goshiki Onsen. A great place to warm up and shower after a few laps. A true Japanese experience.

View of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri with Goshiki Onsen at the base. Image: FATMAP.

For newcomers to the area, Hokkaido Wilds offers a comprehensive guide. It’s never a bad idea to carry bear spray, as Japan has been experiencing the worst year of bear attacks on record in 2023.