Spring Fling
No Crowds and Sunny Days
The coming of spring is a highly celebrated time in Japan, this is especially marked in Hokkaido where the whole island is rapidly thawing out after a long and cold winter. At the end of April storms are few and far between, weather begins to settle and Japans world famous Cherry blossoms or “Sakura” begin to appear. At this time of year most people are airing out their boots and putting their skis and snowboards away till next year. But don’t be fooled the winter isn’t over quite yet especially in Niseko where great spring skiing and riding can be had April through May.
Winter powder is the biggest draw card to Niseko without a doubt and it’s no secret why. Spring time in Niseko is often over looked, like most places in the Northern Hemisphere there are consistent snowfalls right through March even at the beginning of April. Although the snow quality isn’t quite the same as the magical midwinter months, this is made up for by the lack of crowds and often settled weather.
Mid way through April the snow is well and truly “set up” for spring skiing and riding, the snow is soft and easy to ski / ride the sun is shining and there’s hardly another soul on the hill. At this time in Niseko Hirafu there is good snow coverage all the way to the base of the resort so all lifts are running and most terrain is open. This is a great time to ride the park at Hirafu too; there are always some decent tabletops and a few different rails to choose from. Don’t expect the X Games Slopestyle course but do expect to have a lot of fun with your friends. This is a great time to perfect those 360s and 540s you’ve been trying all winter.
Hirafu has one of the longest winters in Japan, the final closing day being at the end of Golden week mid way through May, even in may there is decent skiing and riding to be had. The skiing and riding isn’t only limited to Hirafu either, an hour down the road towards Sapporo you can find Naka Yama Toge a tiny one lift hill with a great Terrain park for all levels and another half an hour from here is Sapporo Kokusai a larger family oriented mountain that also has a good park.
May also marks the beginning of the rafting season in Niseko. Due to the elevation of Hirafu it is possible to have a carve up on the mountain in the morning come down eat lunch and enjoy a beer in the sun (in shorts and a tee shirt!) and then switch it right up and put on a wet suit and hit the river for some rafting! If your after something a little less adventurous you may even be able to partake in Hanami or Cherry Blossom viewing or witness the spectacular water falls cascading down “Haru No Taki” on the lookers left side of Hirafu. Whatever activity you care to indulge in Niseko has many to offer and spring time is a great time to visit Hokkaido it’s like having winter and summer at the same time!
