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Strawberry Fields

Niseko

A popular and playful Hanazono tree line for Intermediate to advanced skiers.

Freeride Skiing Difficult

Distance
1 km
Ascent
1 m
Descent
278 m
Low Point
373 m
High Point
650 m
Gradient
31˚
Strawberry Fields Map

Access to the Strawberry Fields line can be gained from the Hanazono Hooded Quad Lift #1. At the top station turn to the skiers left and exit through the off piste gate called 'Strawberry Fields'.

Description

After leaving the 'Strawberry Fields' off piste gate continue down the fall line where the gradient is shallow for 50 metres before the slope begins to steepen. As the gradient of the line becomes steeper it is possible to traverse to both the skiers right and left in search of a playful pillow line, more spaciously spread trees or fresh tracks. Traversing to the skiers right before dropping into the main face of the line will lead to steeper gradients. Whereas holding a fall line descent from the gate or traversing to the skiers left will follow the gully where the gradient is less steep and the trees are spaced more evenly. The main face is 200 metres to 300 metres long depending on the line choice until the gradient will become less steep once again. Snow conditions vary on the main face and so ability in all conditions is required. At the base of the main face an open space will appear with a creek moving to the skiers right which can be followed moving you in the direction of the green run 'Silver Dream'. During mid season skiing this line during the morning is advised as the main face is very popular and can become tracked early in the day.

Where the gradient of the main face shallows and the creek moves you to the skiers right, you will re join the green run 'Silver Dream' after 100 metres. When the line is heavily tracked during high season or late in the day the exit tracks can become heavily rutted. Deep compressions are common and so take care when riding out of the line to ensure safe return to the piste.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between December and April

Features

  • Trees

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area