A 20 minute hike above the resort out of Gate 2, this line is a classic Niseko back bowl run.

Statistics

0

m

767

m

40

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

A classic hike to line in the legendary Niseko back bowls.

Perfect after a storm day.

Be sure to check the Nadare forecast (linked below) for avalanche conditions and gate openings. Access is via the Annupuri Summit Hike, through Gate 2.

From the Jumbo Pair lift 4, the gate is a 30 second hike above the summit station.

From the Wonderland chairs, traverse hard to the riders right to reach the Jumbo Pair Lift 4 summit station.

This line is also accessible from Gate 3, by continuing to the left from the col above Gate 3, though most skiers continue to the right towards Hirafu Peak when exiting Gate 3. After exiting Gate 2, follow the Annupuri Summit Hike, a bootpack along the ridge, until reaching the summit.

Enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks including Io, Konbu, and Yotei.

The ocean is also visible from here on particularly clear days. From the summit, there is a ridge that starts narrow, heading SW.

Follow this for 200 metres until it begins to fan out.

Work the riders right, tucked to the west/north-west, which usually yields good snow that skiers traversing from Gate 2 have difficulty getting to.

There is some tempting and exciting terrain below to the right, and if the snow is good, some larger features to jump off that can be quite fun.

If you stay high, the ridge gently curves to the left before doglegging back to the right.

Aim for the nose of this dog leg if possible.

Just around the corner the ridge opens up into open trees and playful terrain loaded with features to jump off of.

Overall, trending left will keep you out of the main gully that traps many of the less wise.

This gully can be fun to ride down if you are early, but late in the day it builds up into a mess of moguls and is not very fun.

As with most other features in Niseko, concavities mean water.

Be wary of open water early season, and holes throughout the winter.

Depending on how high to the left you stayed, the return to the resort will be visible.

It is the same as exiting through Gate 1 or simply dropping in from Gate 2, and ends up on the Junior Piste that returns to the Annupuri Base Area.

If you cannot see where you are going either due to clouds or tight trees, simply keep left as the terrain flattens out.

Overall, the run is nearly 1000m, and it is a beauty! http://niseko.nadare.info/