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riding deep powder at Hanazono

Niseko Hanazono set for great season so grab great deals

snow action team 18.08.2018

It started early and just kept on coming at powder central, aka Niseko, last season, and Niseko Hanazono social media head honcho Evan Wilcox had the tough task of posting the proof daily. So how was it mate we asked him, and can we have your job next year?

riding deep powder at Hanazono

Evan Wilcox at the office © Daniel Honda


The 2017-2018 season was my third winter living and working in Niseko, and it was hands-down the best. I flew from my home in Portland, Oregon back to Japan on November 15th. There was no snow when I arrived, just traces of a wet autumn.
The next morning I awoke to 20 cm outside of my house, and just like that the snow taps turned on for the winter. December was relentlessly snowy, giving locals and early visitors the best resort laps of their lives.
The Hanazono resort opened on December 2nd, with a powder day.
The snow machine just didn’t stop. Holiday travelers were awarded with the famed japow that they came for all the way through February.
By the time March rolled around, Niseko had been blessed with about 15 meters of snow at the base. Luckily I was able to sample the snow on the hill daily, so I can say that there was a ton more of that perfect pow at the peak of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri. Maybe close to 20 meters up top? It was the most snow I’ve ever seen, and made for an unreal winter here on Hokkaido.
Hanazono closed on April 8th, with you guessed it, a final powder day.
So thanks for the offer but this office works for me..

snowboarding deep powder at Hanazono

Who can’t wait for more of this? © Sam Watson/Harmony Resorts

Now maybe 2018-2019 won’t turn out quite as good as last season, but a “bad” season in Niseko is way better than good seasons most places, as we experienced in January 2017 after arriving to less snow than usual but still nailing amazing fresh lines daily.
Here and at neighbouring resorts the snow is a given.

So you can plan ahead with confidence, and save plenty on accommodation, rentals and lessons with early bird discounts.

There is a great Early Bird deal for group lessons with Niseko International Snowsports School at Hanazono too – book NISS lessons by August 31 on the link and save 15%.

For a great accommodation deal check Vacation Niseko, use code SA1819 when booking for the best deals with them.