Since 1995. #1 in Snow
Anthony Trovatello SkiJapan.com's Operations Manager, said: "This is the best start to winter I've encountered in the five years in Niseko. The amount of snow, the number of ski lifts that opened early and the amount of accessible snow-covered terrain currently available for skiers and boarders is quite amazing.
"We get between 15 to 20 metres of snow every winter but to experience top to bottom snow cover so early is quite special. Our recently arrived winter employees from Australian reckon it's the best snow they've ever seen and it is just the start of quite a long season for most of them.
"Another good indication on just how much snow has fallen since mid-November is the ski rental, ski schools and lots of bars and restaurants have reopened for the winter season.
"Our first guests arrived last weekend and our office in Sydney has had a 15% increase in customers compared with the same time in 2010 and about 80% increase compared with this time last year." Rod White, SkiJapan.com's Niseko-based snow reporter, said "Fresh snow encouraged the owners of lifts at three interconnected Niseko resorts to open by the beginning of December.
"The triple hooded chair and Ace Pair above Hirafu Village made an early debut this winter. Skiers and riders wasted no time accessing the quality product on offer. Mid to upper mountain is spoiling us all with knee-deep pristine dry crystals.
"Niseko Annupuri opened three lifts including its 6-seat Gondola. Another of the four interlinked ski areas, Niseko Village has also opened its gondola."
