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WINTER SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT REAL ESTATEFREEissue 15 Feb 21 – Mar 6 2009www.powderlife.comkiss the skyKissmark Cup & Half-Pipe champsFLAKE FILM FESTIVALshort film fest in nisekoSHREDDING SCHOOLhow to spin like a proOFF-MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIESwhat to do off the ski hillNiseko’s powder lifestyle magazine fresh every two weeks

SEKKA Dining is an experience in modern internationalcuisine fusing Hokkaido’s fresh seasonal fish,herbs, vegetables and meats with admired culinarytraditions from around the world.DINNER 18:00~ T: 21-5022Get set for the day ahead with Sekka’s famous housemade Granola or wile away the afternoon with thedelicious Hokkaido flavours of a SEKKA Deli lunch.Ready to eat or takeaway immediately if there arepressing engagements on the slopes.BREAKFAST 7:30~ T: 21-3088Cultivate your knowledge of Japan’s best sakes andthe world’s finest single malts at the Maki SakiLounge. Perfect for fire-side drinks after dinner asthe snowflakes drift down.SekkaDRINKS 17:00~ T: 21-3070Our resident sommelier has handpicked some ofthe world’s best wines for you to buy at SEKKATECAWines or tipple at the bar. We’ve also stocked afantastic selection of international foods and housemade goodies to eat at home.SHOPPING 10:00~21:00 T: 21-3088www.j-sekka.com

intro T contents pageGROOMERSNEWS PEOPLE PARTIES ETC11 Page Seven // Village news and happenings12 Niseko News // Be the first to know14 Cross Country // Offbeat news from across Japan16 Snap // Faces and fashion on the mountain17 Flash // Niseko’s nightlife and party scene18 Nightlife // The day really begins après19 In The Loop // What’s on in Niseko20 Powder Tools // Essentials for Niseko powder22 Meet the Locals // Introducing Niseko locals23 Irasshaimase // Great little local businesseswinter print run 50,000+出 版 者 publisher Bevan Colless ベバン ・コレス編 集 長 managing editor Kristian Lund クリスチャン・ランド副 編 集 長 associate editor Matthew Thomas マッシュー・トマスデザイナー designer Geoffrey McRoberts ジェフ・マックロ バ ーツ投 稿 者 contributors Lorne Calhoun, Stirling Goldman, Yuri Hamada,Nick Jackson, Sachiko Kageyama, Sarah Lilburn, Chika Matsuda,Shukin Moderski, Matthew Roy, Tess Stomski, Saoka Wakasugi写 真 撮 影 photography Glen Claydon Photography, Jahl Marshall,Niseko Photography広 告 掲 載 に 関 するお 問 い 合 わせ advertising inquiriesads@powderlife.com予 約 購 読 / 既 刊 subscriptions / past issuesinfo@powderlife.comPowderlife Niseko Magazine is a Niseko Media Publicationパウダーライフマガジンはニセコメディアが 出 版 しています170-5 Aza Yamada Kutchan-choAbuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081tel 0136 22 2000 fax 0136 22 2011www.powderlife.com©2009 Niseko Media KKContents of Powderlife are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or inpart without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publicationof editorial does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of views oropinions expressed. The publisher doesnot accept responsibility for statements made by advertisers.Niseko’s first English language periodical magazine – published everytwo weeks in Niseko between December and March and once outsidewinter as Summerlifeニセコ 初 の 定 期 刊 行 雑 誌 。 冬 季 期 間 (12 月 ~3 月 )は2 週 間 に1 回発 行 、 冬 季 期 間 外 はサマーライフとして 一 回 発 行 。24263642515255FEATURESA WAIST-DEEP LOOK AT NISEKOIN FOCUS WITH Tachibana-sanThe first and last person you're likely to see in Niseko,Welcome Centre concierge Takanori TachibanaACTIVITIES IN NISEKOWe've collated a comprehensive list of activities for peopleto do off the ski hillHOW TO BUILD A SNOW CAVEPowderlife takes you step-by-step through how to buildsomething that may just save your life – a snow caveSHREDDING SCHOOL‘Shredding School’ teaches you all the trick technicalitiesfrom some of Niseko’s hottest ridersJAPANESE BABY BOOMERSJapan’s cashed up generation of baby boomers could bepoised to make a comebackREAL ESTATE VIEWSWe have a chat with West Canada Homes president,Paul Nikel about his time in Niseko and JapanQ & A WITH Shigeru UeharaPowderlife speaks with the managing director of NisekoHome Design, Mr Shigeru UeharaBACKCOUNTRYHIKE OUT THE BACK FOR THE REST32 A Thousand Words // Pictures for your wall35 Music Reviews // Taiki Nakamura40 Japanese Cooking // Shake no foil mushi44 Learning Japanese // Japanese for Powder People46 Kutchan // Snack bars of K-Town48 Men Who Ride Mountains // with Stirling Goldman50 Real Estate News // Latest Niseko real estate news56 Course Map // Mountain info58 Walking Map // Must have village directory59 Phone Directory // Your town pages61 Local Information // Essential tips and info on Niseko62 The Last Word On Health // Vegetarianismcover Domu Narita, Kissmark Cup photo Rory Gardiner, Niseko Photography6 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com

intro T editor’s notePhoto: Mike Nicholaseditor’s note...編 集 者 の 言 葉 ...JANUARY and February in Niseko are generally the biggest snowfall months,characterised by days and often weeks on end where it will snow every day. It’s anadrenalin-seeking powder hound’s dream come true, and for the beginners, it keepsthe runs beautiful and soft for those inevitable tumbles. But you’ll often hearvisitors in these beautiful snowy months wishing for a blue sky day (?!?). Well, thisyear we’ve had a fantastic mix of both powder and blue sky days, which has ensuredeveryone has been catered for. The ultimate in Niseko is when a storm comesthrough and dumps a thick blanket of powder before clearing up for a bluebird thefollowing day. It’s happened several times this year, which has been a treat for bothlocals and visitors.While on the subject of beginners, this issue in our news section we take a look atHanazono’s new kids-friendly infrastructure, catering for the growing number offamilies flocking to Niseko, particularly from Asia. Until now, Niseko had minimalfacilities dedicated to providing more than just basic day care facilities for kids, butthat’s all changing in a big way as Niseko matures into a world-class international skiresort, with Hanazono leading the way.In this issue we also take a look at all the non-ski hill activities on offer in Niseko, andyou’ll be surprised by the breadth of experiences on offer. While building an igloo isone activities kids can try, in our Niseko Survival Guide this issue we teach you how tobuild a snow cave for those unlucky enough to get lost in the backcountry and need tospend a night. We’ve interviewed a great local character Tachibana-san, who many ofyou will meet at the Welcome Centre on your arrival or departure. There’s plentymore, plus all our regulars, so we hope you enjoy reading.Whether it be blue skies or deep powder, we hope you enjoy whatever Niseko has tooffer over the next two weeks!ニセコの1 月 と2 月 は、 何 日 も 時 には 何 週 間 も 毎 日 雪 が 降 り 続けるくらい1 年 で 最 も 積 雪 量 が 多 い 月 です。この 時 期 は、 熱 狂 的なパウダーファン、またゲレンデ 初 心 者 も、 皆 が 華 麗 に 雪 上 を 舞ったり、ふかふかのパウダーに 転 倒 したりと 思 う 存 分 楽 しめます。しかしながら、この 豪 雪 期 間 中 に 青 空 を 願 う 観 光 客 がいるのは 驚 くべき 事 実 です。 今 年 は、 皆 さんが 素 晴 らしいパウダーと 青空 を 楽 しんだ 事 でしょう。ニセコを 格 別 な 場 所 とするのに、 嵐 の後 の 豪 雪 と 翌 日 の 青 空 があります。 今 年 何 度 か 起 こったこの 様 な天 候 は、 地 元 の 人 々、 観 光 客 にとってこの 上 ないプレゼントとなりました 。ゲレンデの 初 心 者 の 話 と 関 連 するようですが、この 号 では、 特 にアジアからが 目 立 つ 多 くの 家 族 連 れ 観 光 客 を 対 象 にした 花 園 スキー 場 の 新 しいキッズ 向 け 施 設 を 紹 介 しています。ニセコはデイケア 以 外 にこれといった 子 供 用 施 設 を 持 ち 合 わせていなかったので、この 花 園 スキー 場 の 新 しい 試 みは、 世 界 レベルの 国 際 スキー 場 としてニセコを 成 長 させるでしょう。その 他 にも、 皆 さんが「こんな 事 もニセコでできるの?」と 驚 くくらい、スキー 場以 外 でできるアクティビティー 情 報 を 掲 載 しています。かまくら 作 りは 子 供 も 挑戦 できるアクティビティーです。 幣 紙 の“ニセコサバイバルガイド”では、バックカントリー 中 に 不 幸 にも 道 を 外 した 時 にために、 外 で 一 晩 過 ごせる 雪 の 洞 窟作 りを 紹 介 しています。また、ウェルカムセンターで 毎 日 、 多 くの 観 光 客 を 出 迎え、 見 送 る 橘 さんをインタビューした 記 事 も 掲 載 しています。 前 号 に 引 き 続き、 様 々な 情 報 を 満 載 していますので、どうぞお 楽 しみください。次 号 が 出 る2 週 間 の 間 、 晴 天 の 日 もパウダーの 日 も 皆 様 が 思 い思 いに 素 晴 らしいニセコを 満 喫 されることを 願 っています。Kristian Lund, Powderlife Managing Editor kris@powderlife.comパウダーライフマガジン 編 集 長 クリスチャン ランド kris@powderlife.comPhoto: Ideapark8 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com

Niseko season total among highestIT hasn’t been a huge snowfall season for Niseko but taking a look aroundthe northern hemisphere this winter and we’ve still got one of the biggestbase depths of all the world’s premier resorts, with Annupuri recording350cm at the time of going to press. While Europe is enjoying a bumperseason, across the other side of the Atlantic, the West Coast of America andCanada haven’t fared so well.Currently Canada’s premier resort Whistler has a base of just 137cm,well below average for this time of year. California and Nevada receivedbarely any snowfall at all throughout January before receiving solid fallsthrough the end of the month and start of February. Mammoth Mountainhas been doing well with a 330cm base, currently the deepest base in theUS. Colorado has been having a good season, with Vail enjoying an aboveaverage170cm base.Back to Europe and it’s been dumping all season, with all countriesenjoying one of the best seasons in years. Most major resorts in Austria,France and Switzerland have base depths between 2m and 3m, while Italyis leading the way with resorts reporting upwards of 4m base depths.Niseko's first short film festivalIT'LL be lights, camera, action when the Flake FilmFestival comes to Niseko on February 24.The short film festival, which has screened at majorAustralian ski resorts, is in its sixth year, set to bring acompilation of mini-films to Hirafu’s Après Bar. Whileobviously screening snow films, other genres will be a‘mixed bag’ of comedy, drama and documentaries,says festival founder and director, Anthony ‘Chook’Trovatello (pictured right). “People think it’s all snowfilms, but that gets a bit boring after a while,” he says.“So we have all sorts of stuff, even high-classanimation and Lego animation.”Anthony started the festival in memoriam of hisfriend, who passed away in a tragic snow accidentyears ago. He adds that the festival would ‘certainlybe a positive for Niseko’. The young filmmaker cameto Niseko four years ago on a ski holiday, also making a 10-part movie series on ‘Hokkaido’s snow experience’, and in thattime he ‘fell in love with Niseko’. “This festival is something different and a great off-snow event,” says Anthony. “I’ve beenwatching Niseko for quite a few years and there is nothing like this festival in the area at all. We are also really keen tomake this bigger in the future.”Doors open 7pm, films begin 7.30pm. Entry ¥700 (locals), ¥1000 (non-locals). Proceeds go to filmmakers.This festival is a repeat of this year’s Australian festival, but organisers are looking for short film entries from Hokkaido andaround the world for next season’s event. For more, check www.flakefilmfestival.com.Used snow gear gets ‘second run’LEAVING at the end of the season and want to sell your gear? Maybe you’rehanging around until next year and are keen to pick up a bargain?Either way, Niseko Life Plan has just opened Niseko’s first consignmentstore – Second Run – a place to buy and sell snowboards and skis, backpacksand books, jackets and goggles, and a whole lot more.Located just up from the Lawson in Izumikyo 1, between NAC and TheNiseko Company, Second Run sells ‘pre-loved’ gear for a 15 per centcommission of the selling price.“Most major ski resorts around the world have them, and now Niseko does,too,” says NLP sales agent and consignment store manager, Andrew Caldwell.He says there are plenty of positives for both buyers and sellers usingthe store.“People that come here to Niseko usually know their stuff and are prettygood riders, so they have pretty good-quality equipment, so you can pick upsome good gear for a good price,” he says.NLP began in Niseko with its roots in real estate, but also likes getting moreinvolved with the community, says Andrew.“We want to be seen as a company that creates many needed services forthe community,” he says.If you are interesting in selling, email information.nlp@gmail.comdetailing your product’s make/model/year/size/asking price.Once approved, all you need to do is drop the item off and sign anagreement. Buyers simply need to turn up to the store and browse around.TAKE YOUR PICK... Andrew Caldwell.Photo: Dale RivaBy Kristian Lund and Matthew ThomasSmoking mannersonpage seven T newsKeep your eye out for these greenand white signs during your travelsin Japan. As part of its obligation tobe socially responsible, JapanTobacco has created dozens ofthese quirky advertisements urgingsmokers to consider the damagetheir smoking can have on others.They all come with a diagram anda short phrase, such as: “I threw mycigarette butt into the drain. That isto say, I hid it in the drain,” and: “Aperson was waving at me. He waswaving away my smoke.”The comps keepon comingTHE 7th Gentemstick Natural PipeMasters competition, a time trialevent held in Niseko Village onFebruary 22, will reward thefastest to the bottom of the hill.About 100 people willparticipate for a chance to win¥100,000, a season pass andmuch more.If you’re one of the 80 or sosnowboarders competing, strap intight and do your best ‘one’ to thebottom. For the minority of skiersout there, make sure you don’t getembarrassed by losing to aboarder. But, if you’re not up tothe riding challenge, why not castyour vote for the winner for amere ¥300 with a chance to win alocally made, highly sought afterGentemstick, which hasre-popularized the oh-so-fast surfstylenose.Meanwhile, the Namara IppatsuJump competition is back onMarch 9. If you would like to findfame in an instant, this is theevent for you. ‘Namara’ inHokkaido dialect means ‘great’,and ‘Ippatsu’ a ‘one time action’.Give everything great that you’vegot to give one time only throughthe Hirafu jump park, and youmight just find yourself the talk ofthe town. Well, at least for a day.www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 11

news T niseko newsBy Matthew ThomasBeginners flying high on magic carpetIN what is a first for Japan, Hanazono ski resort thisseason opened its covered magic carpet lifts in a bid tocater for families and beginner skiers and boarders.With three belt lifts in total, ranging from 60m to125m in length, the magic carpets are pretty hard tomiss – long, tunnel-like conveyor belt lifts that link thelower ski runs with ‘308’, Hanazono’s centre and heartwith a restaurant, shops, media systems, entertainmentand more.Niseko mostly caters to intermediate and advancedriders with deep powder cravings – and does so verywell indeed. However, Hanazono saw an opportunityto provide ‘the perfect learning environment forbeginners’, said the resort’s marketing director, NigelAbbott. He said the magic carpets also serviced thesnow tube and toboggan tracks at Hanazono, to createthe ‘perfect snow play environment’. “Whether you’rea snowboarder or skier, child or adult, our learnerbasin with these magic carpets, combined withobstacle courses to develop skills, and good-qualitygroomed snow, provides the perfect environment foranyone who is starting out in the snow,” Mr Abbottsaid. “This makes the whole experience aroundlearning very enjoyable.”Hanazono also caters for kids, offering a fun full-day,indoor-outdoor package with an instructor, offering‘pint-sized good times’. “We also have an indoor facilityfor kids, with kids-size tables, toilets, toys and activities,”Mr Abbott said. “Kids can go in and get some shelterfrom the snow and basically just have fun. Parents candrop their kids off, hand them over to a qualifiedinstructor and pick them up at the end of the day,knowing they are safe and having a great time.”A TOUR group was caught in an avalanche recently, withone person seriously injured, at one of Niseko’s mostpopular backcountry mountains.The slide on Sunday, February 8 at the nearbyNitonupuri (southwest of Mt Annupuri) resulted inseveral people on a NOASC guided tour being caught inthe avalanche and swept into a tree line. A Japaneseman on the tour broke his femur and was taken tohospital. He was trapped 70cm beneath the slide, andwas found by the guides via beacon after about fiveMAGIC... Hanazono's magic carpet.Photo: Niseko Photography.Mr Abbott said that while the magic carpets weredesigned with novices, families and children in mind,they still helped out more experienced skiers andboarders who were simply exhausted. “If you just can’tbe bothered, and are burned out after a big day up themountain, you can hop on the magic carpet and jumpout at the top and relax at 308, sit around, and havesomething to eat or drink,” he said.Mr Abbott said that this season marked thebeginning of Hanazono achieving full day resortstatus, with plenty of plans in the pipeline for thefuture. “This is the start of the first stage of thedevelopment of Hanazono as a resort,” he said. “This isjust a taste of what is to come. We are really gearingup for the future and want to bring more and morepeople to the area that want to learn to ski orsnowboard, or simply indulge in some snow play.”JAPAN’S hottestsnowboardersconverged onNiseko earlierthis month fortwo world-classcompetitions atHanazono.The KissmarkCup (Feb 7) andHokkaido Half-Photo: Niseko Photography.PipeChampionships(Feb 8) – both Federation of International Snowboardingevents – took over the Stomping Ground for a weekend ofeye-popping trickery. “There were Olympic competitors andJapanese national teams of a very high standard,” said NigelAbbott, Hanazono’s marketing director. “There was also ajunior division from ages seven and up, and the talent ofthose kids was amazing. We were seeing what is at the forayof technique and tricks in the world at the moment.”The Kissmark Cup, a national event, went off without ahitch. However, the weather did play a bit of havoc withthe Hokkaido Half-Pipe Championships – a qualifier forthe Nissan X-Trail Asian Open – where a result wasreached from the qualifying rounds.Abbott said officials were impressed with the highstandard of Hanazono’s half-pipe and terrain park.He added that Hanazono looked forward to runningthe competitions next year.Meanwhile, Hanazono will again run the Hano FourSlopestyle on March 14, where ¥200,000 is up for grabs inthe skiing and boarding event.Avalanche strikes Niseko backcountry, man injuredminutes trapped under the snow. The owner of NOASC,Ross Carty, said he did not know the cause of theavalanche for sure, and said it ‘came out of nowhere’.Carty said the group was following normal tracks (about15 degrees slope angle) when the avalanche struck. “It’sstrange because the area we were in is normally stableand is a very popular and safe spot for tours, hiking andriding,” he said. “We think it may have been caused bysnow or ice falling from a tree, a skier above the fallline, or by the wind. We can’t be sure of the cause,Hanazono compsthough, and an investigation is under-way.”The avalanche was 10m-wide at the top and30m-wide once it came to rest 200m down the hill insome trees. The night before the slide, about 30cm ofsnow fell in the area overnight, blown in by high winds.The slide is the first serious avalanche in the Nisekoregion in some time to cause serious injury.NOASC has decided to suspend backcountry tours forall of February, until investigations are completed andthe area has once again been deemed safe.12 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com

news T cross countryOffbeat news from across japanYou can’t make this stuff upIn an effort to get people to use lesstoilet paper, a “research center” calledJapan Toilet Labo has been placingpoems in public restrooms. Theasinine verses include “Fold the paperover and over and over and over again”and “That paper will meet you for but amoment.”After seven diners in Yamagata weresickened by improperly preparedfugu, the restaurant’s owner told policethat he has “never eaten blowfishbefore, but I heard it was good, so Iserved it.”Cops say a homeless man broke intoan apartment in Chiyoda-ku andinstalled a “keylogger” virus on theresident’s computer, allowing him tosteal some ¥9 million from the victim’sbank account.Signs of the timesChiba’s Shukutoku University said it willset aside ¥100 million per year toprovide tuition relief to students whosefamilies are struggling financially.The Japan Communist Partyannounced that, for the first time in21 years, its official Akahata Shimbunis enjoying an increase in circulation.Two 60-something taxi drivers inNara were busted for driving membersof a Chinese burglary gang toresidential areas to commit crimes. Thecabbies said they acted because it is“difficult to make ends meet in thecurrent recession.”It was reported that someone hasbeen taking illegal goods confiscatedfrom delinquent taxpayers andauctioning them on governmentsanctionedauction websites. Among theitems up for sale “stuffed rare animalsand massage chairs.”The education ministry asked the temple services.nation’s schools to consider banningthe use of cellphones as a way toprevent students “from being bullied orencountering crime via the internet.”A bribe by any other nameThe Sea Shepherd Conservation Societysaid it would stop harassing Japan’swhaling fleet if the Australiangovernment promised to sue Japan overthe issue.It was reported that the Japan FairTrade Commission is investigating ninesenbei manufacturers of using foreignshrimp in crackers advertised ascontaining only domestic prawns.Cops arrested three yakuza membersfor threatening a Filipino actress whoworked at a mob-connected hostess barin Ueno after the woman said shewanted to quit.The National Police Agency sentwarnings to 50 internet dating-siteoperators who failed to institutemandatory age-verification measuresfor their users.English in the newsThe Japan Transport Safety Boardconcluded that a near collision ofpassenger planes at New ChitoseAirport in Hokkaido last February wasdue to an air traffic controller using theword “takeoff” instead of “departure.”It was reported that a Buddhist monkin Aichi has been playing a CD ofBarack Obama’s speeches duringResearchers on Awaji Island in HyogoPrefecture say they’ve unearthed a site of“high-level ironware productiontechnology” dating from the 3rd century AD.Emergency!The Central Disaster ManagementCouncil announced that if 550millimeters of rain fell on Tokyo duringa three-day period, 97 train stationswould be “more or less submerged.”Downpours of that magnitude are saidto occur once every 200 years.The science ministry announced thatit will install specialized undergroundseismometers near 110 major activefaults in an effort to provide betterearly detection of major earthquakes.A newspaper survey found that 65percent of Japanese people disapproveof Prime Minister Taro Aso’s Cabinet.The only worse rating was recorded in2001, when 75 percent of the publicgave a thumb’s down to then PMYoshiro Mori.Cops in Nagasaki arrested a manwho made 150 false emergency callsover the course of four hours lastmonth.Twenty construction workers weretrapped underground for 30 minuteswhen a fire hit a building site inAkihabara, resulting in nine injuries.Foreign ConquestsTwenty-six-year-old Jun Ichikawabecame the first Japanese actress toBLACK DIAMONDstar in an Italian TV show when shemade her debut in the catchily namedforensic drama RIS Delitti Imperfetti 5.Ichikawa, who grew up in Rome, playsa specialist in bugs.Stats25.4 minutesAverage ambulance responsetime in Toyama—the quickestin Japan—according to theinternal affairs ministry47.2 minutesAverage ambulance responsetime in Tokyo, the slowest382,000Elderly Japanese who are onwaiting lists to enter nursinghomes, according to a newscompany survey14Consecutive months thatmembership in the JapaneseCommunist Party hasincreased, according to a JCPexecutiveCompiled from reports byJapan Today, The JapanTimes, The InternationalHerald Tribune/AsahiShimbun, Mainichi DailyNews, Time, AP, AFP andKyodoGUIDINGNiseko Off-PisteNiseko Back BowlsRusutsu ToursKokusai ToursKiroro ToursBackcountrySKIER: JP AUCLAIRPHOTO: DAVID LEVINWhere have you been this week?www.blackdiamondtours.cominfo@blackdiamondtours.com 090-2054-8687RESTAURANT & BARreservations@bdlodge.comwww.bdlodge.com 0136-44-1144Japanese & Western CuisineGood Tunes, Vids, DrinksFree Shuttles (call for pickup)Private Terrain ParkPool Table14 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com

people T snapflash T peoplePowderlife caught up with skiers and snowboarders on thehill, and asked them what other activities they got up to inNiseko…besides riding on the mountain.Powderlife hit the town to check out the mid-February nightlife and found plenty of party people.FLASHLinda and Yi from Sydney have just arrived inNiseko from Tokyo, so they’ve ‘had enough ofdoing touristy things’. “We’re just goingsnowboarding all day, every day!”Simon from Sydney and UK geezers Owen and Peterhave been to ‘just about every onsen in the Nisekoarea’. They also undertook an informative localavalanche course, and went snowshoeing, whichthe Englishmen say were both ‘well-good’.Inski’s Stackof the WeekCAMERA courage can be a dangerous thing.Shane from Sydney is a testament to this.Recently, Shane and his mates did a photo tourwith Niseko Photography – all doing the Aussiething, egging each other on for the lens.After a few runs through Miharashi on a clear, powdery Niseko day, the boys decided to hit the park. Shane, in hisinfinite wisdom, chose to straight-line it past the first jump in Hirafu’s terrain park, and hit the second at top-speed.He ended up catching an edge and launching himself head-first almost into Mt Yotei. Apparently he played his stackdown by saying he was ‘a little dizzy’. But his mates tell us he didn’t make it up the mountain the next day!Shano, you’ve won yourself a Salomon Ranger helmet courtesy of Inski Skis, Boards and Snow Wear for your troubles.‘Stack of the Week’ will continue throughout the season, so if you have any embarrassing, painful, funny, unfortunateor otherwise photos of wipeouts, send them to us and we’ll publish the winner, for all the world to see.The best photo at the end of the season will take home a major prize.Email hi-res photos with a short blurb to ed@powderlife.com. Happy stacking!Shinobu, Yuki and Emi were flashing their pearly whites forPowderlife's roving party paparazzi.Derek, Tyson and Chris may be big, burlyblokes, but were getting in touch withtheir inner child with their T-shirts.Tatsuro, Kumiko and Michiko were having aball with a game of eight ball at Yuki.Marcus, Rant, Dan and Danielle took some time out to polish uptheir fuseball skills at the Yuki Bar.Sebastian, Lisa and Gareth were all peace and smiles forBob's Rastafarian reggae birthday bash.Dorothy and Doug from Hong Kong have been in Niseko fortwo weeks, and apart from drinking sake and onsening, it’sjust been ‘hardcore snowboarding every day’ for this couple.Bob Marley's B'dayBash @ Yuki BarWhen they’re not working or riding the mountain, the twoAndy’s, Francesca, Nicola and Matt – find plenty of time forpartying, road-tripping, puzzles and karaoke. Oh, and didwe mention partying?MountainstyleChiho and Haruna from Muroran, just south of Niseko, were justvisiting for the weekend, so they say they didn’t have much timefor anything else apart from snowboarding, of course.Gloria, Karen, Chris (again!?) and Alex madethe most of the opportunity to party.Ed, Jordan, Amber and Lynda figured "Why go to thebar for a beer when the bar can come to you?!"Sekka Cocktail PartyCHECK out Kentaro’s ‘monster’ of a jacket!With the monster design came a monstrous price tag of¥30,000 for this 686 jacket, because it’s rare – apparentlyone of only 15 ever made. The Hiroshima boarder thought itwas a good deal, though – a small price to pay for stylin’ itup when he and his monster roar down the mountaintogether. Kentaro’s 686 pants match up with his jacket, and hesays this is the first season he has worn the brand. “Over thepast year or so, I think 686 has gotten really cool, so I willdefinitely buy it again next time,” he says.Kentaro is not just all about the style. He backs up his lookswith the right tools for riding: a Twelve-branded snowboard,and Flux bindings.Shou, Naoki, Kenichi and Wataru were up from Osaka,Japan’s second-biggest city. They were just in Niseko for threedays, and they managed to squeeze in eating at many greatrestaurants, drinking, onsening and then sleeping…so theycould do it all again the next day!Chris, Ariane, Mike and Ruskin were a pictureof class at Sekka's cocktail soiree.Rob, Jonny H and Rett were left wondering how outlawRoland got past security to Sekka's upmarket shindig.Lisa and Casper took time out fromcocktails and conversation to posefor Powderlife.16 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 17

events T nightlifeSaturday, February 21THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pmMikio Egawa (Trumpet)Cover charge ¥ 1000TRed bar, 10:30pmSix live dj's massive drum and bass beats andplenty of house music as well.TJava Bar, 10pm“now is the time”by dijey's, MAS54H and macoElectro, minimal, fidget-house,tech-house and moreCover charge ¥ 1000Sunday, February 22THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pmEsmie (vocal)Cover charge ¥ 1000Wednesday, February 25TLoaf Lounge, 6pm Ping Pong NightTournament registration fee ¥ 500Play for the prize.Thursday, February 26THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pmYasuhiro Kono (Piano) from TokyoCover charge ¥ 1500Friday, February 27TLive, 8pm SNOWLOVERSmeet with Tomohiro HigashidaCover charge ¥ 1500 with one drinkTAprès bar Nomihodai, 7pm – 9pm¥ 2000Happy hour, everyday from 3pmSaturday, February 28THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pmToshi Arimoto Trio (Piano)Cover charge ¥ 1000Sunday, March 1THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pmToshi Arimoto Trio (Piano)Cover charge ¥ 1000More events at www.powderlife.com/niseko/events/Friday, March 6TAprès bar Nomihodai, 7pm – 9pm¥ 2000Happy hour, everyday from 3pmGot an event on between March 7 and March20? Get it on this page in the next edition ofPowderlife – input it in to the events page onour website by February 20.3 月 7 日 から3 月 20 日 の 間 にイベントを 企 画 している 方 はいますか?パウダーライフの 次 刊 に 掲 載 を 希 望 される 場 合には、 二 カ 国 語 ( 英 語 ・ 日 本 語 )で2 月 20 日 までに 私 たちのホームページの”イベントページ”にご 入 力 ください。Saturday, February 21T Gentemstick 7th Natural Half-Pipe Masters orientation Openpractice and draw for race position atNiseko Village (meet at the oldgondola), 12pm. For more information,please call 0136 22 5581 or visit www.gentemstick.com. 2 月 21 日 ( 土 ) 第 七回 玄 天 スティックナチュラルハーフパイプ マスターにおける 説 明 会 ・ 出 走順 抽 選 ・ 公 開 練 習 時 間 : 12pm 場所 :ニセコビ レッジ( 旧 ゴ ンドラ) 詳細 は0136-22-5581 または、www.gentemstick.comまで。Sunday, February 22T Gentemstick 7th Natural Half-Pipe Masters, from 9amR ace down the Niseko Village(Higashiyama) natural half-pipe in anoff-piste, GS style event for cash andprizes. Ski/board, male/femalewelcome. ¥3,000 for one race or¥5,000 for two races. For moreinformation, please contact 0136 225581 or visit www.gentemstick.com.2 月 22 日 ( 日 ) 第 七 回 玄 天 スティックナチュラルハーフパイプ マスター誰 でも 参 加 自 由 のスノーボード、スキー、スノーボード・スキー 複 合 によるタイムレ ース 。 時 間 :9am場 所 :ニセコビレッジ( 特 設 会 場 )詳 細 は0136-22-5581 または、www.gentemstick.comまで。TTaiko Drum Performance, 3.30-4pmExperience tradition with a Taiko beat.Free traditional Japanese drumperformances every Sunday outside ofHokkaido Tracks office (next toSeicomart). 2 月 22 日 ( 日 ) 太 鼓 演 奏会 地 元 太 鼓 グル ープ に よる 生 演 奏 を温 か い 甘 酒 と 一 緒 に どうぞ! 時間 :3:30pm 場 所 : 北 海 道 トラックスオフィス 前 (セイコーマート 横 )Sunday, February 22TFree Skiing at Asahigaoka Ski Slopein Kutchan, 9am – 4pmEnjoy skiing with the locals. For moreinformation, please contact KutchanTown Gym on 0136 22 2288 orAsahigaoka Ski Slope on 0136 23 2743.2 月 22 日 ( 日 ) 旭 が 丘 スキー 場 町 民無 料 デー 倶 知 安 駅 近 くのスキー 場 でも飛 ぼう! 時 間 :9am – 4pm 場 所 : 旭 が丘 スキー 場 詳 細 は 倶 知 安 町 総 合 体 育館 ( 0136-22-2288)または、 旭 が 丘 スキー 場 (0136-23-2743)ま でSaturday, February 28THanazono Snow Monster and SnowSculpture Competition, 12pm-3pmBuild a big snow creature for your chanceto win some great prizes! Children,students and adults can join in. For moreinformation, please contact 0136 21 6655or visit www.skihanazono.com. 2 月 28 日 (土 )スノーモンスター& 雪 の 彫 刻 大会 @ 花 園 イマジネーションを 雪 で 表 現し よ う! 勝 者 に は 賞 品 有 り 。 時in the loop間 :12pm - 3pm 詳 細 は0136216655またはwww.skihanazono.comまでSaturday, February 28THanazono Snow Tube & TobogganChampionships, 1pmJoin a team of four and race around thesnow course. Prizes include Roxy/Quiksilver goggles, beanies, T-shirts andfleece jackets. For more information,please contact 0136-21-6655 or visit www.skihanazono.com. 2 月 28 日 ( 土 ) 花 園 スノー チューブ&そり 大 会 @ 花 園 4 人 1 組の チ ームを 組 んで チューブ&そりのレースに 参 加 しよう! 勝 者 にはロキシー 、クイック シ ル バ ー の 洋 服 な ど の 賞品 有 り 時 間 :1pm. 詳 細 は 0136 216655またはwww.skihanazono.comまでSunday, March 1TTaiko Drum Performance, 3.30-4pmFree traditional Japanese drumperformances every Sunday outside ofHokkaido Tracks office (next to3 月 7 日 から3 月 20 日 の 間 にイベントを企 画 している 方 はいますか?パウダーライフの 次 刊 に 掲 載 を 希 望 される 場 合 には、 二 カ 国 語 ( 英 語 ・ 日 本 語 )で2 月 20 日までに 私 たちのホームページの”イベントページ”にご 入 力 ください。www.powderlife.com/niseko/eventsin the loop T eventsSeicomart).Tuesday, March 3T Japanese Cultural Tours inKutchan, 3pm–6pmIndulge yourself in a bit of history overa cup of tea…or sake. Last of theseason.Tea ceremony, natural historymuseum, Niseko Sake Brewery. Busleaves in front of Seicomart.Cost :¥1000. For more information, pleasecontact 0136-23-0222. Reservationrequired.Saturday, March 7THirafu March Fireworks, 9.30pmFireworks every Saturday in March onthe slopes outside the Alpen Hotel.3 月 7 日 ( 土 )ウィークエンド 花 火 3 月の 毎 週 土 曜 日 は 花 火 の 日 。ナイターの 後 は 夜 景 に 広 がる 花 火 を 堪 能 しよう。 時 間 :9:30pm 場 所 :アル ペンホテル 外 のスキ ース ロ ープ 詳 細 は 0136-1104またはwww.grand-hirafu.jpまでGot an event on betweenMarch 7 and March 20? Get iton this page in the next editionof Powderlife – input it in to theevents page on our website byFebruary 20.www.powderlife.com/niseko/events18 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 19

gear T powder toolsBy Bevan CollessBlackDiamondFritschi DiamirFreeride Plus BindingIF you’re gearing up for a big latewinter and March in the backcountry youshould be putting some serious thought into atouring binding. You’ve probably narrowed it down tothe Marker Duke, or these babies. The Diamirs have aknockout win in the weight department, and in the ease ofswitching from touring mode to downhill mode (they don’t need to betaken off). Some skiers are happy to forsake the convenience of leavingthe bindings on for the reassurance that you know you’re not going toswitch into touring mode while you’re hitting a 40-foot huck. You decidewhich one works for you. Available from Toyru for ¥ 51,975. ,Burton No FishWE all know that Niseko is the place to beif you’re a snow surfer. No Boards eschewsbindings to bring snowboarding right backto its surfing roots. The No Board cantransform any snowboarder into a snowsurfer, but the Burton No Fish is the first tobe sold as a bindingless board from thefactory. The narrow tail, set-back stance andwide nose of the Fish lends itself perfectlyto No Board philosophy. Indeed, the Fishstylesurfboard was the initial inspirationbehind the Burton Fish design that hasproved so popular with powder lovers. TheNo Fish is a natural progression. If you’rethe kind of rider who is happy to foregoquantity of turns for quality (and youshould be) pack a No Fish onto yourbackpack, hike up a hill in the middle ofnowhere and jump on your No Fish for 10of the best turns of your life. Then do itagain. Available from Burton in Japan for¥78,750.Flow Team BindingsIF you’re a keenbackcountry rider you’llbe aware that trips outthe gates and treks out theback often require a fairshare of clicking in and out ofyour bindings. If you’re stillriding the two-strap system, chances are you’re holding everybody up. Doyou want to be 'that guy'? If not, you’ll be wanting to invest in either a K2Cinch, Shimano Accublade or the perennial favourite – Flows. If you’vedecided to go for Flows, then why not plump for the best – the ‘Team’, asridden by my favourite rider, Anti Autti. Critics of Flow reckon that they arenot tight enough, but this model allows you to easily click an extra coupleof notches if you feel you need it. Available from Good Sports for ¥73,000.Head Skis USA Supermojo 105Twin-Tip Alpine SkiIF you’re looking to do somethingspecial for the cameras it’s hard toimagine a better ski than these. They’rea bit heavy to tour with but perfect forexploring the steepest and deepestlines the Niseko backcountry has tooffer. This fatty twin-tip surfs the powregular or switch with gravity-defyingfloat and laser precision. The heavyduty construction charges big lineswithout the shakes and shivers offloppy park-and-pipe planks.Despite its thick waist, theSupermojo Alpine Ski's amplesidecut and titanium-reinforcedsandwich construction cuts withease on the hard pack. Thanks toa wide twin-tip tail and optionalcentre mount, this free-ridemonster rides switch lines withease. Available from VictoriaSports in Tokyo for about¥57,220.20 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 21

community T meet the localsBy Saoka Wakasugiwelcome irasshaimase T communityBy Saoka WakasugiRam koboFOR those after unique local furniture andsouvenirs, Niseko Town’s Ram Kobo is a must see.Masafumi Sawada moved from crowded Tokyo toSapporo 35 years ago to start an art studio. When hedecided Sapporo was becoming too busy he lookedfurther afield, and like many like-minded artisans,chose Niseko. He started working with iron becausethere was no one doing it in Hokkaido. He moved into an old farmer’s warehouse under the big yellowNiseko Town Bridge where his workshop and galleryremains today. For an idea of what Sawada-san hasto offer go to www.niseko-ram.com. In winter, get aJapanese speaker to call before going.RAM 工 房ユニークで 個 性 的 な 家 具 や、お 土 産 を探 しているならニセコ 町 にあるラム 工房 に 足 を 運 んでみましょう。 澤 田 正 文 さんは35 年 前 に 東 京 から 札 幌 に 移 り、 工房 を 作 りました。 札 幌 も 手 狭 になり、 以前 からよく 遊 びに 来 て 気 に 入 っていたニセコにやってきました。 当 時 の 北 海 道では 鉄 をつかった 作 品 を 作 る 人 はいなかったそうです。 現 在 の 工 房 とギャラリーは 黄 色 いニセコ 大 橋 の 下 にあり、 以 前は 農 協 の 倉 庫 がありました。 澤 田 さんの作 品 はインターネットでもご 覧 いただけます。RAM 工 www.niseko-ram.comname Futa Takedaage 26 hometown Kutchantime in niseko My parentscame here 30 years agoski/snowboard? Skihow long skiing? 23 yearsPATROL Futado you like powder? Of course!what do you do in summer?Hiking, climbing, drinkingwhat languages do you speak?Hokkaido dialect with Hiroshimaand Kyushu accenttrips overseas? Not yet...where do you want to go?India and Nepalfavourite... colour Greenbrand Gentaro food Croquet,candies restaurant Cafeteria atwork bar Sakana (Sapporo)onsen Koikawa or whereveryou can have sakeski run Superstition, Next Stagewhich foreign ski resort doyou want to go to? Chamonixhow long will you be inniseko? Until I'm tired of thesnow... what does nisekoneed? Delicious locally brewedsake... and, I want a house!niseko secret? Local peoplemay not be interested in skiing?Not sure though…what is your life motto? Useadrenaline as much as I can!名 前 タケダフウタ年 齢 26出 身 地 倶 知 安 町ニセコに 来 てどのくらい? 30 年前 に 両 親 が 来 てからずっとスキーヤー?スノーボーダー?スキーヤースキー 歴 23 年パウダースノーは 好 き?象 さんより 好 き夏 は 何 をしていた? 居 酒 屋 でバイト、 登 山 、 飲 んでいた話 す 言 葉 は? 九 州 弁 と 広 島 弁 が混 ざった 北 海 道 弁海 外 へは 行 ったことある? まだどこへ 行 きたい? インド、ネパール好 きな...色 は? 緑ブランドは? 源 太 郎食 べ 物 は? コロッケ、 飴レストランは? 社 員 食 堂バーは? 魚 菜 ( 札 幌 )温 泉 は? 鯉 川 温 泉 、お 酒 飲 めるところコースは? スーパースティション、ネクストステージ海 外 のスキー 場 ではどこに 行 きたい? シャモニーニセコにはいつまで 居 る? 雪 が嫌 いになるまでニセコの 秘 密 は? 地 元 の 人 はそれ 程 スキーが 好 きじゃない人 生 観 は? アドレナリンを 使 いきりた い!TICKET COUNTER Ne-sanname Akiko Segawaage Just a bit over 30hometown Iwatetime in niseko 4 yearswhy did you come to niseko?The beauty of Mt. Yoteiski/snowboard? Skihow long have you been skiing?Um, I've gone blank!what do you do in summer?Golfingwhat languages do you speak?Japanesetrips overseas? Yeswhere do you want to gonext? No plans yet.favourite...colour Any colourbrand Don’t have onefood Nabe at Utarirestaurant Utaribar Aionsen Koikawaski run Dabesawhich foreign ski resort doyou want to go to? None!how long will you be inniseko? Until I have a jobwhat does niseko need?Cheaper places to livesecrets in niseko? Niseko golfcoursewhat is your life motto? Gowith the flow名 前 セガワアキコ年 齢 三 十 路 過 ぎ出 身 地 岩 手ニセコに 来 てどのくらい?4 年なぜニセコへ 来 たの?羊 蹄 山 が 綺 麗 だからスキーヤー?スノーボーダー?スキースキー 歴 ブランクがある夏 は 何 をしていた? ゴルフ話 す 言 葉 は?日 本 語海 外 へは 行 ったことある?ある次 はどこへ 行 きたい?とくになし好 きな...色 は? 何 でもブランドは? なし食 べ 物 は? うたりの 鍋レストランは? うたりバーは? あい温 泉 は? 鯉 川 温 泉コースは? だべさ海 外 のスキー 場 ではどこに行 きたい?とくにないニセコにはいつまで 居 る?仕 事 があるまでニセコの 秘 密 は?ニセコゴルフコース 最 高 !人 生 観 は?なんとかなるname Kana Konnoage 25 hometown Kanagawatime in niseko Two weeksski/snowboard? Snowboardhow long have you beensnowboarding? Eight yearswhy did you come to niseko?Powder snow!do you like powder? Love it!what do you do in summer?Worked in Furano as a parttimefarmer what languagesdo you speak? Japanese...studying English at the momenttrips to overseas? Yep,Hawaii where do you want togo next? Canada, Indiafavourite... colour Turquoiseblue, deep blue brand 686,Burton and Salomon foodZangi (fried chicken) restaurantMelt in Niseko Village barBlack Diamond onsen NisekoHigashiyama Onsenwhich foreign ski resort doyou want to go to? Whistlerhow long will you be inniseko? Until the end ofMarch what does nisekoneed? Japanese spiritwhat is your life motto?Go to many places, meet lotsof people and find out who Ireally am.LIFTIE Kon-chan名 前 コンノカナ年 齢 25出 身 地 神 奈 川ニセコに 来 てどのくらい? 2 週 間なぜニセコへ 来 たの?パウダーを 楽 しむためスキーヤー?スノーボーダー?スノーボーダースノーボード 歴 8 年パウダースノーは 好 き? 大 好 き夏 は 何 をしていた?富 良 野 で 野 作 業 のヘルパー話 す 言 葉 は? 日 本 語 、 英 語 は勉 強 中海 外 へは 行 ったことある? ハワイ次 はどこへ 行 きたい?カ ナ ダ 、 イ ンド好 きな 色 は? ターコイズブルー、濃 いブルーブランドは? 686、バートン、サロモン食 べ 物 は? ザンギレストランは? ニセコビレッジにある Meltバーは? ブラックダイヤモンド温 泉 は? ニセコ 東 山 温 泉海 外 のスキー 場 ではどこに 行 きたい?ウィスラーブラッコムニセコにはいつまで 居 る?3 月 末 まで人 生 観 は?多 くの 場 所 に 行 き、 人 と 出 会 い、自 分 をみつけたいSplashIF there’s a good party on in Niseko, there’s a goodchance NOASC's Shuujiro Oogata will be behindit… but if not, he’ll probably be there in the crowdanyway. A former pro-snowboarder and sushi chef,Shu-kun grew up in Tokyo and moved to Niseko 13years ago, and worked at the old Big Cliff restaurantfor eight years before starting reggae bar MashUp in 2006/07. Last year he created Splash whichhas quickly become one of Hirafu’s coolest bars(check out the rabbit head with antler ears behindthe bar!). Shuu-kun loves creating a great party atmosphereand often organised concerts and eventsand also DJs for local reggae outfit Sonic Wall.Restaurant MaruONE of Niseko’s most under-rated restaurants is Maruin Izumikyo (East Hirafu). It was started eight years agoby three chefs from the old Nikko Hotel in Annupuri.Hiramatsu Joutaro came to Niseko from Saitama, nearTokyo, 18 years ago to work as a chef at Nikko. Hewanted to start a restaurant that wasn’t as expensiveas a lot of the restaurants and hotels in the area –something that everyday members of the public couldafford. He had good connections from his Nikko Hoteldays and was able to get good deals on local produce,which he was able to pass on in the prices offeredon the menu. Perhaps it’s because his meals are tooaffordable, but Maru will close at the end of March thisyear. Be sure to try the Maru experience before it disappears!Maru is on the free Hirafu shuttle bus route.スプラッシュニセコのパーティーシーンを 盛 り 上 げているのはスプラッシュオーナーを 務 めるNOASC 緒 方 秀 二郎 さんです。 以 前 はプロスノーボーダーとして 活 躍し、 板 前 も 勤 めるしゅうくんは、 東 京 で 育 ち、13 年 前にニセコに 来 ました。 先 シーズンにスプラッシュを立 ち 上 げ、その 前 にはレゲエバーマッシュアップ,また、 前 ビッグクリフでも8 年 間 勤 務 していました。スプラッシュはすぐに、ヒラフで 一 番 盛 り 上 がっているバーになりました。(バーにあるウサギの 頭 に 注目 してみてください。)パーティーの 空 間 を 演 出 するのが 好 きなオーナーは、コンサートやイベントを企 画 し、 自 らDJとして 活 躍 し、また、ローカルレゲエクルー、Sonic Wallの 活 動 もしています。れ すとらん まる安 くておいしいと 評 判 の 店 、れすとらんまるは 泉 卿 (ヒラフの 東 )にあります。8 年 前 に 前 日 航 ホテルで 働 いていた3 人のシェフによって 作 られました。オーナーの 平 松 錠 太 郎 さんは 埼 玉 県 からニセコに18 年 前 に 来 ました。 以 前 のニセコはレストランも 少 なく、ホテルよりも 安い 値 段 でみんなにおいしい 料 理 を 提 供したいと 思 っていました。れすとらんまるの 料 理 は、 値 段 も 安 く、 味 、ボリュームは 保 証 付 です。 店 の 看 板 メニュー、 豚天 丼 と、パウダーライフ 一 押 しAセットをぜひ 一 度 お 試 しください!ヒラフシャトルバスをご 利 用 の 際 は、 泉 卿 2が 停 留所 です。22 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 23

community T in focusTakanori TachibanaBy Yuri HamadaWELL-GROOMED long hair, his trademark beret and abig, welcoming smile. Almost all of Niseko’s touristsknow who he is, or have seen him at least once. Theface of Hirafu Village, Takanori Tachibana, is afamous concierge at the Welcome Centre. Powderlifetalked with him about tourism and the future for thenew Niseko.How long have you been in Niseko?I was born in the Mashu Lake area, and moved toKutchan when I was one-year-old. I left Kutchan for afew years in the middle, but I could never forget howfun skiing was and how great it was to live right nextto the ski slopes. I followed my dream back to thisarea and started working at the Welcome Centre whenI was 23 years old. I can say that my incrediblepassion for skiing has led to the job I have now.What do you see as the main function of theWelcome Centre?Interestingly, at the Welcome Centre, we don’t reallysee any decrease in the number of tourists. Eventhough the media has said the world financial crisiswould deter people from coming to Niseko, peoplecontinue to need the Welcome Centre. Our motto iswelcoming people and giving any information theydesire. Many tourism companies in town have a lot ofinformation, but sometimes it can be geared towardstheir own business relationships. Because we wouldlike to see all the companies do well, we elect toprovide everything that is available for the guest insearch of having a great time in Niseko.WELCOME...Tachibana-sanwith snowmen he built fortourists arriving in Niseko.Having worked at the Welcome Centre fornearly 32 years, what do you see as a majorchange in the village?I can say the number of the foreign tourists has risenrapidly. I started noticing a very small number offoreigners 10 years ago. I remember visiting my friendat his pension during that time, and he had his veryfirst guests from overseas. Although we had toprimarily use our hands to communicate with them,it was really fun having somebody from a differentcountry and culture. Having foreign guests madeNiseko into the international ski resort we see today.Being a fan of Niseko myself, it is great to know thatso many people choose this area for their holidaydestination.Can you tell me about some of the Nisekoactivities in summer?In the summertime, we operate the gondola forhiking, and we also have lots of onsens in this area forguests to enjoy. People are becoming more aware thatNiseko is a very nice place throughout the year. At thesame time, Niseko was built mainly as a winter resort.I’m not 100 per cent sure if my personal work leads toan increase in the number of summer visitors, but Ido put a lot of effort and spend many hours doingcommunity service activities. Last summer we did aclean up of the town, which involved overseasvisitors, local Japanese and Japanese from everypart of Japan. To see people who love this town takecare of the place they live was amazing. After thetown cleanup, we had another 50 people join us inre-creating the hiking trail from Hirafu to NisekoVillage. I think if you show enough love for whereyou live it inspires local people to be motivatedabout tourism as well. This year we will have aneven bigger cycling event, and have many otherplans to attract visitors in summer and to involvelocals. It can be a slow process but I see moretourists coming each year during the summertime.What future plans do you have for this area?My main goal is to have a peaceful coexistence withpeople from overseas, local Japanese and Japanesefrom different areas. Niseko is not only a place toget amazing powder, but to experience anatmosphere and community where everyone helpseach other. Our main goal is to encourage people tocome back again and again. I would like to seemore people smiling not only because of the greatskiing, but also because of the surroundingcommunity. As a concierge at the Welcome Centre,hearing from the guests “I am back!” is the bestreward.What are your top three tips for visitors?1. Challenge yourself to climb the peak2. Explore 15 different styles of onsens in Niseko3. Taste the mouth-watering seafood from twobodies of water (The Japan Sea and the PacificOcean)24 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com

feature T off-mountain activitiesThere's more to Niseko...Background photo: Glen Claydon.Dog sleddingoff-mountain activities T featureIF it wasn’t for skiing or snowboarding, there is no doubt Niseko would be justanother little town in the middle of rural Hokkaido, little known outside of Japan.The amazing snowfall Niseko receives attracts thousands of international tourists tothe area, but when they arrive, they realise Niseko is so much more than just a skihill. There’s a rich culture, warm hospitality, amazing cuisine, vibrant nightlife andan endless range of unique activities to experience.A majority of visitors to Niseko these days don’t come from snowy climes, so justthe fact that they are in the snow is unique. But with the snow comes a range ofopportunities to try out completely new activities. Where else in the world can youexperience dog sledding? Apart from places like Alaska – and other remote,snowbound outposts where motor vehicles simply won’t cut it – not many. Similarly,many people from around the world will have watched on television peopletraipsing through deep snow with tennis racquets tied to their feet. Until you’vetried walking through deep powder without snowshoes, it’s hard to imagine hownecessary they are as the small surface area of a shoe will generally sink straight tothe hip. A snowshoe tour is an experience a kid from the city won’t forget in a hurry.For the more adventurous, a snowmobiling tour will take you deep in to the Nisekobackcountry allowing you to experience a world few people ever get to see.Other activities on offer in Niseko include ‘regular’ summer activities, albeit in asnowy environment. Niseko is famous for rafting in spring and summer, but forsomething completely different, don a wetsuit and peacefully drift down one of thelocal rivers enjoying the landscape from a completely unique perspective. Rockclimbing is a thrill wherever you are, but ever scaled an icy cliff? Abseiling andbridge swinging should be on any adrenalin junkie's ‘to do’ list when they come toNiseko. For the boys (and maybe some girls), strap on some snowshoes and grab agun and try paintball in the snow.There’s also plenty of cultural activities on offer. The Kutchan Tourist Associationruns cultural tours where guests can partake in traditional green tea ceremonies, trytheir hand at iaido (Japanese swordsmanship), and Japanese taiko drums. For thosewho want to try and recreate the magnificent food they’ve tasted in Niseko forthemselves back at home, there are Japanese cooking classes. And in order tocompletely immerse yourself into Japanese culture, why not take a Japaneselanguage class? We’re even going to go out on a limb here and suggest that karaokeis a modern Japanese tradition that should not be missed – when in Rome!!There’s also plenty of activities for the little ones including snowman making and anynumber of snow activities and adventures.We’ve rounded up a comprehensive list of activities on offer for those days, andnights, when you want to take off the skis or board and experience something elseNiseko has to offer. You won’t be short of options!HANGING OUT... NAC rock climbing instructor Kanomaa-sanIndoor rock climbingNiseko Adventure Centre (NAC), in Izumikyo 1, offers a rocking good time forkids and adults with its unique rock climbing wall and ‘bouldering’. With fourdifferent walls of varying difficulty, and a bouldering rock, the kids’ wall sits at3m, while the adults’ wall towers at 10m. The wall takes up one entire side ofthe centre, offering the unique experience of climbing while diners in theupstairs Jo Jo’s look on.Open every day 8.30am-10pm. No booking required. Climbers must be atleast 1m tall. Costs: ¥800 per climb, per person (safety equipment and staffassistance included). Day climbing pass ¥1050 (safety equipment and staffassistance not included).For more information call NAC on 0136-23-2092.Situated on the golf course at the base of the Niseko Village Hilton, dog sleddingis something that everyone should try once in their life time. Upon arrival, youwill be shown to the course from the office, passing about six out of eleven (on arotation system) excited Alaskan huskies outside their own snow cave home.Firstly, the sledding guides will get you on the back of a snowmobile to show youthe course – a simple loop, somewhat similar to a small racetrack. Once you getyour bearings, you’ll stand on the small, wooden-framed sled and learn to getaround the one tight corner. There’s a small seat at the front of the sled for thelittle ones, to get everyone involved. Before you know it, two friendly, pumped updogs are clipped on and you’re off. Around the 400m track, around the cornersand up and down the mini-hills, the dogs run the last leg with enthusiasm for theprize of vegetable soup waiting at the finish line. Dog sledding runs from 10am-3pm, but Powderlife’s tip is to get the earliest booking you can, when the dogs arefull of energy and the snow is fresh. For ¥3,675 for adults and ¥2,675 for children,dog sledding is a great experience that people of all ages can try. For moreinformation, follow the links at www.niseko-village.com.Activities with a differenceIt sometimes come as a surprise toforeigners that karaoke originated inJapan. Here it’s usually done in privatebooths, which is a great way for thosewho are a little shy to have a go and willfind that it really does give you a greatfeeling. In Hirafu, try karaoke Bar Angel inthe Park Hotel. At Niseko Village there areprivate karaoke booths adjoining the Ezopub. In Annupuri and Moiwa try theKanronomori Hotel and Ikoi No MuraHotels. For a list of karaoke bars inKutchan go to www.powderlife.com/magazine/kutchan/kutchan-karaoke-okey-dokey/Hokkaido Lion Adventure takes visitors onroaring outdoor adventures in Niseko. Theydo 1.5-hour Snowshoe Eco-Trekkingtours from 9am-3pm. Minimum twopersons, and over six years. Costs ¥3200(adult), ¥1600 (6-12). Lion Adventures alsodo winter river cruises on the ShiribeshiRiver. The 1.5-hour tours operate from9am-2pm, minimum two persons, and cost¥4200 (adult), ¥3500 (6-12) and ¥1000 (3-6).For more call 0136-43-2882 or check www.hokkaido.lion-adventure.com.A DOG'S LIFE... two Alaskan huskies take Vanessa for a ride.Niseko Village Pure ActionInside the Niseko Village Hilton they haveimported a huge inflated adventure park.You can jump from a platform onto aninflated landing pad, bounce on atrampoline and launch yourself off a ledgeor joust with your friend on an elevatedcylinder. A great indoor active afternoon forkids and adults. Open every afternoon¥1,350.Jump from a bridge swing with a harness and enjoy the winter scenery of Niseko orenjoy the thrills and adventure of winter abseiling as you drop down some of Niseko’spicturesque and challenging cliffs. Both cost ¥5250. Minimum four people, and minimumage is 13 years. For more information call NOASC on 0136-23-1688, or check www.noasc.com.Shoot your friends and family…with paintballs. Snowshoe Paintball is on theoutskirts of Hirafu. Costs are ¥6300 per person for 150 paintballs. Minimum of six persons toplay. Open from 1.30pm-3.30pm. For more information call 0136-23-2111 or check theirwebsite at www.nisekoresortservice.com.Kutchan’s Loaf Lounge bar and restaurant has a skateboarding bowl, pool and pingpong. There is a ping pong night every second and fourth Wednesday from 7pm (¥500).Experience the delights of Niseko's winter wonderland with a NOASC river cruise. See thewinter colours, snow and ice formations along the river banks while quietly making your waydown the river. Unlike summer, one has the time to take in the sights, pull up alongside theriverbank get out, explore, and sip on a hot cup of tea and enjoy some snacks. The 3.5-hourtour costs ¥7500. Minimum four people. For more info 0136 231688 or www.noasc.com.26 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 27

feature T off-mountain activitiesSnowshoeingOne of the special attractions in Niseko is to walk on a lake of solid ice. Especiallyif you have swum happily in that same lake before in summer. Scott AdventureSports (SAS) runs snow shoeing tours to Hangetsu-ko (Half-Moon Lake), that peopleof any age can enjoy. They will pick you up from your accommodation and takeyou on the short 10-minute drive to the lake at the foot of Mt Yotei before youstrap into the snowshoes and you’re off. The walk into the lake is beautiful andpeaceful, and once you’re on the lake your guide might fill a saucepan with snowand boil you a cup of tea and supply you with some snacks. If you're really luckyhe might sing you a Nepali lullaby while you rest. You can traipse out on the lakefor as long as you like before you decide to return to the van. A great day out thateveryone can enjoy, Call SAS for bookings on 0136 21 3333.Staying in the snowBoukenkazoku offers snow activities forthose who want to make the most ofNiseko’s powder. It does snowshoeing(¥4000 per person, two hours,minimum two persons), and igloocamping (¥7350 per person, includestwo meals, minimum two persons). Formore information call 0136-22-3759, orvisit www.bouken-kazoku.com.Niseko Snowmobile Adventures (NSA) runs fully-guided, hands-on tours inNiseko’s backcountry. With terrain suited for all levels from beginner to expert,NSA takes customers into the far reaches of the backcountry to places that areunattainable by foot, ski or board. Tours are available everyday and last for aboutsix hours. Costs ¥30,000 per person for standard group tour, ¥45,000 for one-ononeprivate tour. For bookings call 090-9757-4083, or check www.go-nsa.com.ToursPhoto: Glen Claydon.Tired of touristy Niseko? Want an authentic Japanese experience? TryKutchan’s Cultural Tours, a hit throughout the season. These tours of‘K-Town’ offer a taste of the orient with an insight into a Japanese tea ceremony,a natural history museum and a Niseko sake brewery. There is one more tourthis season on Tuesday, March 3, from 3pm-6pm. Tours depart from the NisekoSafety Information Centre (next to Seicomart).For more information, call 0136-23-0222.Kutchan and Otaru tour packages are provided by JR Hokkaido. Ticket includesa round trip from Kutchan to Otaru and a day pass for Chuo bus.Costs are ¥3120 (adult) and ¥1550 (6- 12yrs). One adult can bring two kids(under 6) for free. Call JR Kutchan Station on 0136-22-1310.Hanazono Adventure Park has loads of activities for both big and small kids toenjoy daily, from 9am to 4pm. Drive your own snowmobile on a summertimegolf course for ¥1100 yen, drive for 8km on the Rabbit Course for ¥6400.Covered magic carpets offer lift access for snow play fun on sleds andsnow-tubes. Tubes are ¥1800 per hour, or use the premium sled, completewith brakes and steering mechanism, for ¥1500. Snow-rafting whisks youaround a specially designed course of berms for ¥1500 for adults and ¥1000 forchildren. And enjoy a guided tour and strap on some snowshoes. An hour for¥3000 for adults and ¥2500 for kids. More info at www.skihanazono.comLearn the skill of making your very own snowman. Another great activity foryoung and old, where you can take home a great photo of you, the family andFrosty the Snowman. Costs ¥1800. Minimum two people, and minimum age isfour years. For more information call 0136-23-1688, or check www.noasc.com.Ever wanted to learn how to make a snow cave? NOASC will show you how. It’sjust like playing in the sand pit and is a lot of fun for not only the kids, but alsothe rest of the family. Have a photo taken with your snow cave at the end. Snowcaving costs ¥4000. Minimum two people, and minimum age is four. For moreinformation call 0136-23-1688, or check www.noasc.com.RelaxationSNOWSHOEING... SAS guide Binodwith Yasmin on frozen Half Moon Lakeoff-mountain activities T featureFun for the young onesKids Land Annupuri offerstobogganing and tubing for the littleones between 9.30am and 4pm. Rentalfee: Tobogganing is ¥300, and tubing is¥500 per hour.For more information call 0136-58-2080, or check www.cks.chuo-bus.co.jp/annupuri.Alpen Kids Park has tobogganing andtubing all day for free from 11am and5pm. There is also a zoo with penguins rabbits and llamas, open from10.30am until 5pm. Cost is ¥500.For more information call the Alpen on 0136-22-1105, or check www.grandhirafu.jp/summer/hotels/alpen.Niseko Kids at Niseko Village has tobogganing and tubing for free from8.30am to 4.30pm. Call 0136-44-2211.NOASC’s Kids’s Snow Adventures program is specifically designed for the littleones aged four to 12 years. Experienced instructors ensure children enjoythemselves with a variety of snow activities on these half and full-day programs.Prices are ¥5000 (half-day) and ¥11,000 (full-day, including lunch). For moreinformation call 0136-23-1688, or check www.noasc.com.ClassesOne of the great things about visiting aforeign country is communicating withthe locals in their own language. Learnbasic Japanese in the Samuari Bar inNiseko’s Yurt Village on Shirakaba-ZakaStreet (Middle Village, across the roadfrom Seicomart). Local bi-lingual ‘tdes’,who writes Powderlife’s ‘Japanese forPowder People’ column and broadcaststhe popular The Daily English Show, takes the classes, teaching useful words andphrases for English-speaking tourists. Held Sundays, 4pm-5pm. Cost: ¥1000(includes one drink). For more information visit www.thedailyenglishshow.com/nisekojapanese.For an experience you can take home with you there is leather making atFanFun. For 20 minutes each, you can make a bracelet (¥1575), a dog collar(¥2625), or a cell phone charm (¥1575). Open between 10am-5pm. Reservationrequired. For more information, call 050-7551-2688, email fan-funnieseko@cpost.plala.or.jp, or visit http://www.17.plala.or.jp/fan-fun/top.html.Niseko Gourmet offers Japanese cooking workshops on held in winter onMonday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am-2pm. www.niseko-gourmet.com.CANDLE-LIT CANAL... Otaru's popular annual snow festival.CHILL OUT...Hilton Niseko Village's onsen.Photo: Niseko Photography.Niseko is home to many great onsens (thermal baths) – a Japanese traditionand the perfect relaxing answer to a long day up the mountain. Some of Niseko’sbest onsens are: Hotel Ikoinomura in the Northern Resort Annupuri Hotel; NisekoGrand Hotel; Kira no Yu in Niseko Town; Hotel Kanronomori near the base ofMoiwa resort; Alpen Hotel in Upper Hirafu Village; Hirafu Tei Prince Hotel on themain road to Grand Hirafu; Yugokoro Tei in Annupuri; Niseko Village (Higashiyama)Prince Hotel; Koikawa Onsen; Goshiki Onsen around the back of Mt Annupuri; andYuki Chichibu behind Mt Annupuri. Onsens vary in price, but average around ¥600per person.What better way to relax on your day off and rub out the aches and pains from a day onthe mountain than enjoying a massage? Niseko Massage and Java Massage are twoof the best in Hirafu. For a full spa treatment; the Niseko Village’s Wakka Spa has agreat range of full body treatments. See the advertisement on page 23 for Powderlifespecials.For those who crave more exercise than skiing or boarding can provide, the AlpenHotel, located by the Ace Pair Lift #1, houses the only 25m swimming pool in town.Also in the pool area are dry and wet saunas, spas and an onsen upstairs. Access to thepool costs ¥600, and pool/onsen passes are also available for ¥1000.Niseko’s Saison Club has a wide variety of indoor activities available. Theseinclude cooking classes: ice cream, jam and sausage. There are also silver, glassand hemp accessory classes. Durations, costs and availability vary, so for moreinformation call 0136-44-3380, or check www.nisekolodge.saison-club.com.Hokkaido Lion Adventure does Nature Craft (making photo frames, chopsticks,flutes, pencils and name plates with material from the woods). Costs ¥2000 perperson for two hours, minimum age six years. For more call 0136-43-2882, orcheck www.hokkaido.lion-adventure.com.FUN FOR ALL AGES... Cooking up a storm at Saison Club.28 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 29

photo essay T rural hokkaido in tilt shiftPowder posterrider Domu Narita, Kissmark Cup photo Rory Gardiner, Niseko Photography30 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com

A thousandwords...Joel Graham buries his rail in an East Ridge powderstash. Photo: Rory Gardiner, Niseko Photography.IN THE CLOUDS... All that can be seen of Jahl Marshall is a board baseunder a puff of peak powder. Photo: Rory Gardiner, Niseko Photography.TAKING OFF... Cam McKay launches himself intoNiseko's backcountry. Photo: Glen Claydon.POW... Lachy Keevers doing some snow clearingof his own at Kiroro. Photo: Ben Gillespie.WHITE WALL... Griff (aka JPEG) draws an 'S' for 'shredding' in Niseko'sGoshiki backcountry. Photo: Rory Gardiner, Niseko Photography.ROOSTER TAIL... Greg Bradbury finds a bit of shadefrom the sun at Annupuri. Photo: Jahl Marshall.CLIFF HANGER... Jahl Marshall suspended in time on theEast Ridge. Photo: Rory Gardiner, Niseko Photography.

TaikiNakamuraNameTaiki NakamuraJobHanazono terrain park crewBorn 11/2/1982Stance regular – front 18º/back 9ºSetupBurton Shaun White 158cm; Burton Cartel bindings; ShaunWhite boots?Favourite terrain All the terrain in Hanazono is No. 1!Favourite trick I like to do some different spins on each of Hanazono’s threekickers. I also like to front-side tail slide on the bus, and tolay back into the pow pow wall.Time in Niseko Six yearsTop 10 Powder tracks1. Kumomi / Nujabes2. Stimulation / Nomak3. Fresh In My Mind / A Forest Mighty Black4. Hanazono / Jazzanova Feat. HajimeYoshizawa5. Good Sleep / I Am Robot and Proud6. Shine / The Album Leaf7. Light Night Dance (Shinichi OsawaRemix) / De De Mouse8. The Sky Was Pink (Holden remix) /Nathan Fake9. Soopertrack / EXTRAWELT10. Bolo Hari / Prem Joshuapowder tracks T musicBy Nick JacksonEmpire of the Sun, Walking on a Dream, 2008EMPIRE of the Sun is a band formed from two bands thathas become one band through a process of becoming oneband. Just like that sentence, this album is a whole bunchof what the #*&@. Don’t get me wrong, I really like it, butguys, come on, tone down on the whole weirdo thing.Oddballs Nick Littlemore (Pnau) and Luke Steele (TheSleepy Jackson) have put together the perfect combinationof alt-pop-dance to make Walking on a Dream, whichfeatured highly on Triple J radio’s recent Hottest 100countdown. Eighties-infused and gloriously happy, it will put a smile on your face, butdamn, they are tripped out. 4 These Brownies Are Making Me More Hungry out of 5.Songs to listen for: Walking on a Dream, Half Mast, Swordfish Hotkiss Night.The Von Bondies, Love, Hate, Then There Was You, 2009FINALLY there is a follow up album from ‘The Bondies’.Due out later this month, four years after their boom tofame with Pawn Shoppe Heart, they release an album thatis so consistent with the last, you would think it wasrecorded a month after release. They have not lost touchwith what made them garage superstars in the first place.It’s just super-bluesy punk with a bit of a melody, and that’show the punters like it. Good follow up and an awesomealbum for the slopes. 3.5 Wow There’s An Asian Dude In TheBand out of 5. Songs to listen for: Pale Bride, This Is Our Perfect Crime, Earthquake.Kevin Federline, Playing with Fire, 2006I UNDERSTAND it might seem a little behind the times, but Ithought I would listen, just to listen some of Kevin’s ‘music’.To all real music listeners, I’m sorry. This album is not analbum. It’s not music. It’s not anything. He has found thatmysterious grey area that everything disappears into andbecomes nothingness. He alone has shifted time and space,and global warming is directly related to him. Synth beatsand really bad vocals, I can’t honestly review this. It is likepicking on a ‘special’ kid. Poor guy, but still it’s worth a listenif you are interested. 1 It’s Still Better Than Nickelback out of 5; Song to listen for: PopoZao.www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 35

safety T niseko survival guideHow to build a snow caveBy Matthew Thomasniseko survival guide T safetyPhotos: Ross Monaghan.Now roasting...Fresh roasted, organic coffeeCoffee cocktailsLocally grown gourmet foodcafeIT’S a skier, boarder or hiker’s worst nightmare – the cold, harsh reality that youunwillingly have to spend a night out in the backcountry.You simply have no idea where you are, have exhausted all your options, andnight is drawing in very fast. With darkness comes cruel weather, temperatures ofminus 15°C and much lower – not factoring in wind-chill. In these conditions,hypothermia can hijack your body in a matter of minutes. In light of all this, youneed to hunker down and wait out the night in the warmest, safest locationpossible until the sun rises. Then, you can reassess your options, or wait untilsomeone finds you. In many cases, the best place to spend the night is in a snowcave…READERS may recall that in the last edition Powderlife we brought you tips fromBlack Diamond Lodge tour guide and certified Canadian Avalanche Associationguide, Andrew Spragg, on how to survive being lost in the backcountry. Thisedition, Andrew takes you step-by-step through how to build something that mayjust save your life – a snow cave.Step 1: In order to dig a snow cave, you need to find a sufficiently deep pocketof snow. Use your avalanche probe to find a suitably deep location, hopefullywith at least three metres of snow pack depth. Adequate snow depth, free ofrocks and ice, is needed. Look around trees and on leeward slopes if the snowpack is shallow. In Hokkaido, this will generally not be a problem much past mid-December, thanks to heavy snowfalls.Step 2: Once you have found a suitably deep location, dig a hole straight down at leastthree meters deep. Try to avoid sweating while working by shedding layers of clothes.Use a shovel to dig the snow cave – something that you should always carry with youout in the backcountry (an ice axe may also come in handy). Digging by hand should befor emergencies only. Following this, dig an entrance into the side of your hole. If youare on a slope, the entrance would go on the uphill side. Keep the entrance at the verybottom of the hole and as small as possible, then tunnel into the slope.Step 3: Once you have dug inwards about 50cm, you can begin to dig upwardsand sideways, opening up an area to sleep in. Make sure it is big enough toaccommodate everyone, but not so big that it is harder to stay warm. The roofshould be in a dome shape to prevent dripping on the occupants. The idea isthat you will actually sit/sleep above the height of the entrance, so that yourbody heat will be trapped inside the cave and not get sucked out the door.Remember that over the course of the night your cave will settle and sag lower,so make sure that the roof is sufficiently high to allow for this.stronger, as well as providing valuable heat that should remain trapped insidethe cave.Step 6: After this, head back outside and poke a few air holes through the roofof the cave with your probe before going back inside.Step 7: Use the remainder of your gear to plug the entrance hole of the cave totrap all possible heat inside. The entrance may be partially blocked with chunksof snow to block wind and retain heat, although it is vital to prevent driftingsnow from completely plugging the rest of the entrance in order to maintain aconstant air supply.Step 8: While waiting out the night in your snow cave, here are a few tips onhow to stay safe and warm:* Stay dry – avoid sweating and keep yourself off of the snow as much aspossible. Always stay one step ahead of your body temperature. If you're aboutto work hard, take a layer off to avoid sweating. Conversely, as soon as you stopworking hard, re-layer again. It’s much easier to stay warm than get warm.* Insulate yourself with anything and everything you can: backpacks, treebranches, space blankets, all available clothing. If things are really bad, focus onkeeping your core warm and ignore your extremities.* Keep moving. Swing your arms, jump up and down, hit yourself... whatever ittakes to keep the blood flowing.* Urinate frequently. Your body expends a surprising amount of heat energykeeping the fluids in your bladder warm. Since this is waste product, and nolonger much use to you, there's no point wasting heat energy keeping it warm.* Keep yourself well-fed and hydrated if possible. Staying warm requires your bodyto burn energy, so the more available energy you have, the warmer you will stay.Ventilation holeDomed roof with sheer wallsStep 4: Once you have cleared a sufficient sleeping area above the height of thedoor, you need to prepare a bed or sitting area for yourself. You need to try to getyourself off of the snow so you don’t lose valuable body heat, or get wet. If thereare trees nearby, you can use tree boughs or branches to form a sleeping surface.Otherwise, use your pack and anything else that you can think of to sit/lay downon that keeps you off of the snow.Sleeping PlatformStep 5: Next, light candles (if you have some, they are a good idea) inside thecave. This will help the inside of the cave to develop an ice layer to becomeEntrance lower thansleeping areaOpposite SeicomartFree InternetBreakfast, lunch anddinner in a warmlounge atmosphereOpen 08:00 - 22:00Ph: 090-7516-7898Why are snow caves warm?ALTHOUGH it is made entirely of snow and ice, a snow cave has thermalproperties similar to an igloo (as used by Eskimos), and is particularlyeffective at providing protection from wind and low temperatures. This isdue to snow’s excellent insulation properties. A properly made snow cavecan be 0°C or warmer inside, even when outside temperatures are -40°C.36 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 37

food T restaurant reviewLike eating artNiseko’s Freedom InnBy Matthew Thomasrestaurant review T foodFREEDOM Inn’s artistic French andItalian-inspired cuisine simply lookstoo good to eat – like a painting ona plate.Not eating this exquisite food is simplyan impossible task, though, courtesy ofthe meals tasting even better than theylook. Quite the predicament: to eat, or tosit there and just stare?“My first introduction to Japan wasthrough the food,” Freedom Inn’sproprietor, Cliff Bernstein, tellsPowderlife. “What the Japanese teachyou about cooking is you eat with youreyes, then with your mouth.”Pulling up outside the modestFreedom Inn – a close five minutesfrom the Hanazono ski slopes, on theoutskirts of Niseko – my dining partnerand I had not an idea of the treats thatlay within. Very unassuming, mostwould not predict that inside thisbeautifully simplistic red-brickboutique hotel (a former pension)would be such high-quality, gourmetfare. A more pleasant surprise I can’tremember. “I think it’s better than theother way around – having highexpectations and not being satisfied,”philosophises the genial New Yorker.Stepping inside the inn’s doors, theantique-style décor gives off thatfeeling of walking back into yourgrandparent’s home (a very wellappointedhome, that is). It’s a veryhomely, welcoming and warmingexperience. Cliff has retained the ‘maand pop’ vibe since converting from apension to a boutique hotel –thankfully not over-formalisinganything. Just think raging woodfireplace, old stained timber furniture,antique lamps and paisley lounges,among other charms.Cliff visited Freedom Inn as a guestjust a few years ago, when it was still apension and, with the charming feel ofthis place, thought it to be ‘the perfectspot to plant his feet’. Fortunately, theowners – a Japanese couple in theirsixties – we ready to sell. The rest ishistory.But let’s move away from the décorand into the important bit: the food.Cliff, who has lived in Japan for manyyears, has noticed that ‘the Japanesetravel to eat’. “I did the same, came hereon a mission following a great Japanesemeal I ate in New York once,” he says.“The former owners of the inn cookedoccasionally, but there was never a realrestaurant. I just can’t imagine doing alodging here without great food.”The Freedom Inn’s culinary team, ledby Chef Fukushima, all hail from thelocal Niseko area. “Our humble chefFukushima has been an institution inthe area for years, and has a touch withspices and a passion for cooking thatonly the great artists have,” says Cliff.We thought we would be the judge ofthat. Turns out Cliff was right.For starters, we ordered the uniqueand flavoursome sliced cod and saladwith anchovies on a bed of rucola(¥800). This was accompanied byanother entrée, Cliff’s personalfavourite, a brochette of skeweredRusutsu pork served on a hot plate withfresh local vegetables. We wereforewarned that this pork was one ofthe most famous meats in the area, sohow could we resist? Our suspicionswere confirmed: tender and tasty wouldbe an understatement.The pasta dish for the night was thetagliatelli, a creamy mix of shrimp andscallops in a tomato and gorgonzolasauce (¥1300). This, too, was anexcellent choice, due to Chef Fukushimahaving a particular fondness for cookingwith gorgonzola, combined with thefact that Hokkaido seafood, especiallythe scallops, are among the juiciest andbest quality in the world. It must besaid that Freedom Inn really capitaliseson its access to quality fruits de mer.We then went for a set course, the‘Shiribeshi’ (¥5000), which Cliff says reallyallows the chefs to show off theirculinary prowess. This course alone ismore than enough for even the mostfamished of diners. Value for money andsimply divine, it is designed to mix thebest seafood and meat produce that isthe freshest of each particular day – allbook-ended by soup, appetisers, dessertdu jour and tea or coffee. That particularnight we enjoyed creamy pumpkin soup;an antipasto mix of bruschetta, olives,fresh cold cuts and sun-dried tomatoes;a tender, rare main in a Japanese-stylebeef capriccioso with fresh vegetables,dripping in flavoursome sauce; and anequally saucy seafood main mealfeaturing more scallops, shrimps, whitefish and escargot.Freshly baked focaccia breads (¥400)soaked up the plentiful soups and sauces.For dessert we made room for aselection of beautifully decoratedpastries. Regretfully, it wasn’t until afterour meal that we were told of the chef’shand-made ice cream, whichemphasises the ‘cream’ aspect. Ah well,next time…Complementing the meal was abreathtaking, quaffable bottle of A.Rafanelli Zinfandel red (¥8800). Cliff’srecommendation, and ‘one of, if not thelast, bottle in Japan’, this 2005 gem waspulled from Freedom Inn’s nothingshort of impressive cellar of carefullyselected Californian wines.Cliff’s cousin, the friendly andprofessional Jenna, also from the BigApple, was waitress for the evening,enchanting us with her conversation,an artistic eye and infallible service.Tasting and looking at this perfectfood, one would expect a hefty bill,considering many have apparently leftthis inn dubbing the Freedom Inn’srestaurant ‘the best in Niseko’. Where Iam from, this sort of food would cost alot more. A lot more! Thankfully, pricesstayed very reasonable. “In addition tocreating great-tasting food, we believein keeping the prices accessible,” saysCliff. “Our basic concept is if people arestaying at the hotel, we want them tocome down and spend at least halftheir meals here. If they’re in Hirafu,we’d like to see them at least twice.”Topping off a perfect night, FreedomInn has started running a pick-up anddrop-off driving service for diningguests from Hirafu.But if you are looking at more thanjust an evening at Freedom Inn, the16-room hotel offers rooms in variousconfigurations – mostly westerndoubles, but also offering traditionalJapanese-style rooms.While Freedom Inn was built back in1999, its restaurant is open forbusiness for the first time this winterseason after swinging open the doorsofficially in early December. Cliff, chefs,Jenna and co. should all be proud thatthey have pulled everything offperfectly the first time around.For more information on FreedomInn, including directions and contactdetails, checkwww.powderlife.com/restaurants.AUSTRALIAN BOTTLESHOP PRICESFREEDOM INN... Jenna and Cliff.• Top quality Western Australian wine• Delivered to your Nisekoaccommodation next day• Pay in $AUD on your credit card• No fees, no conversionsEnquire about Japan based Membershipor wholesale buyingwww.nisekowinesupply.com Tel: 080 6066 432138 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 39

food T japanese recipeShake no foil mushiTess Stomski and Sachiko Kageyama share their Shake no foil mushi recipe.SHAKE no foil mushi, or Salmon en papillote, is a modern Japanese dish created from Sachiko’s inspiration ofthe traditional Hokkaido dish Shake no chanchan yaki, meaning salmon cooked on a grill with vegetables. Thehighlight of this dish is definitely the fresh Hokkaido salmon, which remains tender and moist during thecooking process. The Hokkaido salmon season is during autumn in the months of October and November, atwhich time the salmon is particularly tasty and fatty due to the cold waters and cold climate in Hokkaido.It is said that every fisherman’s family in Hokkaido has a secret recipe for the sauce which is added aftercooking. Usually a miso sauce is added to finish the dish, however, Sachiko’s version is cooked with soy andsake, which results in a delicate flavour to complement the fresh salmon and vegetables.Ingredients:4 Salmon steaks100g each maitake, shimeji, enoki mushrooms1 leek cut thinly sliced on the diagonal2cm piece ginger, julienned ginger1 medium onion40g butter4 teaspoons soy sauce4 teaspoons sakesalt and pepper2.5g sea kelp stockMethod:1. Preheat oven to 200C.2. Pat the salmon steaks dry with paper towel,then season with salt and pepper. Set the salmonaside until the surface of the fish starts to shine.3. Thinly slice the onion and soak in cold waterto reduce the sharpness. Soak for 10 minutes,changing the water two or three times. Drainand squeeze any excess water from the onions.4. Separate the mushrooms from each other andcut off the bottom of the stems.5. Cut aluminium foil into four pieces, largeenough to hold the salmon and vegetables.6. Divide the onion between each piece of foiland then put a piece of salmon on each.7. On top of the salmon add some more onion,ginger, leek and finally the mushrooms.8. Drizzle on the sake, soy sauce, and sea kelpstock and finally place a knob of butter in thecentre before closing the foil pouches.9. Place the foil pouches in the pre heated ovenand bake for 15-20minutes.10. Serve with steamed rice.343Enjoy great food anytime of day in a family friendly atmosphere.Breakfast, Lunch, Apres Ski and of course Dinner.Bon Appetit!40 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 41

how to T shredding school4321Shredding SchoolBy Matthew ThomasSnowboardPOWDERLIFE has launched its ‘how to’ column,‘Shredding School’. Each issue, you can check out acopy of the mag for a ski and snowboard trick, whichwill get more difficult as your season and skill levelprogresses.So, take the front seat in the class and pay attentionas ‘Shredding School’ provides you with all the tricktechnicalities from some of Niseko’s hottest riders. Allyou have to worry about it getting up there andstomping it for yourself!AUSSIE shredder Greg Bradbury has a lucky 13 yearsof experience on a snowboard, spending seasons inAmerica, Canada, France, Austria and Japan. While he’sin Niseko for the winter, Powderlife thought it wise toask him to help us out with a few handy trick tips. Thisweek, Greg walks us through a Backside 180…1. Test the jump several times before hitting it at topspeed. Then, approach the jump squatted and low withknees bent. Check you have sufficient speed to clearthe knuckle. Stay centred and relaxed as you approachthe jump, riding slightly on your toe edge.2. As you leave the jump, pop equally over both feet.Use your shoulders, head and hip (your core) to turn,and your body will follow (basically, where you look iswhere you’re going!).3. After you’ve left the jump, stay low and compact inthe air by sucking your knees into your chest. For stability,grab the board (in this shot, Greg’s holding a Melon Grab).Oh, and while you’re up there, enjoy the air time!4. Because the backside jump is ‘blind’ (your back56BACKSIDE 180... Greg Bradbury.Photo: Jahl Marshall.faces down the mountain for the majority of the time),make sure you are looking over your shoulder – oreven between your legs – to see the approachinglanding. Hold the grab as long as you can, until youspot your landing pad.5. Land slightly on your toe edge to stop the spin, soyou don’t ‘wash out’, but try to land equally on bothfeet. Don’t land straight-legged, absorb the impact withbent knees. Land straight and make sure you can rideswitch before trying the trick, otherwise you could bein for a rude shock when landing.6. Ride over to you mates, slap them a ‘high-five’,then get back up there and prove you can do it again.Or, better still, try a new and more challenging grabnext time.ONE-EIGHTY... Nicolas Cruz.Photo: Jahl Marshall.2345Ski1FRENCH pro Nicolas Cruz has skied for 24 of his 26years on this Earth – so he may just be an authority onskiing. His home village resort is Châtel in the FrenchAlps, close to the Swiss border, but he has skiedthroughout the world in Switzerland, Austria, Canada,Argentina, New Zealand and Japan. Nicolas breaksdown one of the first tricks skiers should try – the 180.1. Always do a speed check to make sure you don’tland on the flat or overshoot the jump altogether.Approaching the jump, be tucked in with legs bent toabsorb the compression of the kicker, then leap tocatch some air. The split moment you are first in theair you need to catch your balance and spot yourlanding. Remember, the closer your skis are uponjumping, the more chance there is of catching andedge, or tapping your skis into each other. Have agood, comfortable balance between what’s too wideand too close together for you.2. Lift your legs and tuck yourself in the air forbalance, then twist your core (head, shoulders andhips) in the direction you want to spin. Try a SafetyGrab under the boot to keep yourself in the trick andfocussed, and a grab also helps with balance andcontrol. Extend other arm out for balance and style.3. Always know where your landing is – never let itleave your sight. The main thing here is to hold yourgrab and spot where you’re going to land.4. Position your skis parallel to each other, andmake sure they are in a comfortable position forlanding. The position you land in switch is paramountbecause it’s easier when you’re facing backwards tolose balance and ‘kook it’.5. Extend yourself to absorb the landing – if youland with your legs still tucked in you will not be able6to absorb the landing. But also remember not to landwith your legs too straight either; bend your legs likesprings to absorb the shock.6. Lean forward, because when you land switch,you need to make sure your balance is on your noseto compensate for landing downhill backwards. Butmake sure you are not leaning so far forward that youneed to balance with your hands – not a good look!Now, if you’re feeling like you have this jump downpat,try a Mute Grab (cross skis and put hand in frontof your boot), a tail grab, or a cork (getting head atsame height as your knees – like a corkscrew).Stay tuned class, because next week, Powderlife’s‘Stomping School’ will walk you through a Rail Slide.Until then, good luck with your 180, and happyriding! Class dismissed!42 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com

how to T learning japaneseJapanese for powder people6. 出 発 Shuppatsudeparturelearning japanese T how toNow roasting...Fresh roasted, organic coffeeCoffee cocktailsLocally grown gourmet foodcafeby studio tdesLesson 6: TravelEVERYTHING was going so well. Then, you somehow got separated from yourmate on the mountain, inexplicably forgot how to get to the meeting place, andnow you’ve just realized that the bus you’re sitting on doesn’t seem to be goingin the direction of your hotel. Crikey. The night’s superb line-up of an onsen anda few nama beers looks dangerously as if it's about to crumble. If only you knewhow to ask the bus driver where the bus was headed! Well, you’ve turned to theright page – in today’s lesson you’ll learn some useful Japanese for when you’retrying to get somewhere.1. このバス、ひらふ 行 きですか? Kono basu Hirafu iki desu ka?Is this bus going to Hirafu?One of the things that seems to confuse tourists in Niseko is the fact that thevillage at the bottom of the Grand Hirafu ski field is called Hirafu, not Niseko.Niseko is the name of the whole area – which includes several ski fields andvillages. So, if you’re in Annupuri, heading to Hirafu, asking the bus driver ifthey’re headed to Niseko is like getting on a bus in the middle of Sydney andasking if the bus is going to Australia. There is actually a town called Niseko – avery nice little town indeed – but there’s no ski field there and it’s possibly notwhere your hotel is. If you want to check if the bus is going to Hirafu, ask: Konobasu Hirafu iki desu ka? (Is this bus going to Hirafu?)2. どこ Doko?Where?This is probably the most important word to remember in order to findsomething. Then you can at least point to the name of the thing you’re lookingfor and ask doko? These phrases may be useful too: Naito Go basu tei wa dokodesu ka? (Where is the Night Go bus stop?) Banana Hotel wa doko desu ka?(Where is the Banana Hotel?)3. 遠 い? Tooi?Is it far?Before you decide how you’re going toget from your lodge to the restaurant,you might want to find out how far it is.Tooi? (Is it far?) Chikai? (Is it close?) Youmight get an answer like this: Sonna nitookunai (It’s not that far). Or: Totemochikai (It’s really close). Maybe you’dlike to try a more specific question: Aruite dore gurai kakaru? (How long does ittake to walk?) Or: Aruite ikeru? (Can we walk there?)4. 10 分 かかる Jyuppun kakaruIt takes ten minutes.Kakaru means to take, as in how long it takes to do something or getsomewhere. Numbers for time in Japanese aren’t too tricky. Try starting byremembering the ones you’re most likely to use, such as: go hun (five minutes),jyuppun (ten minutes), san jyuppun (thirty minutes), ichi ji kan (one hour), niji kan (two hours).5. 次 の 便 は 何 時 ですか? Tsugi nobin wa nanji desu ka?When are you next leaving?Sadly, you’re leaving Niseko tomorrow morning, so you have to take the bus backto the kuukou (airport) to catch the hikouki (plane). You’d better double checktimes of shuppatsu (departure) and touchaku (arrival). Ashita no asa no basuwa hachi ji ni shuppatsu desu ne? (The bus leaves at 8 o’clock tomorrowmorning, doesn’t it?) These words may come in handy: asa (morning), gozenchu(late morning), gogo (afternoon), yuugata (evening), yoru (night).7. もう 一 人 来 ます!Mou hitori kimasu!There’s one more person coming!You’re getting on the bus and the driverlooks like he’s about to leave – but yourhusband’s still in the waiting roomgetting his boots on. He was being apain in the arse when you were packingthis morning, but still, you can’t leavehim in Japan! Tell the driver there’s onemore person coming: Mou hitori kimasu! Then apologise profusely for keepingthe driver waiting by repeating: sumimasen.8. 二 人 Futaritwo peopleIf you’ve already had the shock of discovering that the three Japanese numbersyou know – ichi, ni, san – don’t actually cover all the bases in Japan, you won’tbe surprised to hear that you need special words when counting people. If you’retravelling in a couple, try to remember this word: futari (two people). If youwant to pay for your girlfriend’s bus ticket too, when you’re handing the moneyover, say: Futari desu (This is for two people).9. お 願 いします OnegaishimasupleaseWhat do you say to the driver when youget on the bus? You can say ohayougozaimasu (good morning), konnichiwa (hello), konban wa (good evening).Or you can try this: onegaishimasu. Itliterally means please – but it’s a verynatural thing to say to a bus driver inJapanese.10. 降 ります!Orimasu!I’m getting off!You’re sitting half way back on a crowded bus and seem to be the only personwho wants to get off at this stop – how do you make the driver wait withoutstammering something in English and looking like another clueless tourist?Shouting one word will do the trick: Orimasu! (I’m getting off!). The othertourists will be impressed with your Japanese and the bus driver will patientlywait while you get off. As you’re pushing past people to get off, say: sumimasen(excuse me/sorry/get out of my way). Then choose between many ways ofthanking the driver, such as: doumo, arigatou, arigatou gozaimasu.Pronunciation guide: Since this magazine can’t talk, your best bet is to find aJapanese person and ask them to say the words and repeat after them. Then buythem a beerstudio tdes produces a daily online English language show, based in Kutchan:www.thedailyenglishshow.comOpposite SeicomartFree InternetBreakfast, lunch anddinner in a warmlounge atmosphereOpen 08:00 - 22:00Ph: 090-7516-7898There’s a shuttle bus sitting outside yourlodge with a driver inside. You know thisbus will take you to the gondola, butyou’re not sure when. Ask the driver:Tsugi no bin wa nanji desuka? (Whenare you next leaving?) They might go justfor you, in which case they’ll answer: Itsu demo ii desu yo (I can go when you’reready). Or they might tell you when they’re leaving: Sugu demasu yo (I’m leavingnow), Mou sugu demasu yo (I’m leaving soon), Ato jyuppun gurai (In about tenminutes).Need more practice?Have fun learning basic Japanese every Sunday afternoon with tdes. Weteach useful words and phrases for English-speaking tourists in Niseko.Day: Every SundayPlace: Samurai Bar, Niseko Yurt VillageTime: 4pm to 5pmEntry: 1000 yen (includes 1 drink)More info: thedailyenglishshow.com/nisekojapanese44 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 45

neighbourhood T kutchan k-townIntroducing KutchanWHILE Niseko becomes a thriving, modern international ski resort in winter,just a 10-minute bus ride away is an authentic little rural Japanese town,Kutchan – affectionately known by foreigners as 'K-town'. It’s the closest ‘big’town to Niseko with a population of about 15,000 people. Kutchan is theservice town for surrounding rural villages in the region, including Niseko,but in years gone by it has been quite a thriving little entertainment districton the back of past ski booms. Kutchan’s nightlife these days is pretty tamecompared to what most foreigner visitors would be used to, but therein liesits charm. For the younger crowd at least one night exploring the back alleysof Kutchan for a quirky little bar or karaoke joint is a must – it could wellbe one of the best experiences of your trip. For those not after a party, thereare countless – possibly a hundred or more – unique little restaurants tochoose from. For ideas about where to head check out www.powderlife.com/magazine/kutchan8:00am ~ 8:00pm [closed on tuesdays] ph: 0136-22-0050Kutchan Night-Go Bus ¥100 for an unlimited passkutchan k-town T neighbourhoodSnack bars of K-townBy Shukin ModerskiMANY of you have come to the area for justa ski holiday, and to experience a bit ofJapanese culture.If you have made your way down toKutchan and wandered around therestaurant district, you have probablynoticed places resembling bars without anywindows, and somewhere on their signs;“スナック” or ‘Snack’ and have wonderedwhat the story is there. ‘Snacks’ are theyounger sister of the ‘kyabakura’ or ‘hostess’clubs you will see in the bigger cities, whereyoung women are hired for their looks,their ability to hold a conversation, andtheir tolerance for alcohol. These are nothouses of prostitution, rather they areplaces where you can go and talk to awoman, have her make your drinks,massage your ego, and charge you dearly inthe end.‘Snacks’, on the other hand, are a bitdifferent. There are usually just a fewwomen behind a long bar with proper seatsfor the customers, like a normal bar. But,the main difference is the women will strikeup the conversation. More often than notthese ladies have spent many hours makingsure they look stunning under the dimlights of the bar, and have a rathersuccessful technique for encouraging you tohave ‘just one more drink’ and come backthe same time next week.Although most of the customers aremen, women are welcome. Due to theestablishment of a large Japan Self DefenceForces (Jieitai) base on the outskirts ofKutchan in 1956, Kutchan has a plethora ofsnack bars. If you are looking to give it a go,we suggest getting cashed up andwandering around the restaurant districtafter 8pm and look for the place that youwant to try.Most places will add a ¥500-plus chargeo your bill at the end, but it is okay to askabout the system before ordering. If oneof the lovely ladies asks if it is alright todrink with you, you are footing the bill.Often places which have hourly chargespost a menu outside. Give it a go!SNACK BAR... Kutchan's Bar Eddy.46 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 47

humour T men who ride mountainsMen Who Ride MountainsInterview by Matthew ThomasPEOPLE all around town are continually asking me and the Powderlife crewabout Stirling Goldman. Who is he deep down? What makes him tick? And, ofcourse, the female readers are forever asking ‘how can I meet him’? So, wehave decided to give the people of Niseko what they want. A more in-depthlook into Stirling Goldman – what is behind the man who rides mountains? So Isat down and decided to get off- piste and go deep with Stirling in a one-ononeinterview, conducted in the Powderlife office.Powderlife: Hi Stirling, thanks forgiving up your time and talking to ushere at Powderlife.Stirling Goldman: Ok, Matt, stop brownnosingand get on with it. I've got powderto slice and a few ladies downstairswaiting for me in the Powderlife Cafe.PL: Well, Stirls, your column has beenrunning in Powderlife for about a yearnow. It is certainly a favourite amongstmany. How are you finding it?SG: Favourite amongst many? Amongstmany? I'd say amongst all, Matt, amongstall. I mean, it carries your magazine. Imust admit when your bosses, that hasbeenColless and wannabe Lundapproached me about an article in themagazine, I was a little skeptical. But itturns out the mag is slightly aboveaverage, the article is a little ripper, andbesides, Stirls likes to give something backto the people of Niseko. And the peoplelove Stirls. For he is a deity – The Messiahof Mount Annupuri, Niseko.PL: Stirls, how has the season been foryou so far, with regards to skiing?SG: Well, Matt, pretty good. The snow hasbeen steady, and I have required thesnorkel on at least 25 days. I have onlyneeded the scuba gear on two occasions,which has been a little disappointing, butthere are still a few good weeks left. As forthe 210 Blizzards and rear entry Nordicaboots, those babies are the gift that keepon giving. They are timeless and ageless,much like Stirling's body.PL: And the ladies and nightlife Stirls?How have they been treating you?SG: Matt, they are a given. (Stirling quicklysticks his head downstairs to thePowderlife cafe), actually, a few morehave just walked in since the interviewstarted. I thought you said you werekeeping this on the down-low? They mustbe groupies, so I'll stay clear or maybe justgive them one run only. Matt, to cut tothe chase, the harem is healthy. Yes, Matt,the harem is very healthy. As for thebeers, well 48 amber nectars per night isstill par for the course. No more, no less.PL: Stirling, you really are a machine, Ican’t believe you got through customs.SG: Thanks. I’m sometimes a bit concernedgoing through customs, especially as I’malways packing these concealed weapons.(Stirling points to his biceps).PL: Yes, people are often amazed as tohow you do stay in such good shape.SG: Matt, are you attracted to me? Youwouldn’t be the first to have a man-crushon me. I mean, I don’t roll that way, bigfella. But don’t worry, I'm used to it. Itusually comes from snowboarders,actually. Don't fight it. Matt, when you skias hard as I do, on virtually perpendicularmountains with neck-deep snow, stayingin shape is child's play. The ladies love it.The men marvel. By the way, Matt, do youknow any good accountants (Stirling liftshis shirt and points to his ridiculouslychiseled abs at this point)? I need somehelp counting to eight.PL: Stirls, has there ever been a Mrs.Goldman?SG: (Stirls becomes unusually quiet)Once, Matt, once. She was the femaleequivalent of me... a true woman whorides mountains. She was attractive(that is a given), kind-hearted and couldrip it on a pair of skis better thananyone I knew... except me, of course.PL: So what happened?SG: Well, Matt, it was the perfect daythat turned into the worst day of mylife. We had just jogged up K2 and Iproposed at the summit. The rock wasalmost as big as the mountain. She hadsaid ‘yes’, and despite the fact I knewshe knew she was the luckiest womanin the world, I was still ecstatic. Butunfortunately, Matt, upon the descentwe were cutting some lines and tragedystruck. She took this 80-foot cliff and setoff a slide. By the time I found her, shehad passed on. Not ever the sixth sensehelped me that day (Stirling appears toshed a tear). Anyway, Matt, that is aboutas deep as I get on-piste. Next questionplease.PL: Yes, mate, I understand. So,Stirls, do you ever allow anyone toski with you in Niseko?SG: Matt, I usually prefer to ride alone.Partly after that day, yet more so becauseno one on the hill is as good as me orgoes as hard. But Stirling does have timefor a few people to come and cut someeasier lines from time to time. Tom 'Triple20' Rourke and Kuni Hosoi go OK. I mean,they are no Goldman, but who is?PL: Goldman, many people feel youare a little full of yourself at times?Arrogant perhaps?SG: The difference between arrogance andconfidence is a fine line, Matt. The ladieslove the confidence, Matt, they love it. Infact, many of them even love arrogance.They just don't admit it. As for the men,jealousy is a curse. Matt, I don't talk it up.I don't need to. Results speak forthemselves. A bit like Microsoft during theglory years... the annual report doesn'tlie. The only thing different is that Stirlingis still producing quality results on hishard drive.PL: Well Stirling, thanks for theinterview. You truly are a man whorides mountains. Stirling? Stirling?SG: ................ (Silence. Matt sees Stirlingwalking out of the Powderlife cafe with alady on each arm, stopping for anautograph in the street).48 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 49

eal estate T real estate newsBy Lorne CalhounUtopian villagenear HirafuNISEKO Kogen Kanko Co. Ltd., the company managingGrand Hirafu, the largest mountain resort in Niseko, isworking on a new development named Irenka Village.Irenka is an Ainu word meaning Utopia and withintheir 25 hectare site on the outskirts of Hirafu, Tokyu isplanning to develop two hotels and at least 20condominiums. Plans also include shopping facilities anda farm area where people can rent land to grow and eattheir own organic vegetables.Tokyu is planning to offer a private shuttle bus fromIrenka Village to the ski fields, as well as a lounge exclusivelyfor Irenka guests located at the base of the ski fields.“This development will bring not only a new level ofdesign and quality to Hirafu, but also a sense ofcommunity,” said Kensaku Kuno, executive officer of NisekoMt. Resort Grand Hirafu and Tokyu Resort Service Co.”The hope of this development is to create a uniquearea, surrounded by the natural beauty and tranquility ofNiseko, a place that embodies the essence of Irenka.”Hirafu master plan Property tradingRiccardo Tossani Architecture has beencommissioned to initiate a Master Plan study with afocus on the main street in Hirafu.Hirafu-Zaka Street, from the Welcome Center to theDowntown Café, is Hirafu's principal gateway to themountain and to many people the first impression ofthe resort.“We have been commissioned by the NPB (NisekoPromotions Board), as part of their long range visionto enhance the character and substance of the entireNiseko mountain resort area, but we are alsoperforming a lot of our work pro-bono,” masterarchitect Riccardo Tossani said.“The plan will initially focus on the signage andimage issues with respect to the main street, and wewill make a preliminary presentation in March.“For the moment I can say that we will proposeunderground power lines, cables and hide unsightlyinfrastructure, as well as make sense of thecacophony of signs and visual clutter dominating thestreetscape.”LOCAL real estate agents and vendors are working tohelp Australian buyers acquire property in Niseko inlight of the current unfavourable currency situation.Trading international property as well as vendorfinancing are a couple of methods being explored.RidgeRunner Real Estate sales agent DerekKennewell has had some interest in internationalproperty trades.“Many buyers are developers and vendorsthemselves in their own countries, and recently I havebeen working to co-ordinate property trades betweenAustralia and Niseko,” he said.“Niseko is such a global market, that we need tolook out for global ways to structure win-win solutionsfor both buyer and vendor,” he said.Local vendor and developer Rod Hoy is proposingvendor financing on his properties.”We are looking at offering 50 per cent down andthe rest over three years at 5 per cent per annum. Thisallows cost price averaging over the time of therepayments due to currency fluctuations.”IRENKA... The proposeddevelopment bottom right.New designer in townNISEKO Designer Homes, a new specialist homedesign company, has joined the local residentialconstruction market.Founded by Chris Chan – formerly head of sales andmarketing for NISADE, and an award-winning buildingdesigner from south-east Queensland with a successfulconsultancy in Australia – Niseko Designer Homeswill soon begin contributing to design and buildingin Niseko.“I believe our portfolio of completed works ranks withany builder in the area, and having run a successfulconsultancy in a very competitive market should hold usin good stead,” Chan said. “I bring experience and agenuine love of the design and building process, butmost of all I think I offer a different mindset to most ofthe builders operating here at present.”Chan said the design and build process was differentto buying a pre-existing home, or off-the-plan. “To sitdown and talk to someone about their ideas, thenhanding the final product over to them completed… Ifind it personally very rewarding,” he said.Japanese baby boomers come to the rescueBy Matthew Roy, Hokkaido real estate journalistWITH the global economic crisis throttling overseassales of Niseko real estate, Japan’s cashed upgeneration of baby boomers could be poised to makea comeback.A look at local property registers today revealsplenty of Williams, McDonalds, Chans and Chusamong the owners of recently built rental propertiesin Niseko, but almost no Tanakas or Nakamuras.Almost all new stock in the village has been marketedand sold to Australians, local expats and Asians livingin the Asian continent.But now two of Niseko’s most recently announcedprojects, the 124-unit ABOVE+BEYOND hotel andresidential complex and Niseko Village’s 1,000 unitdevelopment of condominiums and free-standingvillas, will devote significant chunks of theirmarketing towards Japanese buyers.Their timing is impeccable. Most Japanese savershave been spared the financial pummelling of theiroverseas counterparts as a greater proportion of theirwealth is held in bank deposits and cash than sharesand properties. Further, Japan’s richest-evergeneration is now retiring and pensioners want toswitch cramped apartments in stifling gray cities fortemperate climes and green spaces.There are around seven million dankai no sedai – babyboomers officially born in 1947, 1948 or 1949 – and theyhold total financial assets worth ¥130 trillion according toDai-ichi Life Research Institute The total amount ofseverance pay and retirement benefits the boomers areentitled to over 2007-09 may reach ¥45 trillion.With an eye on this purchasing power, Japanesecompanies and the prefectural government arealready busily encouraging them to spend theirgolden years in Hokkaido. Now it’s Niseko’s turn.Beckett Tucker, sales director at Above+Beyond, sayshis company has identified baby boomers as animportant market for its development. A key sales pointto attract them will be a 4 per cent guaranteed rentalreturn.“We see Japanese buyers and baby boomers as animportant market. One key factor is that they’re mostinterested in visiting Niseko in the summer, whichwould help developments boost occupancy outsidethe ski-season.”Luke Hurford, general manger of Niseko Village,the company best known as the operator of theNiseko Village Higashiyama ski area, says a majorreason its planned development will be medium-tolowdensity is to attract city-based baby boomerslooking for open spaces. His group has beenconducting market research to look at their needs.“From a tourism perspective, the baby boomermarket is phenomenal,” says Hurford. “They have longerto stay and more to spend. The high rental returnsNiseko offers in winter will be important in attractingtheir investment. We also need to ensure that there areenough facilities, such as high quality restaurants, thatthey require during their summer holidays.”Tokyo-based development economist, YasunoriHomma, who also operates a farm in Niseko, thinksthat a more rural lifestyle might be the best way tomarket the area to baby boomers. “Many retireeswant to do something completely different from theircity lives once they finish work. It’s an immaturemovement but the idea of retiring to farming isbecoming more and more popular among babyboomers and could become a significant trend.”The Japanese government is extremely interested inthis possibility, says Homma, as baby boomer farmerscould help stem the depopulation of the Japan’s smallreal estate news T real estateTHE NEXT BOOM... Savvy developers aretargetting cashed-up Japanese baby boomers.Photo: Niseko Photography.towns and villages as young people move to the cities.One irony that hasn’t escaped the developers isthat this will not be the first time that baby boomershave come into town. Many of the buyers who firstbought resort real state in Niseko in the bubble era ofthe late 1980s and early 1990s were baby boomers.The McDonalds and Chans settling down to enjoytheir new houses in Niseko are living in subdivisionsplanned and originally sold to the Nakamuras andTanakas.AMAZING BEAUTY... Niseko's other drawcard.50 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 51

eal estate T real estate viewsQ & Awith Paul NikelBy Lorne CalhounCANADIAN STYLE... Inside a West Canada home.HE moved to Japan from Canada in the 90sand has been bringing pieces of his home landhere ever since. Powderlife chats with WestCanada Homes president, Paul Nikel.How did the decision to start buildingCanadian-style homes in Niseko come about?I came to Japan in 1991, and after a couple of weeksin Tokyo and Osaka I realised the concrete jungle isnot for me and ventured up to Hokkaido, which is asimilar lifestyle to my home province, Alberta. WestCanada Homes was started in 1997, and is owned andoperated by me and my business partner RussellLefko. We began as a material importing companyand to date have imported over 80 containers fromseven countries. As foreign building products are verydifferent to Japanese products, we found ourselvesalso importing the knowledge and manpower toeducate our customers on installation of products.This led to our customers requesting completeconstruction services utilising many of the advancedCanadian building codes.What do you think about the current Nisekomarket and the future of the area?I am a great believer in everything Niseko andHokkaido have to offer. It’s a beautiful place withgreat people. More than simple pure economic gains,all of our West Canada Homes customers genuinelybelieve in the area. In addition to skiing, they love theculture, the people, the food, the onsens, thefreedom, the heated toilet seats and the clean air. Aseveryone knows this year has seen a slowdown in themarket in terms of property sales and general activity.Whistler and other well known winter and summerrecreation areas have taken 20, 30 and 40 years toevolve. The changes in Hirafu in the past five yearshave been staggering and in some cases a bitoverzealous. I believe the slowdown is a great thingfor Niseko, and gives the market a chance to correctitself at the same time the world is doing the same.Have you thought about building West CanadaHomes in other parts of Japan or othercountries?Before beginning work in Niseko, we completedseveral construction projects in Sapporo and theHidaka areas of Hokkaido. We also regularly supplyseveral companies in Sapporo and Asahikawa withbuilding products. At this point in time our focus willremain in Hokkaido.What has been your highlight since startingWest Canada Homes?Since starting West Canada Homes, the highlight forme has been the ability to work with an incrediblecast of great people. All of our staff at West CanadaHomes, The Niseko Company and West CanadaProperties are professional, diligent and dedicated toproducing a product we all believe in. Anotherhighlight is the chance to be able to work with anamazingly diverse customer base and interact with somany divergent cultures. A successful project involvesaligning expectations of everyone involved so thateveryone knows the starting point, the end goal andevery point in between. We have conducted over 50projects in the Niseko area alone, and I am proud tosay that we have great relationships with all of ourpast customers. This is very rare in the custombuilding business.riccardo ad52 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 53

Q & Awith Shigeru UeharaInterview by Yuri Hamadaquestion and answer T real estateWHEN entering one of Niseko Home Design’s (NHD)houses, you can feel the warmth of Japanese culture.Powderlife speaks with the managing director of NHD,Mr. Shigeru Uehara, an architect with carpentryexperience.Having two business degrees from bothJapanese and American universities, why didyou start your career as a carpenter?It all started when I helped the son of the family who Istayed with in New Zealand. I went to New Zealandafter university like so many young Japanese full ofhopes, dreams and a one-year working holiday visa. Myplan was to work for six months and spend another sixmonths to travel around the country. At that time, mylandlord’s son asked me to help him. Although I didn’tknow much about carpentry, I was thinking this couldbe a quick way to save money to travel. In the end, Iworked for one year and continued working as acarpenter in Japan after that. In Japan, I worked underan American oyakata (chief carpenter) for five years,where I learned construction the North American 2x4way.When did you come to Niseko, and why didyou start your business here?I came to Niseko eight years ago to ski and two years afterthat trip I moved to Niseko to work as a carpenter. Afterhaving been involved in many of Niseko’s earlycondominium projects, in 2006 I started NHD. I shifted toan architect role with a desire to see my inspirationmaterialise into a house. Having spent two years in the USand one year in New Zealand, some inspirations comefrom my time spent outside of Japan. One example of thisforeign influence is my focus on the kitchen, living room,and bathroom areas of the house, which, in Japanesesociety, find themselves stuck in the dead-end corner withvery little natural light. At the end of the day, my maingoal is satisfying the needs of the house owner.What separates you from other designersin Niseko?I spend one year designing and building each house.This year is my third year for NHD. I am currently in themiddle of designing my third house, so you can seehow much effort goes into every one of my projects. Onaverage, it takes three months to finish the wholeblueprint, and another six or seven months to build.I also support the community by hiring local workers.Most of the big projects in Niseko tend to use big-namecompanies, however, I have been more than impressedwith the local talent. By hiring people fromsurrounding areas I am also able to contribute to thecommunity and cut down on maintenance costs.There has been a lot of western-styleconstruction in Niseko over the past few years.After seeing the inside of some of your houses,you seem to do a lot of traditional Japaneseinteriors. What do you like most aboutJapanese architecture?Because I only build custom designed projects, theJapanese influenced houses that you’ve seen weredesigned with clients’ requests in mind. All of myclients are from overseas and tend to have a terrificknowledge of Japanese culture and architecture. I amalso personally a huge fan of the warmth seen inJapanese architecture, but I could never build suchwonderful houses with only my thoughts alone. Myclients’ own creativeness inspires me to designsomething that incorporates traditional Japaneseculture with the creative mind of everyone I meet.I personally think Japanese architecture has a greatbalance of nature and human interest. Using nakedwood pieces adds curves and warmth that can befound in nature instead of the industry-standardstraight lines.Do you think the boom in Niseko over the pastfew years was a bubble, or do you think Nisekostill has a bright future?Seeing the speed of how business has gone, I wouldsay it was a bubble. At the same time, I think there willstill be a very bright future ahead in Niseko. Other thanthe high-quality powder snow and beautiful nature, Ithink Niseko’s biggest charm is its people. When I cameto Niseko, I was so surprised by the number of youngJapanese with such an incredibly intense passion forlife. All welcomed newcomers and became friends witheach other through skiing and a variety of otheroutdoor sports. The core structure of the Nisekocommunity is the young people and locals who putendless amounts of effort into making a comfortableplace for everybody to live.What do you want to see in Niseko’s future?Currently, Niseko is becoming affordable only for thewealthiest of tourists. As development continues, thevalue of all sorts of things will rise. I sincerely hopeNiseko won’t get too expensive in the future, as Iwould like all the skiers, snowboarders and peoplewho are really passionate about this area to be able tocome back and enjoy the same Niseko that they firstcame to love.LOCAL FLAVOUR...Modern Japanese style.54 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 55

Six-digit (local numbers) need the prefix 0136 if dialingfrom mobile phones, pay phones, or outside Niseko.Restaurants,cafes and eateriesA-Bu-Cha阿 武 茶22 5620 [MAP C2]B’s Café and Barビーズ カフェ&バー22 1480 [MAP D1]Bang Bangバンバン22 4292 [MAP C1]Owner Masanobu Saitochooses the best ingredientsin Japan. One of Hirafu’smost popular izakayas.Barunbaバルンバ090 8907 9399 [MAP B2]Black Diamond Lodge Restaurantブラックダイモンドロッジレストラン0136 44 1144 [Higashiyama]Just 300m ski or bus fromthe Hilton Niseko Villlage.Check out or great Westernand Japanese menu.Blo Blo Barブロー ブロー バー22-12-69 [MAP D1]Bouken Kazoku冒 険 家 族22 3759Chidori千 鳥23 2831 [MAP F4]Curry Goyaカレー 小 屋23 3688 [MAP F4]Downtownダウンタウン23 3354 [MAP B3]Dragon Wine and Food Barドラゴン ワイン&バー21 7700 [MAP B2]Fujizushi Sushiふじ 鮨23 2661 [MAP B3]Gentem Café玄 天 カフェ23 3154 [MAP B1]Menu SelectionsSalmon pizza 1300Venison Hamburg 1250Pasta 1000~Buffalo wings 600EN in-house fine dining宴 インハウス ファイン ダイニング55 8100 [MAP D3]Relax while our in-housechef does all the work.Your fine dining solutions.“Grandpapaグランパパ0136 23 2244 [MAP B3]Graubundenグラウビュンデン23 3371 [MAP E4]Hana Jizoh Bakery花 地 蔵23 0331 [MAP F4]Amazing sweet and savourybreads and pastries. Must try!Get the free village shuttle tobus stop 27.Hirafu Fleur創 作 料 理 ヒラフール23 3306 [MAP E1]Ichimura Soba蕎 麦 屋 いちむら23 0603 [MAP F3]if… Caféカフェ イフ22 4770 [MAP B3]Jam Café Barジャム(カフェバー)23 0700 [MAP D2]Japanese Kitchen Bouken冒 険 家 族22 3759Java Bar and Caféジャバ バー&カフェ090 2871 6781 [MAP D3]JoJo’s Café and Barジョジョズ(カフェ&バー)23 2093 [MAP E3]A 13 cm Original Burger, potatognocchi and fries fromlocal potatoes. Generousportions of foodJyuu Okonomiyakiじゅう44 2336 [Higashiyama]Kakashiかかし23 2622 [MAP D2]Kame亀22 0339 [MAP E3]Kamimuraカミムラ21 2288 [MAP D2]Niseko’s premier diningexperience. A mix of Japaneseseasonal cuisine, blendedwith classic French technique.Kila姫 羅070 6646 4715 [MAP C2]Komekichi Onigiri Café米 吉 (おにぎりかふぇ)22 1105 [MAP F1]Kumagoroくまごろう23 3381 [MAP B3]Landmark Deliくまごろう23 4285 [MAP E2]Loaf Loungeローフラウンジ22 1022 [Kutchan]Maruまる22 5020 [MAP E3]Traditional Japanese ‘donburi’restaurant. 11:30am-2pm/5-11pm. Pick up available.Reservation requiredMina Minaミナミナ23 4471 [MAP D2]Mokorayaもこらや090 8279 0598 [MAP F3]Mozartモーツァルト090 2699 6387 [MAP E4]Nami Chan Chi波 ちゃん 家21 2258 [Kutchan]Nathan’s Hotdogsネイサンズ ホットドッグ21 3121 [MAP E3]Niseko Gourmetニセコグルメ080 5584 1313Niseko Pizzaニセコ ピザ21 6888 [MAP D2]Paddy McGintysパディーマッギンティーズ55 8020 [MAP C2]Payokaパヨカ22 0117 [MAP E1]SpecialitiesButa don ¥850Tempura Set ¥1350Sashimi ¥1350Tendon ¥950Paul’s Cafe and Barポールズカフェーアンドバー090 9083 6764 [MAP C3]Specialising in Belgian beerand rotisserie chicken. Morethan 30 beers on tap or inbottles. Belgian Waffles.Piccolo Houseピッコロハウス(カフェ&バー)23 0311 [MAP E2]Raku Izakaya楽 居 酒 屋22 6638 [MAP C3]Rin Izakayaりん 居 酒 屋22 1444 [MAP B3]Senchou 1 Izakaya船 長 ( 居 酒 屋 )22 2001 [MAP B3]Senchou 2 Seafood Izakaya海 山 屋 ( 海 鮮 居 酒 屋 )22 5454 [MAP C2]Shokusai Hirafu食 彩 比 羅 夫22 1105 [MAP C1]Shunsai旬 彩23 1882 [Kutchan]Slalomスラローム22 1105 [MAP C1]phone directory T directoryServicesRosso Rossoロッソロッソ21 7100 [MAP B3]Casual steak house with acontemporary flavour. Juicy,tender wagyu and Kobe beef,variety of imported wines.Sekka Deli Cafeセッカデリカフェ21 3088 [MAP B2]House-made produce usinglocal ingredients, cheeses,meats, wines. Breakfast todinner, dine in or take away.Sekka Diningセッカダイニング21 5022 [MAP B2]Experience the taste of Hokkaidoin style at Sekka Dining.International fusion cuisineusing Hokkaido ingredients.Spur Chinese Restaurantシュプール( 中 華 レストラン)22 1105 [MAP C1]Tsubara Tsubaraつばらつばら23 1116 [MAP E4]WIld Bill’sワイルドビルズ22 5652 [MAP D2]Come for dinner, stay fordrinks. Hirafu’s most popularbar and Tex-Mex cuisinerestaurant. See you there!Yawarayaやわらや23 3810 [MAP C3]Youtei Yakiniku焼 肉 ようてい22 0109 [MAP E1]Yuki Bar and Café雪 場 カフェ22 0234 [MAP D2]Yummy’sヤミーズ21 2239 [MAP C3]Boot Solutionsブートソルションズ221-025 [MAP D2]Niseko Photographyニセコフォトグラフィー22 5764 [MAP D2]Call for anappointment orjust drop in. Ph.0136 22 0399Niseko Physioニセコフィジオ22 0399 [MAP B2]Your English speaking sportsinjury centre in Hirafu. Australiantrained winter sportsphysiotherapists.Skybus スカイバス22 2108 [MAP D2]Sapporo office 011 788 4994Delis, food outletsLawson Hirafuローソン23-1230 [MAP C2]M-Pocket KutchanM-ポケット22-1070 [MAP Kutchan F7]Niseko Wine Supplyニセコウアインサプライ0906875 5931 [MAP XX]Seicomart Hirafuセイコマート23-3271 [MAP C2]Sekka Deliセッカデリ21 3088 [MAP B2]Sekka Landmark Deliセッカランドマーク23 4285 [MAP E2]Sekka Teca Wine Shopセッカテカワインショプ21 3088 [MAP B2]HotelsHotel J-First NisekoホテルJファーストニセコ22 2350 [MAP E1]Hotel Niseko Alpenホテルニセコアルペン22 1105 [MAP D1]Hotel Niseko Scotホテルニセコスコット23 2311 [MAP E1]J-Sekkaジェイセッカ21 6133 [MAP B2]Niseko Kogen Hotelニセコ 高 原 ホテル22 0117 [MAP E1]Niseko Park Hotelニセコパークホテル22 2122 [MAP C2]Niseko Prince Hotel Hirafu-teiニセコプリンスホテルひらふ 亭23 2239 [MAP C1]Yamada Onsen Hotel山 田 温 泉 ホテル22 0476 [MAP E1]www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 59

directory T phone directorylocal information T directorySix-digit (local numbers) need the prefix 0136 if dialingfrom mobile phones, pay phones, or outside Niseko.BarsAngel Karaoke Barエンジェルカラオケバー23 1281 [MAP D2]Après Barアプレバー23 2311 [MAP E1]Bar Lairバ ー・レ イアー22 0588 [MAP D1]Barunbaバルンバ090 8907 9399 [MAP C3]Be.ビー556 905Blo Blo Barブロブロ・バー22 1269 [MAP D1]Dragon Wine and Food Barドラゴン ワイン&フードバー21 7700 [MAP B2]Fridge Door Bar (Gyu +)ギュウタスバー23 1432 [MAP B3]Half Noteハーフノート090-1307-3792 [MAP C3]Only Jazz bar in Hirafu, checkout their jazz events. Billiards,table tennis, wireless internetavailable.Jam Café Barジャムカフェバー23 0700 [MAP D2]Java Bar and Caféジャババー&カフェ090 2871 6781 [MAP D3]Maki Lounge Bar @ J-SEKKAマキラウンジバー@ジェイセッカ21 3080 [MAP C2]Masukottoマスコット23 1101 [MAP C2]Paddy McGintysパディーマッギンティーズ55 8020 [MAP C2]Paul's Cafe and Barポールズカフェーアンドバー090 9083 6764 [MAP C3]Red Barレッドバ ー22 6687 [MAP B3]Nepalese style curry restaurantand bar open everyday of theseason. Every Friday is partynight with DJs from 10.30pm.Splashスプラッシュ23 1688 [MAP C3]The Brickブリック22 3444 [MAP D3]Yuki Bar and Café雪 場 カフェ22 0234 [MAP B2]Wild Bill’sワイルドビルズ22 5652 [MAP D2]Tours, activitiesDeep Powder Toursディープ パウダー ツアー0136 21 5827 [MAP D2]Good Sportsグッドスポーツ23 4560 [MAP C1]Fuga Pottery Factory陶 工 房 風 雅22 1731IXSM Travelイクシム トラベル21 5855 [MAP D4]Niseko Pottery Clubニセコ 陶 芸 クラブ23 4844 [MAP A3]Niseko Snowmobile Adventuresニセコスノーモービルアドベンチャー21 5001NOASCノアスク23 1688 [MAP C3]Niseko RusutsuSapporo HokkaidoBackcountry BlackDiamond ToursBlack Diamond Toursブラック ダイアモンド ツアー090-2054-8687Let us privately guide youthrough Hokkaido’s bestpowder stashes and out of theway places.Karada Massage @ J-SEKKA体 マサージ@ジェイセッカ21 3088 [MAP B2]NAC Niseko Adventure CentreNACニセコ アドベンチャーセンター23 2093 [MAP E3]Lessons and winter mountaintours, year round activities,indoor climbing wall, shop,and café.Call for anappointment orjust drop in.info@nisekomassage.comNiseko Massageニセコマサージ22 0399 [MAP B2]Professional Sports andRelaxation Massage in FiveStar Luxury. Highly qualifiedmassage therapistsPaint Ball Field Nisekoペイントボールフィールドニセコ23 2111 [MAP E4]SAS Scott Adventure SportsSASスコットアドベンチャースポーツ21 3333 [MAP B2]Real estateHokkaido Tracks Development北 海 道 トラックス 開 発21 7202 [MAP C2]Hokkaido Real Estate北 海 道 リアルエステート080 5587 5052 [MAP C2]NISADEニセード22 0038 [MAP C2]Niseko Life Planニセコ ライフ プラン44 3584 [Higashiyama]Niseko Propertyニセコ プロパティー21 5060 [MAP D2]NRE Niseko Real Estateニセコ リアルエステート21 7722 [MAP D2]Niseko Realty Salesニセコ リアルティー セールズ23 2221 [MAP C2]Niseko RDCニセコ RDC23 4844 [MAP B2]Ridgerunnerリッジランナー21 6220 [MAP C2]Sekka Style Galleryセッカ スタイル ギャラリー21 7755 [MAP E2]Tracks Real Estateトラックスリアルエステート226 977 [MAP E2]West Canada Homesウエストカナダホームズ21 7500 [MAP E2]Rentalshort / long term leasingexport / import/moving assistance7 pass 4wd from45,000yen/wkNiseko Auto Rentals and Salesニセコオートセールズアンドレンタル090-2055-6074 [Higashiyama]Niseko Auto can assist youwith local sales and export.Licensed auction dealer –4WD and sports vehicles.Sun Sports Landサン スポーツ ランド23 3220 [MAP A3]Ski schoolsNAC Niseko Adventure CentreNAC アドベンチャー センター23 2093 [MAP E3]Niseko Hirafu Ski and Snowboard Schoolニセコヒラフスキーアンドスノーボードスール22 0921 [MAP D1]NISS Niseko International Snowsports Schoolニ セコインタナショナルスノースポーツスクール21 6688 [MAP F1]Accommodation providersDeep powder toursディープパウダーツアーズ21 5827 [MAP D2]Hokkaido Tracks北 海 道 トラックス23 3503 [MAP C2]Hokkaido Travel北 海 道 トラベル233 327 [MAP C2]Holiday Nisekoホリデー ニセコ21 6221 [MAP A3]Izumikyo泉 卿23 3301 [MAP D4]Demoデモ21 66 77 [MAP C2]The Australiansnowsports clubwith its ownNiseko lodgeAustralian Alpine Club Nisekoオーストラリアンアルパインクラブニセコ223 006 [MAP E4]The lodge has eight westernstyle guest rooms Membershipis available for A$6,500www.aacniseko.comNBS Niseko Base Sportsニセコ ベース スポーツ21 5050 [MAP B2]Grand Hirafu Ski Hireグランドヒラフスキハイヤー0136 22 0109 [MAP D1]Niseko Powder Boardsニセコパウダーボード0901 384 5772 [MAP D3]NBS Niseko Base SportsNBS ニセコ ベース スポーツ21 5050 [MAP B2]Niseko Sessionsニセコ セッション080 6070 2780 [MAP B2]SAS Scott Adventure Sportsスコットアドベンチャー スポーツ21 3333 [MAP B2]J-Sekka Suitesジェイセッカスイトス21 6133 or 21 7788 [MAP B2]NISADEニセード22 0038 [MAP C2]Niseko Ground Serviceニセコグランドサービス21 2503 [MAP C2]Niseko Management Serviceニセコマネジメントサービス21 5020 [MAP D3]Niseko Powder Connectionニセコパウダーコネクション21 2500 [MAP D2]Outdoor Travel Japanアウトドア トラベル ジャパン21 2171 [MAP C3]Ski Japanスキージャパン22 4611 [MAP D3]The Niseko Companyザ ニセコ カンパニー21-7272 [MAP F2]Niseko 343ニセコ34323 0343 [MAP C3]Rhythm & Beatsリズム&ビート22-0165 [MAP E2]SAS Scott Adventure Sportsスコットアドベンチャースポーツ21 3333 [MAP B2]Sports Rent Ciaoスポーツ レンタル22 5178 [MAP F2]チャオAIRPORTNew Chitose Airport 0123 23 0111www.new-chitose-airport.jp/language/englishNew Chitose was opened in 1991 and becameJapan’s first 24-hour airport in 1994. It servicesSapporo and Niseko with direct internationalflights from various Asian cities and Australia.The Tokyo to Chitose route is the busiest domesticroute in the world. It is the largest airport in Japanby land mass.Getting From New Chitose To NisekoOn arrival at Chitose international airport, visitorsnot on a full travel package have a few options tocomplete this last leg of their journey to Nisekoand back. Although the trip is only 110kms, dueto icy roads and no direct train route, it takes twoto three hours.BUSThe bus is the most convenient and commonlyused form of transport from the airport. Busesdepart about every 30 minutes from the airport toNiseko. They take about three hours, including arest stop halfway and a dropoff at Rusutsu. ¥2,300– one way and ¥3,850 for a round trip.The buses disembark at six designated bus stopswithin the greater Niseko United Resort. You willfind two different points to get off at each of themain ski areas.Whiteliner Buseswww.whitelinerbuses.com.........011-242-2040Chuo Buseswww.chuo-bus.co.jp/kikan/ski...011-231-0500Donan buseswww.donanbus.co.jp/ski............0123-46-5701Hokkaido Resort Linerwww.access-n.jp/ski_info.html..011-219-4411DOOR TO DOOR TRANSFERSkybus offers a door to door transfer service fromthe airport to Niseko or Sapporo. Chitose to Nisekofrom ¥9000 return per person, or better deals forprivate shuttle transfers – ¥30,000 one way forup to 5 passengers, ¥40,000 one way for up to9 passengers, or ¥50,000 one way for up to 14passengers. Go to www.skybus-jp.com/index.htmlCAR RENTALIf you are comfortable driving in the snow, rentingcan be convenient as it allows you to take a tripto Kutchan to stock up the fridge before returningthe car. One way hire from Chitose to Hirafu isabout ¥7,000 for six – 24 hours. Nippon Rentacar,Mazda and Orix have offices in the Niseko area.If you want a car only in Niseko, you can contactBlack Diamond Lodge in Higashiyama.Mazda Rent a Car : Chitose airport 0123-45-8756,Niseko 011-231-0118 (drop off and pick up inNiseko only available on weekdays)Nippon Rent a Car : Chitose airport 0123-26-0919,Niseko 0136-43-2929Orix Rent a Car : Chitose airport 0123-22-0543,Izumikyo (Hirafu) 0134-25-0543, BlackDiamond Lodge : 0136-44-1144TAXIA standard taxi from Chitose to Hirafu will costabout ¥30,000, but you may not fit all your gearin it. Prai Taxi charges ¥20,000 for a small taxi (3-4people) or ¥33,000 for a jumbo (8-10 people). Call011 207 5166 or www.prai.co.jp.TRAINThis is the most scenic way to get to Niseko.Unfortunately there is no direct train fromChitose to Kutchan station (the closest majorstation). All trains run through Sapporo andOtaru. The journey takes about three hoursand the cost is about ¥2,600 for an unreservedseat. If you want a reserved seat, you can askat JR information desk, B1 Chitose airport.www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.htmlThe train schedules are subject to change soit is best to call the numbers below or visit:www.japanrail.com.Airport.........................................0123-45-7011Sapporo.......................................011-222-7111Otaru...........................................0134-22-0771Kutchan station..........................0136-22-1310Niseko station.............................0135-44-2104INTER-RESORT TRANSPORTA shuttle bus connects the Grand Hirafu,Higashiyama and Annupuri ski areas. There is aprivate company bus which costs ¥500 and a freeshuttle bus which is included in your all mountainpass. See the timetable on the course map formore information. If you have a 12-point ticket,one point per trip is needed. Others need ¥500 foradult and ¥300 for child per ride.Kutchan Night BusA free bus runs from Grand Hirafu ski area toKutchan station every night. Step out from Hirafuvillage and enjoy shopping, eating, and drinkingin Kutchan.TaxisKutchan hire...............................0136 22 1212Misora hire.................................0136 22 1171Niseko hire.................................0136 44 2635AIRLINESANA.............................................0120 029 222British Airways............................03 3570 8657Cathay Pacific.............................03 5159 1700China Airlines.............................03 5520 0333JAL...............................................0120 255 971Korean Air...................................0088 21 2001Qantas.........................................0120 207 020Singapore Airlines......................03 3213 1174Thai Airways...............................03 3503 3311United Airlines............................0120 114 466BANKINGYes, we all know Hirafu needs an internationalATM! Until then, use the post office in Kutchanopen 8.45am to 7pm on weekdays, 9am to 5pmon weekends and holidays. You can also withdrawfrom the 24-hour Citibank ATM at 3F Chitoseairport and the 7-Eleven near Kutchan station.Most of the cards with Cirrus and PLUS marksare accepted at these places, but round corneredcards are not.CREDIT CARDSJapan is still a predominantly cash society. Mostsmall bars and restaurants in Niseko do not acceptcredit cards, but larger hotels, restaurants andhotels often do.American Express.......................0120 020 120MasterCard..................................03 5728 5200Visa Card...................................00531 44 0022CURRENCYYou can exchange your money into Yen at thebank, post office, and most inbound traveloperators. Please bring your passport – it may bemore convenient to change with your hotel. Youcan also exchange USD travellers cheques at banksor at Kutchan post office.DRIVINGWhen driving on icy roads the number onething to remember is to drive slowly. Make surethe windscreen and back and side windowsare thoroughly de-iced on the outside and desteamedon the inside before setting off – don’tsimply clear a ‘porthole’ to look through. Maintainat least a five-second gap between you and thevehicle in front. Use a high gear to avoid wheelspin, but take care not to let your speed creep up.Brake gently to avoid locking the wheels. Neverbrake if the vehicle skids, instead, ease off theaccelerator and steer slightly into the direction ofthe skid until you gain control.ELECTRICITYStandard voltage is 100v AC. You can use manyhigher watt items without a problem but higherwattage devices such as hair dryers may not runon full power. Plugs are the flat two blades type.Many recent buildings have 240v with Australianshaped plugs.EARTHQUAKESIn the event of an earthquake, stay out of elevators,stand in a door frame and watch for falling objects.The safest places are in large open areas such asparking lots of ski areas, schools, parks etc. Youraccommodation is likely to have an emergencyearthquake pack.EMERGENCIESPolice .........................................................110Ambulance and Fire..................................119Emergency Interpretation.........03-5285-8185Japan English Helpline (nationwideemergency assistance)...............0570-000-911ETIQUETTEJapan is perhaps the most courteous country inthe world. Say excuse me (sumimasen) and thankyou (arrigato) regularly. Do not eat while walking,or wear your shoes on tatami mats or in mostindoor residences. A bow can be used to say thankyou, sorry, hello, goodbye and excuse me. It isimpolite not to return a bow. The deeper the bow,the more polite it becomes.EATINGAt most casual dining Japanese restaurants(Izakaya) meals are ordered for the table andshared. You will often receive a small snack withyour first drink which may or may not be billed.Rest your chopsticks across the top of the bowl orplate – never leave them sticking out of the rice!DRINKINGIt is tradition in Japan to pour from a bottle intoyour guest’s small glass regularly. Kampai is theJapanese word for cheers – use it readily! Alsoplease remember to stay well behaved whenunder the influence. Poor behaviour by drunkenAustralians in Niseko has received nationalmedia attention in Japan. Remember you are anambassador for your country at all times whileyou are abroad.TIPPINGAlthough tipping is not generally done in Japan,some restaurants and bars will include a servicefee for groups.GARBAGEHokkaido has some of the strictest garbageseparation rules in the world. Please try to followthem, follow the signs on the bins to the letter.Onsen (Hot Spring Bath)Buy a ticket, strip down – no swim suits allowed,keep your clothes in a basket, your valuables in alocker. Take a little towel only into the onsen withyou, wash and scrub your body well before you goin to the bath. You can fill your towel with coldwater before you enter the onsen. Do not put yourtowel into the onsen water – leave it on your headand squeeze the cold water out when you get toohot (it’s best not to bring drinks into the onsen).After bathing rinse off under the shower. Finallydry your body well before you walk back into thechanging room.MEDICAL SERVICESAt present there is no doctor in Hirafu andNiseko Physio is the only medical serviceavailable in walking distance of the slopes. Forfractures or non musculo-skeletal cases youwill need to go into Kutchan. If you can’t speakJapanese you will need to bring a translatorNiseko PhysioLocated on the second floor of AustraliaHouse, staffed with Australian physiotherapygraduates from North Sydney Orthopaedicand Sports Medicine Centre (Australia’s leadingknee clinic). Primary care also available. Sportsinjuries, back and neck pain, braces and taping.Appointments preferred but not essential.www.NisekoPhysio.com Telephone 0136 22 0399.Kutchan Kousei HospitalThe major hospital servicing the area is located4 blocks from the main intersection of Kutchan.They have an X-ray, a slightly ageing MRI andmedical dispensary. No appointment necessary,orthopaedics cases taken in the morning only. Itwill take you most of the day. Address: North 4East 1-2, Kutchan-cho Tel: 0136-22-1141Ueda Orthopedic ClinicA privately run orthopaedic clinic providingmore time efficient service than the hospital.X-ray, medical dispensary. 1-4, South 3-jo West3,Kutchan 0136-22-1386INTERNETMost accommodation in Niseko will have internetaccess. If you have a laptop, you can try findingthe free wireless hotspots in cafes and barsaround the village. Try Pow Pow, the Java Bar orPowderlife café.Mobile Phones3G phones only will work in Japan. You can hirea phone from IXSM travel 0136 21 5855 or GoMobile 03 4496 4344. For longer term stays thethree big carriers have stores in Kutchan:au................................................0136-21-5616Soft Bank....................................0136-21-2588NTT DoCoMo...............................0136-21-6868TELECOMMUNICATIONSDomestic CallsGreen and grey public phones take coins or prepaid telephone cards, available from conveniencestores or at some phone card dispensers in somebooths. Local calls don’t require the “0136”, unlessmade from a mobile phone.Directory AssistanceDial 104 (toll call) and then ask for an Englishspeaker. You must know the location and nameto get a number.International CallsInternational direct dial can be made using any ofthe following prefixes, 001 (KDDI), 0041 (ITJ) and0061 (IDC). They will cost you.Calling CardsBrastelThe most popular international calling cardservice is available in Niseko. Known for its flat 24hour rates as low ¥6 per minute to Australia fromany type of phone using a non-toll free accessnumber. Brastel has excellent customer serviceavailable in over 20 languages and the card isavailable at several locations in Hirafu and can berecharged at IXSM travel or by your credit card.New subscribers get five free minutes. Toll-free:0120 659 534. www.brastel.comKazakRates from ¥20 for one minute to Australia. Thekazak card is the highest selling card in the Nisekoarea. Kazak card is available from your hotel frontdesk, Piz Gloria convenience store and from mostinbound tour operators.0123 36 4000POST OFFICESLook for the red “T” symbol. Stamps and the postoffice box are at Piz Gloria convenience store. Forother services you will need to go to the post officein Kutchan.TOURIST INFORMATIONKutchan Tourism Information centreLocated on Eki-mae Dori opposite Best Denki, thenewly opened tourist information centre providesan excellent English speaking service for visitors.They dispense brochures and can help you bookaccommodation. ph: 0136 22 1121The Niseko Grand Hirafu Welcome CentreAt the main bus stop in Hirafu parking lot theWelcome Centre has a wide range of brochuresand transport information. They can also helpwith booking accommodation if you’ve arrivedwithout a booking – you risk taker you. 0136 220109.WALKING ON ICY ROADSAbout 1/3 of all injuries in Hirafu are caused bypeople falling on the street. Wear shoes with goodgrip, buy and attach rubber sole covers with metalstuds. Take small steps, walk slowly and never run,keep both hands out of your pockets and free forbalance. Walking with two ski stocks is a great ideaand protect yourself instead of the objects beingcarried.60 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com february 21 – march 6 2009 ISSUE 15 powderlife 61

health T the last word on healthThe Last Word: VegetarianismBy Bevan CollessBevan CollessIs a physiotherapist andexercise physiologist whohas spent six years in Japanoperating Tokyo Physio andas of 2006, Niseko Physio.THEY say at a dinner partyyou should never discussreligion and politics. But Ireckon if you're looking tostart a heated debate andupset someone,vegetarianism is up therewith the big two.Unfortunately, if there is avegetarian at the table andthe host has prepared asalmon entrée and juicysteak for the main it can be ahard subject to avoid, and toprevent one’s own opinionson the subject seep out. Much like religion and politics,I find vegetarianism very interesting, possibly becauseit is so contentious, and maybe even more so than theother two, as it is related to health.So, to get it out in the open nice and early (as we’renot at a dinner party, I feel liberated enough to get myopinions out there) here’s my ¥2 worth. Are you readyfor it? Please don’t hate me in the morning.Vegetarians have got it all wrong. I use to be of thebelief that only vegetarians who abstained due tohealth reasons were the ones whose reasonings wereflawed, and that those who abstained because theydidn’t like the thought of eating a cute animal, or forreligious reasons, had sound enough reasoning. But, ifyou look at the rationale behind them from a scientificperspective, it’s pretty clear to me that those opinionsare misguided, too. Firstly, the big one – religion. Icertainly respect everyone’s right to choose andpractice their faith and understand that religion isintricately tied in with many people’s sense of selfbeing,but I have a hard time accepting the premise onwhich virtually all religions are based on (that there is agreater being). Or, to leave it to someone much clevererand well read than me on the subject, one of theworld’s top biologists, Professor Richard Dawkins whostates: “There is almost certainly no God.”The other main group of animal protein abstainersare those who don’t like the thought of eating Mary’slittle lamb. I definitely understand this one, andpersonally I would not eat animals that have a specialrelationship with humans, or that are particularlymajestic. I also share concerns over the way farmedanimals are treated and concerns over the eroding ofhealth benefits in meat that is not produced well. Butwe’ve worked very hard to be at the top of the foodchain (Homo Sapiens – Premiers: 2,000,000 BC –2009AD!). Why not rejoice in being the champions? Forme, apart from breakfast, a meal is not a meal unlesssomething has died for it. (Please send hate email to:ed@powderlife.com).Vegetarianism is currently experiencing somewhat ofa boom in popularity particularly to young,impressionable minds. This particularly concerns me,as during the crucial developmental stage of life thatprotein is really needed. Raising children as vegetarianscan be done but it does require a lot of effort toprovide the nutrients to replace meat. A recent study byTeenage Research Unlimited questioned teenagers onwhat they think of vegetarianism and 25 per cent said‘cool’. University students think so, too. A studyconducted by Arizona State University showed that,sight unseen, salad eaters were rated more moral,virtuous and considerate than steak eaters. Little didthey know Hitler, Pol Pot and Charles Manson werenone of those things… but all avid vegetarians!Humans were hunter-gatherers for about 2.5 millionyears until agriculture was introduced about 10,000years ago. We used to wander about catching andkilling animals when we could, smoke the meat topreserve it and forage for nuts, vegetables, fruits andeggs whenever we could. Studies on the skeletons ofhunter-gathers show that they tended to be tall andstrong, with an average height of males of 5’10”, andwomen of 5’6”. When we began to shift to anagricultural-based system, we began to get smaller. Ifyou’ve ever banged your head on the doorway in Japan(as this scribe likes to at least once a week), you’llunderstand that until recently meat was not a largepart of the Japanese diet. The protein in animal meat isvery difficult to replicate with other food and meateaters tend to have large muscle mass than non-meateaters. It is very challenging for elite athletes to bevegetarians.The old dietary pyramid that we were drilled on inschool, with grains and starchy carbohydrates at thebase simply has not worked, and needs to berethought. Several well-respected dieticians anddoctors have written books extolling a paleo-diet (alsoknown as the caveman diet), and it makes a lot ofsense to me. The theory is that we should return backto our hunter-gatherer roots and eat diets containingmeat, fish, nuts, eggs, fruits and vegetables. It alsosuggests we should avoid dairy products as the animalswho were possible sources of this dairy would havebeen too fierce to ‘milk’. Our incisor and canine teethhave developed over hundreds of thousands of years ofeating meat, so it make sense if our teeth are designedto be eating meat our bodies are, too.An omnivore’s guide to healthy eating* Eat lean cuts of meat regularly. As a general rule,animals that are more active are the healthiest (tryturkey instead of chicken, kangaroo or venisoninstead of beef).* Eat grass-feed beef instead of grain fed (it hasmore Omega 3 in relation to Omega 6).* Eat fish three to four times a week. Deep sea oilyfish is the healthiest.* Eat lots of colourful fruit and vegetables. Try todecrease your consumption of food that is white incolour – they are invariably higher in hollowcalories.Now openin Hakuba62 powderlife ISSUE 15 february 21 – march 6 2009 www.powderlife.com