not many millisieverts

Niseko Promotion Board has responded to guest concerns about the impact of the problems at the Fukushima power station (which is 600 kilometres distant) by obtaining some radiation measurements.  The measured radiation readings at Sapporo, the closest monitoring point to Niseko, is shown below.  Niseko is clearly as safe as, or perhaps even safer than, anywhere else in the world.

earthquake & tsunami

As friends of Japan, our thoughts are with all those affected by the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Honshu which has claimed the lives of so many people.

The massive 8.9 Richter Scale undersea earthquake off the north-east coast of Honshu was certainly felt in Niseko but there have been no reports of any local damage.  Niseko remains in operation, however some planned activities have been curtailed out of respect for the victims of the tragedy. 

Niseko locals and guests have responded to the tragedy by donating warm clothing and similar items that will be sent to some of the affected areas, plus there are some planned charity events. 

Monetary donations can be made to the Japanese Red Cross Society, the Australian Red Cross Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal 2011 and the Salvation Army.

For people with Australian tax residency, the Australian Government has declared the Japanese earthquake and tsunami as a disaster for the purpose of tax deductibility, which means that donations will be deductible against Australian income tax (please retain a receipt to substantiate if required).

snowfall & snowdepths 2010-11 (14)



changed arrangements post-tsunami

The following advice has been received from the Niseko Promotion Board regarding changed arrangements following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami:

In consideration of the hardship of the recent earthquake and tsunami victims, some changes to event schedule and business hours have been made by each resort in the Niseko area.  Please see below for details: 

Annupuri Ski Resort
●　Night skiing hours →　Until 8pm from 15 to 26 March
●　Night skiing price →　Changed to 1,700yen (previously 1,900yen)
●　Event →　The Annupuri Festa initially scheduled to be held on 19-21 March has been cancelled

Grand Hirafu
●　Night skiing hours (changes applied from 16 March)
●　Ace Family Pair Lift in service until 8pm
●　Ace Quad #2 Centre 4 in service until 7:40pm
●　King Hooded Triple Lift #3 in service until 5pm

●　The night operation of Hirafu Gondola and Holiday Pair Lift #1 which was scheduled on 19, 20, and 26 March has also been canceled.
●　Grand Shuttle →　In service until 8pm from 16 March
●　Event →　Weekend fireworks in March have been all cancelled.

Hanazono
●　Event →　The Salomon BBR test ride events initially scheduled to be held on 19 and 20 March have been cancelled.
●　The Slope Style competition will be held on 19 March on schedule.

Moiwa Ski Resort
●　Event →　The Free Run Contest will be held as a charity event on 19 March.

Niseko Village [updated]
●　Night skiing hours →　Until 8pm
●　Night skiing price →　Changed to 1,300yen (previously 1,500yen)
●　Event →　The 2011 Wonderland Festival planned for March 26 at Niseko Village is cancelled.