I woke up to the soft, golden light streaming through the windows of my tatami room at Kyubi Spirit Lodge, a cozy retreat nestled in the woods just minutes away from the bustling 5-star resorts of Niseko Village. The excitement bubbling within me was palpable as I prepared to embark on a journey to snowy nirvana in the world-famous Niseko.
My day began with a quick energetic breakfast and a hop over to Niseko Village, where the lifts awaited to transport me to the heights of Mt. Niseko-Annupuri. The anticipation built as I ascended, gazing out over the enchanting landscape of Hokkaido, Japan.
Upon reaching the end of the top lift, I crossed into the backcountry at Gate Two, a sense of excitement washed over me as I strapped on my snowshoes. Half an hour of hiking up steep inclines brought me to the summit, where Mother Nature's masterpiece unfolded before my eyes, with an eye-to-eye view of Mt. Yotei, a dominant force of a sleeping volcano keeping watch over her domain. The panoramic view of breathtaking snow-draped peaks and endless horizons left me in awe.
But the real adventure was yet to come. With my heart racing, I strapped on my snowboard and made my descent into the back bowl, aptly named Kazan no sawa. A three-meter drop into the abyss marked the beginning of a thrill that words can hardly capture. The sensation of floating on the lightest powder, surrounded by the untouched beauty of Japan, was nothing short of euphoric.
Navigating the terrain felt like riding a roller coaster on a cloud, weaving through ancient Aspen trees and graceful maples, with each tree seemingly whispering secrets of the Japanese winter. The pristine snow beneath my board was like a canvas of pure white, inviting me to leave my mark.
As I descended further into the valley, the valley itself seemed to come alive. Every turn and curve brought new vistas, each more astonishing than the last. It was as if the mountain had opened its treasure chest of natural wonders just for me.
What truly sets this backcountry haven apart is the flawless marriage of pristine snow, challenging terrain, and breathtaking views. It's a snowboarder's or skier's paradise, a place where the exhilaration of the ride meets the serenity of nature in perfect harmony.
By the time I arrived at Annupuri Ski Resort located at the end of the valley, my heart was pounding with exhilaration, and my soul felt refreshed. The bowl in the backcountry had bestowed upon me an experience that transcended words—a journey through a snowy dreamscape, where each turn felt like a dance with the elements.
In the end, if one were to describe heaven to a snowboarder or skier, it would undoubtedly be something akin to Niseko's hidden backcountry. It's a place where adventure meets serenity, where the thrill of the ride mingles with the beauty of nature. It's a slice of snowy nirvana that, once tasted, beckons you back, time and time again.
Read more: Why Do You Come Back Year After Year?
