New Moon + New Snow = Good Times
|
||
| Gong Xi Fa Cai!
What a great way to bring in the New Year (again). We finally recovered from last issue’s snowfall to be greeted with – another deluge. Happy days are here in Niseko.
Your Periodic Update from “Powder Paradise”Hello Year of the Ox! We bid farewell to the Year of the Rat and embraced the Year of the Ox. The Ox is the second sign of the Chinese zodiac. Like its predecessor and complement, the Rat, the Ox signifies new beginnings. With our most recent development phase (IIIa) completed prior to the Chinese New Year, guests could experience some new beginnings of their own.It was a busy time in Hirafu, with a heavy influx of guests arriving throughout the period. As we mentioned in our last newsletter we were at 100% occupancy for the week. This was in stark contrast to Hirafu village where reports were coming in that they were down 20% on the previous year’s occupancy numbers. Combine that with the global economic downturn we read about everyday in the newspapers and we are pretty proud of our achievement.
The Chalets private shuttle service has been running every 15 minutes during this busy period in order to cope with the increased numbers of more than enthusiastic skiers and boarders. With the Lunar New Year falling on the same week as Australia Day (always a popular day in the pubs) it was particularly challenging. The ground staff were more than prepared (I th
 ink there is some Aussie pride in there) and it led Dexter, a guest during this period, to comment on the service saying “the logistics to provide us with transport were great.”As always, if you are looking for a place for friends or yourself while you are in Niseko, be sure to contact Hayley Richards (hayley.richards@nisekoresortsgroup.com) about our chalets and any vacancies we might have.
2nd Snowiest Resort last year – Look Out Number 1 This Year We know that Forbes Traveller rated Niseko the “2nd Snowiest Resort in the World” last year. This year Niseko is making its case for Number 1. As an example, Thursday the 15th of January will be remembered as the mammoth dump day. Talk around town indicated that it was one of the best dumps of fresh powder in the last 5 years. Over 50cm of actual snow was recorded falling in one day, with a further 20-30cm falling the following day. We saw the top of the mountain crack the 3 meter base mark!
Needless to say, fresh tracks were found everywhere all day. The weather has been varied in 2009, with a mix of heavy snowfall and bluebird days providing snow-lovers with a range of conditions. The clear days have supplied ample opportunity for great photo’s, with the magnificent Mt Yotei changing color with the rising and setting sun. Indeed, many treks to the summit have resulted causing on lookers to say that it resembles “a trail of ants weaving their way up to the peak.” Restaurant Review – KamimuraThis issue we asked the ground staff to recommend a favorite dining spot while in Niseko. There was no hesitation to come up with a review of Kamimura (www.kamimura-niseko.com). They did mention they would have to go back “one more time this week” to make sure that everything met their high standards. I think they were just angling for another great meal…
More Things People are Saying About The Chalets at Country Resort“Good accommodation. The concierge service is excellent. The private shuttle service was really good, reliable and flexible to our needs. Thank you NRG!”
Callum, Hong Kong
 Thanks for the kind words Callum. The season is still going strong and the snow won’t be letting up anytime soon so we look forward to seeing you on your next holiday here in Niseko. Remember to contact Hayley Richards(hayley.richards@nisekoresortsgroup.com) to check on availability and reserve one of our luxurious chalets.
Best wishes for a fantastic Year of the Ox from all of us at Niseko Resorts Group.
|
Fine dining in Hirafu village exists in the form of restaurant Kamimura offering a nine course degustation menu. Chef Yuichi Kamimura brings a fusion of Japanese seasonal ingredients and flavors enhanced by a classic French cooking technique. Kamimura-san cooked under famous chef Tetsuya Wakuda at what has been called one of the top five restaurants in the world Sydney’s Tetsuya’s. Dishes like grilled scallop with black truffle cream and roasted Wagyu with Niseko potato puree utilize the abundance of Hokkaido’s local products on offer. Accompanying the food are the matching wines Kamimura has carefully selected for his guests. The wine list currently features the best of Italy, France, and Australia. If you need warming up or just a break from the slopes, Kamimura serves coffee to go with his almond and white chocolate cookies both eat-in and take-away. It’s not always easy to get in this fine establishment so be sure to ask our concierge team to get you a table today.Tags: Chinese New Year Skiing, Hirafu, Niseko Resorts Group, Powder Paradise, The Chalets at Country Resort