Documenti di Didattica
Documenti di Professioni
Documenti di Cultura
www.powderlife.com
hit th e l i g h ts
KUTCHAN'S LE COCHON
pigging out on french cuisine
ON THIN ICE
winter driving in niseko
MAKI LOUNGE
Cultivate your knowledge of Japans best sakes and
the worlds finest single malts at the Maki Saki
Lounge. Perfect for fire-side drinks after dinner as
Sekka
the snowflakes drift down.
DRINKS 17:00~ T: 21-3070
SEKKA DELI
Get set for the day ahead with Sekkas famous house
made Granola or wile away the afternoon with the
delicious Hokkaido flavours of a SEKKA Deli lunch.
Ready to eat or takeaway immediately if there are
pressing engagements on the slopes.
BREAKFAST 7:30~ T: 21-3088
SEKKA TECA
Our resident sommelier has handpicked some of
the worlds best wines for you to buy at SEKKATECA
Wines or tipple at the bar. Weve also stocked a
fantastic selection of international foods and house
made goodies to eat at home.
SHOPPING 10:00~21:00 T: 21-3088
w ww. j - s e k k a. co m
intro T contents page
GROOMERS
NEWS PEOPLE PARTIES ETC
FEATURES
A WAIST-DEEP LOOK AT NISEKO
24 ON THIN ICE
Powderlife takes a look at winter driving in Niseko and
gives readers a few helpful hints
26 NIGHT RIDERS
Nocturnal skiers and snowboarders are treated to
flood-lit night terrain in Niseko
32 A THOUSAND WORDS
Gallery of the latest action from the slopes. No need for
words just look
36 LE COCHON
Sekka chefs review the quaint little French restaurant in
the heart of Kutchan
contributors Katherine Bont, Lorne Calhoun, Michael A look at the Hong Kong developers who came for the
Davenport, Byron Dawson, Stirling Goldman, Nick Jackson, Sachiko powder and stayed to build
50
Kageyama, Derek Kennewell, Sarah Lilburn, Chika Matsuda, Matthew
Roy, Tess Stomski, Saoka Wakasugi, Kim Wejendorp LIVING ON THE EDGE
photography Glen Claydon Photography, Jahl Marshall,
Powderlife spoke to the designer behind the Sekka brand,
Niseko Photography, Mike Richards,
Shouya Grigg
advertising inquiries
ads@powderlife.com
/ subscriptions / past issues BACKCOUNTRY
info@powderlife.com HIKE OUT THE BACK FOR THE REST
Powderlife Niseko Magazine is a Niseko Media Publication
35 Music Reviews // Dale Riva
38 Japanese Cooking // Teriyaki chicken
170-5 Aza Yamada Kutchan-cho
40 Learning Japanese // Japanese for Powder People
Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
tel 0136 22 2000 fax 0136 22 2011
44 Kutchan // Dining out in Kutchan
www.powderlife.com
47 Men Who Ride Mountains // Stirling Goldman
53 Real Estate Q & A // Nicolas Gontard
2009 Niseko Media KK 55 Real Estate Views // Building in Niseko
Contents of Powderlife are subject to copyright. Reproduction in whole or in 56 Course Map // Mountain info
part without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publication 58 Walking Map // Must have village directory
of editorial does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of views or 59 Phone Directory // Your town pages
opinions expressed. The publisher does 61 Local Information // Essential tips and info on Niseko
not accept responsibility for statements made by advertisers. 62 The Last Word On Health // Boot fitting
In this issue of Powderlife we preview the second Niseko Utari Festival a concert
taking place in both Kutchan Town and Hirafu which is designed to bring together
the two areas, as well as highlighting the importance of looking after the
environment in this era of development in Niseko. Associate editor Matthew
Thomas reports on the different international tourists who are starting to discover
Niseko (be sure to check out our 'Snap' on-mountain social photos for an idea of
the variety of nationalities holidaying here!). We also take you out on the slopes
after dark and you'll be surprised to find it's actually so bright up there many
people prefer heading up when the sun goes down.
air jam
5-10 per cent. Occupancy rates were about the same party, he said. But this year, its been locals out
in spite of the economic crisis, due to The Niseko partying all season they are the main crowd. In
Company increasing its number of properties this spite of the current climate, Brett said he and Bills
BLACK DIAMOND
year, said Mr McIntyre. The biggest rise for us this werent going anywhere, and were in it for the long
year has been Singapore, but we have got a few guests haul. Were in a lull everyone is in a lull, he said.
from Britain, France and Russia, and expats from Did we get caught with our pants down? I think
Indonesia, Thailand, Korea and China, he said. He everyone did. It humbled us a little. But it wont stop Aprs Bar & Friends
predicted an earlier slow down of the tourism year in
2009 due to the early Chinese New Year.
Mr McIntyre stressed the importance of Niseko
snowing this century in Niseko, though, so people will
still come for the powder, regardless of what the
economy is doing.
AIRJAM 09
09:00 - 15:00 JANUARY 25th
BOTTOM OF THE KING PAIR LIFT, NISEKO GRAND HIRAFU
All SKILL LEVELS WELCOME | MALE & FEMALE |SKIERS & SNOWBOARDS | GREAT PRIZES FOR ALL CATEGORIES
Entry
FORMAT: FREE RIDE SESSION, SNOWBOARDERS & SKIERS WILL BE JUDGED ON 3 RUNS.
ENTRY: 1000 ENTRY FEE, ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE AROUND NISEKO AND SAPPORO WHERE YOU SEE THIS POSTER OR
SOLD
ball. specifically to carry out graffiti. convenience stores during the
Sentence of the Week: Police have A 57-year-old primary school past year, according to the
busted a large-scale shoplifting ring principal in Niigata was busted for Japan Franchise Association
involving a Tokyo-based pharmaceutical Equal rights punching a high school student on a
wholesaler suspected of selling over- The Maritime Self-Defense Force gave train. 581.5
the-counter medicine pilfered by the OK for women to do tours of duty Average amount of purchase
teenagers recruited over the internet, aboard destroyers. Previously, the Your tax dollars at work at conbini, according to the
sources said. (The Asahi Shimbun) MSDF had assigned women to land- The LDP is said to be considering a pet same survey
Giichi Nomura, 94, who helped bring based duty. tax whose proceeds would be used to
the plight of Japans indigenous Ainu The labour ministry announced that fund animal shelters and raise
people to the world stage, died of the number of temp workers hit an all- awareness of the importance of using
natural causes in Hokkaido. time high of 3.84 million last year, ID tags.
but that their average pay dropped by Japan Post announced that 84
Compiled from reports by
LAND - For Sale RESULTS - Speak for themselves!
Breakthroughs 10 percent, to a record low. percent of goods sent last year via a High capital gain, and land trades fast. We always We have sold over 60 properties since 2004 and 16 in the
Scientists at Kyotos Advanced It was revealed that McDonalds service intended for disabled groups Japan Today, The Japan
Times, The International have a variety of available blocks on the web site. first quarter of 2008. Nearly all our listings are exclusive,
Telecommunications Research Institute hired 1,000 customers to wait in was in fact used fraudulently by and we have a large database of repeat customers.
International discovered a way to line for the Kansai debut of its Quarter companies, accounting in losses of Herald Tribune/Asahi
reproduce images of things people Pounder hamburger in Osaka last some 4.6 billion. Shimbun, Mainichi Daily
were looking at by analyzing brain month. The National Institute of Population News, Time, AP, AFP and
scans. and Social Security Research said that Kyodo
The 60,000-ton Auriga Leader, Got a second? 99.8 percent of municipalities across
described as the first large ship in the The Tokyo-based National Institute of the country will see a decline of
world to be powered partly by solar Information and Communications children under 15 by the year 2035.
IMPARTIAL, PROFESSIONAL & EXPERIENCED. Hokkaido Real Estate is not a developer, does not trade
in the market, and can therefore offer the best objective advice. Niseko is the hottest property market in Asia
with excellent returns and extraordinary capital growth. Hokkaido Real Estate is a thoroughly professional and
successful agency with an excellent track record. Our largely-exclusive and quality listings include land,
houses, pensions, apartments & luxury villas. Please visit our web site or call us on +81 (0) 136 21 6211.
king to
llers, loo
ll of re ve
Francis from Sin
gapore, Erdina ri ck w a s chock fu rn party.
from Malaysia sai
d
from Indonesia
and We The B
at the Ca
prico eo f f has
It s better quali number one on their list was the eks celebrate hile G
ty than Vale (on snow: era w
resorts). The res e of North Ameri
ca r t h e cam ant things
ort isn t so big ,
the people are its easy to get aro s premier y shin
es fo import
re
so nice. und and Gabb d on mo
in
his m
m Sap
poro
nds fro hy they
Capricorn the pa
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wn of d Tori and
Tess
Party
le fr ie w h e c lo in
ma ut g 's t e h
sse of r y clear abo love drinkin An d y u p b
y a po e ing it
u m b ered b ei were v y. They also Danny hamm
utn o h er ,
ami, o , Hiroaki, Sh autiful scen time o Queenie, F Ritsuko
ul Min ya be r
e ven b f their lives ank and Ric
,N
posed u ana and Mik
Colourf Mikuo, Taku owder and e day! e en up on the a p for th a Skiing
, p
Yuta eko great the end of th chang
e and the ir firs from Hon e Powd cuddled up, ru to pra couple Ke
is
liked N their hotel a
t there lifts yet. Th t day in Nis g Kong wer erlife ca
mera
gged up
and all
ctice ll
their y and Nico
was p e
beer a
t lenty o y liked tha eko, and th e having th peace la
sign t s show Ku
f beau tN ey e
tiful w iseko offer hadn t o fit in ri the
y still
.
Mountain
hite sc ed a c
ener y ool need
to tak
e in.
style
EVEN when Takas not riding, he prefers to sport
colourful clothes.
But when the snowboarder from Chiba near Tokyo,
one of Japans most famous surf spots goes for a session
up the mountain, he prefers to wearwellSessions (jack-
ets and pants). He even has plenty of Sessions stickers on
his board, so it looks to us that he likes to promote the
Onsen
Dirty
brand that works for him. Taka - a human rainbow
Twins
who usually rides at Yuzawa mountain, outside Tokyo up
ah catch
- says he prefers this rainbow jacket in particular, r Matt a nd Alann
and siste
because he likes to stand out. Attention to detail
should be noted with the matching rainbow trim on
his goggles, and rainbow stripes on the bottom of his
r
Laundry Brother
over a q
uiet on e
ty
Laure e quali
n joy som
the p , Naho, S Joel en
arty a h er bro
nd st ogo and N a and h
eppe Vaness me together
d it u obu were ti
p into th family
the w e life of
ee ho
ur s
Maree and Wayne from Australia said Niseko had a unique feel like
nowhere else in the world. We thought that the first time we came
here, its just so unique. Its so peaceful and quiet up on the mountain,
and everyone is so laid back.
e Katie Red an
re h e r d d Amy wer
said yo, we e Laundr y's e all smile
cotland of Tok h ungroom clean danc s after Dirty
e ll y from S by lift: You n o r th uc t e music se Louis can't
rie n d K ible s hima, ccess so m s areas bu t be
Jemma get leive his luck as Lucy
and girlf peak is access ski waist-deep F u k u a
from t they can st dangero
u
Nicolas e u itaka
up close an and
n ch p ro skier ut Niseko is th peak, then yo again! What a
d Yosh and love th e off the m !
o
DJ Gra
ss d personal
Fre o e it n on ak a
thing ab ute walk to th then you do k o a
Taka first time y rop er ywhere !! e an li ke to
th e b e st in . The and Sim week's tim and Siobh
v e a 15-m s at the bottom e
for th untr y safely can ride e
v ri a n e , a Michael s
on ly h a ft e auty A is big set in i, Aiden, l'
to the li bac k c o a t y o u
Fren c h b
re h Lizzie, Kai mbers at Wild Bil
powder u want? tha n th
up befo nu
e d o y o other warm party in
els
16 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 17
events T nightlife in the loop T events
in the loop
Sunday, January 25 TJava Bar Mid-Week Madness, 9pm Tuesday, February 3 Saturday, January 24celebrations! 126
THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pm 2000 Nomihodai (all you can drink) beer and basic TJava Bar Mountain Staff Night, 8pm TKamonohashi Show, 1pm
V12pm-
Welcoming jazz pianist Kuniko Kanno from Sapporo, spirits from 9-11pm. Chillout night. Y300 beer for resort staff 8-9pm. 11pmJ
Fun and games @ Hanazono. See
accompanied by jazz vocalist Mami Motoi. Free entry. DJ
Kamonohashi's song and dance show.
TJava Bar Sunday Session, 9-11pm Friday, January 30 124
Live accoustic session with Christian. TPaddy Mc Ginty's Toss the Boss, 3pm-5pm Wednesday, February 4 TAustralia Day at Grand Hirafu, 5-7pm Hanazono Ski Resort.Relay games for
Flip a coin against the boss for discount drinks. TJava Bar Mid-Week Madness, 9pm TTriple J Hottest 100 Party, 10am-10pm Come and celebrate Australia Day in kids and adults. 128
Monday, January 26 TRed Bar DJ Night, 10pm 2000 Nomihodai (all you can drink) beer and basic Come Celebrate front of the Alpen Hotel. Join the snow 1pm
TAustralia Day celebrations at Red Bar, 10pm Every Friday at Red Bar is DJ night. 1,000. spirits from 9-11pm. Australia day in flag game to win a Grand Hirafu original
DJ mixing it up on the decks. TJava Bar DJ Night, 10pm TPaddy McGinty's Toss the Boss, 3pm-5pm Sunday, January 25 style at iPod. Australian band playing music.
TJava Bar Australia Day Beach Party House, dance, funk from 10pm. Free entry. Flip a coin against the boss for half price drinks. TTaiko Drum Performance, 3.30-4pm Powderlife Cafe, Fireworks starts at 9.30pm. 126
All day, hottest 100, beach wear. Free traditional Japanese drum counting down 5pm- Sunday, February 1
TOz Day and Indian Independence Day, 6pm. Saturday, January 31 Thursday, February 5 performances. Every Sunday outside the Hottest 100 7pm TTaiko Drum Performance, 3.30-4pm
Blo Blo's annual cricket match will be played again, THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pm TJava Bar Djembe Night Hokkaido Tracks office (next to with all the staff Free traditional Japanese drum
snow or shine, with an Aussie BBQ and outdoor DJ set. No cover charge, minimum two drinks. Djembe drumming with Seicomart). 1 25 at Powderlife. i-pod performances. Every Sunday outside
TPaddy McGinty's Australia Day party Bontak, Yo, Toro and guests. 3:30pm-4pm There will be Hokkaido Tracks office (opposite
Celebrate with Australian music, movie and pie. Sunday, February 1 drink specials seicomart). 2 1
TJava Bar Ladies Night, 9pm TNiseko Utari Festival, 3pm-10pm Friday, February 6 and great food Tuesday January 27 3:30pm-4pm
Half price drinks for the @The Northern Fox. Advanced ticket 3,000, at the TRed Bar DJ Night, 10pm TAprs Bar Big Air, Noon-7.30pm all day. 126 TKamonohashi Song and Dance Show
ladies from 9-11pm. door 3,500. Details see Page Seven (on page 11). Every Friday is DJ Night at All riders welcome. Entry forms at the J Hottest 100 Tuesdays and Saturdays, 1pm @
TNiseko Utari Festival After Party, 10pm-4am Java. 1,000. bar. For spectators, check out the 10am-10pm Hanazono. 127
Tuesday, January 27 @Be, Kutchan. Advanced ticket 3,000, at the door TBob Marley's B'day + Waitangi Day, 6pm thrills and spills from the comfort of Tuesday, February 3
TJava Bar Mountain 3,500. More details see Page Seven (on page 11). Jamaican BBQ with a reggae DJ session from Shu at the bar with a drink in hand. 25 TCulture tour in Kutchan, 3pm-6pm
Staff Night, 8pm THalf Note Jazz Live, 9pm Splash, middle village. 12pm- TAustralian Day EZO Pub, 11am - midnight Tea ceremony, Natural Histor y
Chillout night. Y300 beer No cover charge, minimum two drinks. 7:30pm 500 drinks, music performances, live, Museum, Niseko Sake Brewery. Bus
for resort staff 8-9pm. TJava Bar Sunday Session, 9-11pm Got an event on between February 7 and DJ, sausage rolls, meat pies, fish & chips. Wednesday, January 28 leaves from Seicomart. Tour cost 1000.
Sunday session with Christian-Live music. February 20? Get it on this page in the next ! 126 TChinese New Year Lantern Olympics, 1pm Booking required at 0136-23-0222.
Wednesday, January 28 edition of Powderlife input it in to the events 500,
TChivas Me Timbers Pirates Party, 7pm-11pm Monday, February 2 page on our website by January 28. Monday, January 26 DJ, Got an event on between
Fusion presents fancy dress silliness in support of all TJava Bar Ladies Night, 9pm TAustralia vs China Party, Noon-11pm TAinu (native Hokkaido) Dance Show, 8pm February 7 and February 20?
pirates at Aprs Bar. Pirate wear only. Half price drinks for the from 9-11pm. Aprs Bar's Big Australia Day and Experience and learn about Hokkaido's Get it on this page in the next
TPaddy McGinty's Toss the Boss, 3pm-5pm TPaddy McGinty's Toss the Boss, 3pm-5pm
Chinese New Year Party with Triple Js native Ainu people @ JoJo's. 126 edition of Powderlife input it
Flip a coin against the boss for half price drinks. Flip a coin against the boss for half price drinks. Hottest 100 live, and cricket on the big . 8pmNAC in to the events page on our
screen. Hong Kong DJ Miles Wilson JoJos website by January 28.
www.powderlife.com/niseko/events www.powderlife.com/niseko/events
More events at www.powderlife.com/niseko/events/
dropping tunes. Come and join in the
18 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 19
gear T powder tools
By Bevan Colless
Gentemstick Speedmaster
THE Speedmaster is the best snowboard
in the world. All right, all right, if you
weigh over 80kg, live for riding powder
through trees, and are not into riding
switch, its the best board in the world.
If you live for the park, mount your
bindings in the middle of your board,
love rails, spinning and riding fakey then
its not for you (and neither is this resort).
Black Diamond Ascension Skins You guessed it, the Speedmaster is my
THE Ascension skins have long been the gold main deck, and I love it so much I have
standard in climbing skins. The new orange been known to sleep with it. The double
model (updated from the previous purple) now pin tail design was first envisaged by
has a reversible tip-loop system, so they will fit on Niseko local Taro Tamai some 20 years ago,
an even wider variety of tips. The tried and true and it suits Niseko to perfection. The 172cm
ClipFix tail attachment remains the fastest and length is perfect, and as 40cm of that is not
most secure on the market. Long-term effective edge, it can still turn on a 10 piece.
backcountry skiers may have moved away from the Leave the sub160cm Fish riders in your wake
Ascensions to try the latest things, but they always as you fly through the flat powder sections.
come back to these bad boys. The ClipFix system The tail bites into the snow so the tip always
does not work for certain tails that are extremely floats above the pow. It is so forgiving youll
rounded off or turned up, so be sure to check if its often find yourself thinking youre about to
right for your rig. If youre aiming for a sub four- wipe out, only to find the board surging ahead,
hour Yotei ascent, clip these on and start the clock. urging you to stay upright and keep up with it.
As used by local legend Yutaka Takahashi. Available Dont be fooled into thinking its only for the
from Toyru. 0136-21-4055 . 60mm130mm waist. pow you can ride the groomers like youre
15,750- 24,675. riding a wave. Like me, youll probably find you
never want to ride another board. Available from
Gentemstick Retail store in St Moritz. Call 0136-
22-5581. The best 169,050 youll ever spend.
20 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 21
community T meet the locals welcome irasshaimase T community
By Saoka Wakasugi By Saoka Wakasugi
Powder Company
LEGENDARY local pro snowboarder Tomoki Takaku
moved to Niseko from Tokyo 12 years ago after hear-
ing word of the amazing powder snow. He started a
mountain-guiding business 10 years ago, and three
years ago launched Powder Company, a collection of
different businesses all focussed on powder and Nisekos
mountains. The main part of the business is his sales
and rental showroom and test center for Gentemstick,
the famous Niseko snowboard company he rides for.
Rent one of these amazing beginner to powder boards
from 2500 for the first day. Fancy being guided around
Niseko by a local legend? Mountain guiding from 5500
for two hours. www.powcom.net. 0136 54 2820. www.powcom.net. 0136 54 2820.
GROOMER Akira LIFTIE Maiko PATROL Yuichi Maana Caf and Bar
KUTCHAN'S thriving dining and entertainment scene
name Akira Ichinose name Maiko Nishizawa name Yuichi Tagawa
age 21 hometown Kutchan 21 age 29 hometown Sapporo 29
has a new addition in cool new Mexican-influenced
age 32 hometown Shizuoka 32
time in Niseko 8 months how long has your family time in niseko 2 years 2 caf and bar, Maana, run by local snowboarding hero Manana
do you like powder? Love it lived here? Since great grand- do you like powder? Hai! Hiromasa Ihara. Hiromasa-san has been a pro for seven 7Rome
ski/board? Board 8 father do you like powder? ski/board? Ski years and is sponsored by US snowboard company SDS
how long have you been ski- Love it, but Im not very good how long have you been ski- Rome SDS. Hes been in world cups, countless competi-
ing for? 14 years at skiing it! ing for? 25 years 25 tions, and starred on magazine covers. But hes always
why did you come to Niseko? 14 ski/board? Ski only why did you come to niseko? dreamed of having his own shop. Last month his dream 1TEX-MEX
To see the nature how long have you been ski- 18 Heavy snow fall and lots of
came true when he opened Manana on Kutchans main Manana
what did you do in summer? ing for? 18 years mountains
street, Eki Mae Dori (just up from the train station on the
Rafting guide what did you do in summer? what do you do in summer?
Relax and rafting guide Forestry what languages do
right). It will be open year-round and also serves Tex-Mex
what languages do you speak?
Japanese, and a little English what languages do you speak? , you speak? Japanese food. Maana means tomorrow or later in Spanish,
trips overseas? New Zealand, Hokkaido dialect, no English trips overseas? None so customers can forget about today and recharge for a
Canada where do you want to trips overseas? Not yet where do you want to go new day. Hiromasa-san snowboards during the day, so 512
go next? Nepal where do you want to go next? Dont know yet Manana is open 5pm-midnight. Closed Tuesdays. 0136-22-3735
favourite next? New Zealand, Australia favourite
colour Red favourite colour Yellow
brand Outdoor brands colour Black ROXY brand Patagonia 308
Half Note
food Ramen brand Roxy food Something good with
HALF Note is one of Hirafus great local bars. It was
restaurant Souan food Takoyaki (octopus balls) 308 white rice
created by jazz fan and amateur player Shouichi
bar Splash restaurant 308, Hanayoshi restaurant Hanazono 308
onsen Koikawa bar Valentine bar Havent been to a Niseko Shimatani in 1982 as an addition to his pension, Full
ski run Strawberry onsen Popolo and Goshiki bar yet onsen Goshiki Note. These days its great for the older crowd who are
where else do you want to go ski run Super Course ski run Hanazono courses looking for a more relaxed bar experience, although
skiing overseas? Lake Louise, where else do you want to go are fun! where else do you full-blown parties have been known to break out
Canada how long will you be skiing overseas? Whistler in want to go skiing overseas? among the younger crew. This season Half Note has
in niseko? As long as I can Canada how long will you be Nowhere how long will you new managers, jazz musicians Tadao and Mami Shige-
what does niseko need? Every- in niseko? Forever be in niseko? Not sure what
matsu. Originally from Kushiro in eastern Hokkaido,
thing is here. Being imperfect what does niseko need? does niseko need? Fast food
they came to Niseko in December last year after living
is perfect niseko secret? Starbucks niseko secret? Lots shop niseko secret? Not sure
and performing in the US for almost 15 years. Perform-
Winter rafting whats your of chances to meet rabbits whats your life philosophy?
life philosophy? Time is more and foxes whats your life Treat every day with ing live at Half Note every Sunday at 9pm. Half Note at
important than money! philosophy? Keep trying! importance the is towards the bottom of Momiji-Zaka Street.
22 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 23
safety T niseko survival guide
On thin ice:
A Niseko driver survivor
By Matthew Thomas
DRIVING in Nisekos snowy, icy, white-out conditions can cars and trucks that have slid off the road and laid to rest white-outs, ice slips, and snow mounds on the road.
be for many tourists like learning to drive again. on their sides or upside down, met with the business end While there is a comprehensive inter-resort public
When getting behind the wheel here, no matter your ex- of a snow bank. One of the scariest experiences can be transport system between Hirafu, Annapuri, Hanazono
perience, it can feel a lot like being back on your L-plates. sitting in a car and having no control over it whatsoever. and Niseko Village, and plenty of buses to and from
Most who have spent any time driving on these often Hokkaidos sometimes cruel weather conditions make for Kutchan which are by far the safest option it is still
very dangerous roads have their own stories of being Nisekos world-class skiing and snowboarding conditions, sometimes a cheap and above all convenient option to
completely out of control in their car when losing traction but with good comes bad: extremely treacherous roads. buy a car. For the most part, many people just try and
over some slippery black ice. Or, all of a sudden not Local police told Powderlife there were about 30 accidents drive as safely as possible and hope for the best, because
being able to see anything out of the windscreen besides of a relatively serious nature reported last winter in Niseko the most experienced snow driver, or even a local, can in
white, after strong storm winds blew a flurry of snow and Kutchan from November to March - 11 of which were a split second easily be at the mercy of the harsh winter
across the road. Driving around, we are forever seeing a result of common local environmental dangers such as elements of Niseko.
Night riders:
NIGHTTIME PANORAMA... From left to right, Niseko
United's Annupuri, Niseko Village and Grand Hirafu.
Photo: Niseko Photography
26 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 27
feature T night riders night riders T feature
voice of the
people
The
Night riders have
their say in Niseko
Powderlife took to the slopes to ask the public what they thought of night
riding in Niseko...
Hit the lights, and let the QUALITY TIME... two boarders heading up
day and night. I like
skiing night and day,
When I skied
Whistler at night,
show begin Grand Hirafu's Family Chair at night time. but the best thing only the bottom of
Photo: Niseko Photography about night skiing is the mountain was
there are far fewer usually open. But
people. in Niseko, most of the mountain is
HIGH-SPEED straight-lining THE GANG... These Tokyo bros are all about
going fast and big once the sun goes down.
rideable.
an option much of the time no matter the super-fast! There are more locals riding at night, too, Niseko at night. So, next time youre riding the lift at
conditions. When hordes of locals head up for a night so it is kind of just for the good riders; I guess it night, cast your eye downwards and see these bold,
Its awesome at night heaps better than in the
session, you know its going to be onand we mean could be pros only out there at night. Fellow local brave boarders cutting their swathes down the day. Its great because there are not as much
really on!! While the tourists may hit the pub, night bandit Koji The Ninja Furuta, who works at mountain without a care or fear in the world. If you people and its not as crowded, so I can go as
eateries or onsens by night, the locals simply know Demo hire in Hirafu, likes to go ninja-boarding at cant see it, it cant hurt you, right? I guess thats one
fast as I can everyone goes super-fast!
best, as is usually the case. Niseko regular Taiki least a couple of nights a week with his mates, or way of looking at it
28 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 29
photo essay T tokyo
Powder poster
rider Cam McKay, Annupuri Peak photo Glen Claydon
JUMPING YOTEI... anonoymous boarder gets high alongside IN THE SHADE... a Niseko boarder taking cover from the
Niseko's icon on a rare Niseko bluebird. Photo: Jahl Marshall morning sunshine. Photo: Niseko Photography.
Photo: Jahl Marshall
Photo: CJ Zimmerman
powder tracks T music
By Nick Jackson
ROUGHLY 9325 kilometres. Thats the he was taught a lot of the classic skills main from the other set a very clever
distance between Kutchan and Nice, he now so deftly puts to use. tongue-in-cheek dish of braised pork
France, but step out of the snow and cheek and tongue. With the cheek just
Top quality Western Australian wine
into cute little 12-seat bistro, Le Cochon We first wandered in for lunch, which is falling apart at the approach of our fork Delivered to your Niseko
('the pig') and you could be in either. an amazing value 900 for the pasta set and the tongue's offal flavour cooked accommodation next day
French wall hangings, water served out or 1000 for the main set. Both come away, the addition of a few textbook
of Ricard bottles, beautifully hand-writ- with a starter, bread and tea or coffee. vegetables made this a superb, witty
Pay in $AUD on your credit card
ten menus and food thats timelessly We started off with a generous slice of dish. No fees, no conversions
classic and at the same time, Japanese pork terrine with nicely dressed and
modern. Its all thanks to former auto seasoned mixed leaves. We then moved After such a great meal we want just a Enquire about Japan based Membership
mechanic Kazuhiko Kojima, who de- on to the pasta, which changes daily smidgen of something sweet to round it or wholesale buying
cided one day car maintenance wasnt depending on ingredients and whim. off, and asking about dessert, we are re-
quite for him. He put down his wrench, Todays was a fantastic spaghetti with warded with a blancmange with cham- www.nisekowinesupply.com Tel: 080 6066 4321
picked up a knife and hasn't looked braised lamb ragout, a rich tomato pagne sauce. Wow, again the classic
back since. After working extensively in lamb sauce clinging to the perfectly style shows in a perfectly cooked and
Tokyo, he also travelled to Nice where cooked pasta very hard to share. set pudding sweetened just so with the
despite being unable to speak French, We then shifted our attention to the sauce. All this and a couple of drinks
for under 4000 for two people amaz-
ing! So amazing in fact we returned for
dinner that very night, only to find the
place full. With only twelve seats we
shouldn't have been surprised.
For more great reviews and a whole lot more about food, check out Kat and
Kims blog @ www.bigfoodsmallworld.blogspot.com
36 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 37
food T japanese recipe
Tess Stomski and Sachiko Kageyama from Niseko Gourmet share their teriyaki chicken recipe. 4 Chicken Thighs
2 tablespoons Japanese cooking sake
YAKI, griddling or pan frying, is a technique of cooking used widely in Japanese cuisine. Teriyaki, sukiyaki and Vegetable oil
yakitori are foods that fall under the yakimono or grilled things category. What separates teriyaki is the sauce. Salt and Pepper
Teri, translated as gloss, describes the sheen of the sauce made from the basic Japanese ingredients of soy, 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar
sake and mirin which is added to the dish in the final stages of cooking. Teriyaki chicken is a popular dish on Teriyaki Marinade
Japanese restaurant menus around the world, however in Japanese homes the sauce is also added to meat 2 garlic cloves minced
and fish. 2 tablespoons shredded ginger
4 tablespoons soy sauce
Teriyaki Chicken is one of the dishes you can test your skills at in Niseko Gourmets Japanese cooking 2 tablespoons Japanese cooking sake
workshops held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am to 2pm. For reservations contact Tess on 080 1 tablespoon mirin
5584 1313. 2 tablespoons water 343
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon bonito fish stock powder
Method
Itadakimasu!
38 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 39
how to T learning japanese learning japanese T how to
If you want to save yourself the hassle Many small restaurants and shops and sometimes supermarkets and
of walking around the shop and convenience stores dont take crejitto caado or caado (credit cards). Ask before
practice some Japanese at the same you hand the card over: caado tsukaemasu ka? If they dont, they might say:
time try asking the shop if they have sumimasen, genkin dake desu (sorry, we only accept cash). If you dont have
what youre looking for. Boots arimasu enough cash, say: ima genkin ga nai node, sugu modotte kimasu (I dont have
ka? is a simple way of asking if they sell enough cash on me, so Ill come back).
boots. If they do, they might say:
arimasu. If they dont: arimasen. 9. Fukuro ii desu.
I dont need a bag, thanks.
3. Ikura?
How much? Conbini staff will put almost everything in a bag unless you stop them: fukuro ii
desu. Something you often hear at the counter at a conbini or suupaa
If something doesnt have a price on it, ask how much it is with this verb ikura (supermarket) is: pointo caado omochi desu ka? (do you have a point card?). If
(how much). Kore ikura desu ka? (how much is this?). Also, find out how much you hear a long sentence that sounds like a question, its a safe bet that theyre
things usually cost: takushi de Kutchan made ikura desu ka? (how much does a asking you if you have some kind of loyalty card, so shake your head and say: iie
taxi to Kutchan usually cost?). (no) (and hope the cute girl/guy behind the counter didnt just ask for your
number).
4. Takai
cafe
expensive 10. Saifu o otoshimashita.
I lost my wallet.
Depending on where youre from and the current exchange rate, things in Japan
Now roasting... may seem takai (expensive), or yasui (cheap). If you want to express your surprise
or shock at the nedan (price) add one of the following words which mean very:
If you have the misfortune of losing
your wallet and someone asks what
sugoku, meccha. youre crying about, say: saifu o
Fresh roasted, organic coffee otoshimashita. They might ask you if
5. Shichaku ii desu ka? there was money in it: okane
Coffee cocktails Is it OK if I try this on? haitemashita? Dont worry, if you give
the details to the police, or hotel/resort
Its polite to ask before you try clothes on in a shop: shichaku ii desu ka? If you staff, theres a good chance a nice
Locally grown gourmet food forget the word for try on shichaku just hold up the clothes and motion person will hand it in to the local koban
towards the changing rooms and say: ii desu ka? (is it OK if ?). (police box) and youll get it back!
6. Suteki! Pronunciation guide: Since this magazine cant talk, your best bet is to find a
cool Japanese person and ask them to say the words and repeat after them. Then buy
them a beer.
If your girlfriend/boyfriend/friend is
trying on clothes, you might need to studio tdes produces a daily online English language show, based in Kutchan:
give them some feedback. Kawaii and www.thedailyenglishshow.com
suteki both mean cute/cool and are
usually used by girls talking to each
other, or by guys talking to girls. If
youre a heterosexual guy and your male Need more practice?
friend is trying on a jacket, say ii jyan
Breakfast, lunch and (not bad, bro) or ii kanji (it looks good). Have fun learning basic Japanese every Sunday afternoon with tdes. We
If it looks like crap, laugh loudly and teach useful words and phrases for English-speaking tourists in Niseko.
dinner in a warm say: dasai! (awful!).
lounge atmosphere Day: Every Sunday
Place: Samurai Bar, Niseko Yurt Village
Open 08:00 - 22:00 Time: 4pm to 5pm
Opposite Seicomart Entry: 1000 yen (includes 1 drink)
Free Internet Ph: 090-7516-7898 More info: thedailyenglishshow.com/nisekojapanese
40 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 41
neighbourhood T kutchan k-town kutchan k-town T neighbourhood
Shunsai
The course menu in Shunsai is breathtaking. For 4,000 youll be begging for
mercy as one terrific dish after another is laid in front of you. The deer steak is
something to behold. 0136-23-1882 North 1, West 3.
Shogun Sushi
Shogun Sushi is a low-profile sushi restaurant that serves arguably the best
8:00am ~ 8:00pm [closed on tuesdays] ph: 0136-22-0050 quality sashimi in the whole area. Sushi and Sashimi is their staple, so be warned
they need advanced warning if you want something apart from fish. Extra
friendly hosts with group seating upstairs. 5-11pm Tel. 0136 23 2898 North 2,
West 1
Torimatsu
A favourite of both foreign and Japanese locals; some of whom have been going
3 to 5 nights a week for the past seven years. Affordable and great quality food
yakitori (chicken sticks) is their speciality. Getting a seat at the counter is difficult,
they also have tatami-style and western seating. Near the 7-11 just along from
the Co-op. Closed Sundays 5-11.30pm. 0136-23-2893. North 3, West 1.
Cafe La Chicon
A charming French restaurant with great prices. See the restaurant review on
page 36
Caf Kaku
This is the kind of place with such a laid back vibe youll feel like staying for half
the day. Shukin opened Caf Kaku seven years ago and hes still serving some of
the best coffee in all of Japan. The wholemeal pizzas and foccacias are a specialty
and there is an excellent selection of cakes and smoothies. See listing on this
page for details.
Kongow
A yaki-niku (BBQ meat) restaurant run by a senior mother-daughter team who
provide excellent quality beef that you grill yourself at your own table. Kongow is
the closest thing to teppanyaki in the Niseko area. On the corner directly across
from Shogun Sushi. 11.30-2pm and 4 10.30. 0136 22 0298 North 1, West 1
44 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 45
real estate T real estate news real estate news T real estate
Hong Kong developers romance with Niseko has a deep,
powdery base. Many gained a taste for skiing the
PREMIUM PROPERTY... the new 308 building at Pacific
Century Premium Development's Hanazono Resort.
developers come
pistes of Europe or North America, which led them
to look for somewhere to ski closer to Hong Kong.
48 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 49
real estate T question and
and answer
answer
THE designer behind the Sekka brand, Shouya Will this house be a model home for similar
Grigg (pictured below), has built a dream home developments?
at Hanazono, between Hirafu and Kutchan Obviously the home will be a showpiece for the
Town. Powderlife spoke to Shouya about how quality and styling I can produce as part of the Sekka
the new home embodied his ideals of a luxury brand. In a sense its what I would do anyway Im
lifestyle, and why he believed more people fortunate Im in this area and I can utilise it as a
would be interested in building outside the showpiece. Whats happened in Whistler, and other
villages on larger blocks of land. big international ski resorts is you have the epicentre
next to the lifts, and some people want ski in-ski out,
Can you tell us about some of the designs and but usually you have the hotels and lodges and the
specifics of this new project? commercial businesses around that. Maybe for some
The house is 500sqm, so its a decent size. There are a people who are very wealthy they want a house in
lot a very high ceilings, its quite an extravagant use amongst that, but what I gather is that many really
of space not cramming everything into 500sqm. The wealthy people want a home, and they often have
house is only five bedrooms. Its got a lot of outdoor something thats five or 10 minutes outside the
inner zones, where there are water features and epicentre with a multi-million dollar home on that
undercover outdoor terraces. The exterior is coated in with a couple of cars. And they dont just go in winter,
corten steel, and there is a lot of use of glass, bringing they go in the green season too.
in the surrounding nature.
What is good about living outside the main
Paint us a picture of what sort of environment villages?
exists on your block of land. The village has a purpose and its got a certain buzz,
You can glance outside and look at the nature and see but theres a certain lifestyle you cannot achieve by
how that harmonises with the house. All the power living in this. When you build an apartment in the
lines are buried so you dont see any wires all you village its somewhere you spend a week or two in the
see around you is pine trees, birch trees, green fields, winter and a week or two in the summer, but building
mountains and blue skies, and thats important. It a big house outside the village is more of a lifestyle
even has an 85m bore well with pristine mountain choice, somewhere you can spend more time.
spring water that doesnt need to be filtered.
Do you think the Niseko property market is
How big is the block, and where is it? maturing to this level?
The size of that actual property is 15,000 tsubo I really do believe the market is evolving and
about 50,000sqm, or 5ha so its quite a big block. It maturing and there are people who want to have a
overlooks the Hanazono Bokujou (farm). I think the nice home on a nice property thats a bit larger,
Hanazono side is much more pristine than this side of whether that means half an acre to an acre, or up to
the mountain, because its much less developed, and five to 10 acres. Theres still a lot of beautiful land
the average block size is much larger. The whole around Hirafu. I believe it will mature to the stage
Hanazono master plan looks interesting, but even where people from Hong Kong and China and these
without that its just a beautiful area. Its also very closer regions will want to have a home within five to
convenient being so close to Kutchan you can drive 10 minutes drive from the ski fields. But maybe
straight to Kutchan without going through a traffic people will start to want to have a home on the coast,
light. When the Shinkansen bullet train comes so they come here in winter, they get up and drive to
through you will be able to drive to the Kutchan Niseko or drive to Kiroro to ski during the day, then
Shinkansen Station, park your car and be in Tokyo in drive back. I really think it will get to that stage. QUIET NEIGHBOURHOOD
a few hours, or Sapporo in 20 minutes. The Hanazono house
(bottom right) with Mt
What sort of lifestyle can be enjoyed on this Annupuri in the background
property?
I wouldnt normally call this a typical home, but it
would suit me and my lifestyle in that its a place I
could live with my family, but at the same time its a
work space. Its a place you could wander through
and look at art thats on the walls, and antiques and
statues and sculptures. But also the home is
specifically a gallery/studio/office, its also a work
space so being in amongst that type of surrounding,
you could think and come up with interesting new
ideas and concepts. Its a home but its also a gallery
the type of home you can show art and antiques.
50 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 51
question and answer T real estate
Q & A with
Nicolas Gontard
Interview by Lorne Calhoun
Powderlife had a chat with
Odin Project director
Nicolas Gontard
What was your focus before Niseko? What are your plans in Niseko? high-end market segment, these sales are usually quite
I started a telecommunication products company, Our plans are to create one of the most thoughtful private and often require personalised tailoring of the
where I designed and manufactured bluetooth luxury brands in Niseko. We don't believe in product itself. We will gradually start marketing to high
headsets for telephones. I built this company into a ostentatious, flashy luxury. We can see how wealthy net worth individuals around key markets in Singapore,
global brand, with sales all around the world, and then people worldwide are going to be huge drivers of the China and Macau as well.
sold the business to a listed European group in 2007. green movement. We believe Niseko is a great alternative to Whistler or
Bjorn and Chris Fjelddahl, who are my partners in There are currently three projects under way. The Aspen for wealthy Asians who are not prepared to travel
the projects, operate a brand consultancy and brand Odin Residences are two large residences of close to as far and lose two days of skiing to jetlag. Hence our
publishing companies, with four offices across China. 500sqm each. They both carry an architectural signature, marketing is centered on southeast Asia.
Their clients are multi-national brands like Apple, which is a huge, floating roof under large bay windows The first Odin residence was sold to a renowned
Starbucks and Virgin. oriented towards Yotei-zan. The first residence is Fortune 500 businessman last year, after it was
breaking ground in March or April this year. introduced on the market at record-beating
Why has your focus now shifted to Niseko? We also have Yasuragi by Odin - five apartments of 90 350,000,000 (almost US $4 million).
Chris Fjelddahl first discovered the place, thanks to his to 170swm each, built with an spa/onsen-style bath area
Japanese wife, in 1997. Then the three partners started at the heart of each flat. The building itself keeps the How do you feel about the future of
going regularly, firstly because we are all hooked on signature floating roof concept. All apartments have the development here considering the current
the snow. But we also started going there during the same great views on Yotei-zan. market state?
summers as well and have fallen in love with the Finally, Kimamaya by Odin is a boutique hotel One would clearly be very unwise to take the slowdown
pristine nature. We have always done a lot of outdoor concept with serviced hotel suites of 80-90sqm each. All lightly. As in any downturn, despite the challenges, there
sports together. We have done multi-day adventure are rentable as one or two-key flats. The hotel offers a are some silver linings. It kicks out the speculators, and
races in the wild in Thailand, China, Philippines, in the lounge, bar and restaurant. usually heralds a return to quality. That's where we see
Himalayas, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and river Odin will benefit. We're in it for the long run, and we're
rafting. We love nature and Niseko satisfies all of those How has interest been in the projects? sweating the product quality really, really hard. We've
appetites. We have had great interest, despite the tighter been at it for the last two years already, and have
worldwide economy, in the first market where we are involved some of the most talented designers, architects,
currently marketing - Hong Kong. Because we service a interior designers and construction engineers.
52 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 53
real estate views T real estate
Building in Niseko
By Michael Davenport, director of Niseko Consulting
WITH many of the real estate purchases in Niseko being land, there
are lots of investors holding plots perfectly suited for new
construction. However, the prospect of building in Japan can be a
daunting one. Here is a rough outline of the basic steps in
construction to show how simple it can be.
6. Completion
After the property is completed, the construction firm officially hands the building
over following an inspection by the owner. Any problems should be clearly solved
before signing any documentation. After everything is finished it is time to buy
furniture, arrange utilities, pay taxes and move in. If the property is for rent, or
you plan to be away for long periods at a time, finding a property management
company is the final step.
Michael Davenport is director of Niseko Consulting and North Star Projects and
has been directly involved with real estate and building since he came to Niseko
in 2006. North Star Projects offer advice, contracting and project management
services for all levels of construction. info@ns-projects.com
54 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 55
phone directory T directory
Restaurants, cafes Graubunden
Loaf Lounge
and eateries 23 3371 [MAP E4] 22 1022 [Kutchan]
A-Bu-Cha Specialities
Buta don 850
22 5620 [MAP C2] Tempura Set 1350 Sekka Deli Cafe
Sashimi 1350
Bs Caf and Bar Tendon 950 22 3088 [MAP B2]
House-made produce using local ingre-
22 1480 [MAP D1] Hana Jizoh Bakery Maru
dients, cheeses, meats, wines. Breakfast
to dinner, dine in or take away.
23 0331 [MAP F4] 22 5020 [MAP E3]
Amazing sweet and savoury breads Traditional Japanese donburi restau-
and pastries. Must try! Get the free rant. 11:30am-2pm/5-11pm. Pick up
village shuttle to bus stop 27. available. Reservation required
090 2871 6781 [MAP D3] 080 5584 1313 22 1105 [MAP C1]
0136 44 1144 [Higashiyama]
Just 300m ski or bus from the Hilton Niseko Pizza Shunsai
Niseko Villlage. Check out or great
Western and Japanese menu. 21 6888 [MAP D2] 23 1882 [Kutchan]
Paddy McGintys Slalom
Blo Blo Bar
55 8020 [MAP C2] 22 1105 [MAP C1]
22-12-69 [MAP D1] JoJos Caf and Bar
Spur Chinese Restaurant
Bouken Kazoku 23 2093 [MAP E3]
A 13 cm Original Burger, potato 22 1105 [MAP C1]
22 3759 gnocchi and fries from local potatoes. Tsubara Tsubara
Generous portions of food
Chidori
23 1116 [MAP E4]
23 2831 [MAP F4] Pauls Cafe and Bar
Jyuu Okonomiyaki
Curry Goya 090 9083 6764 [MAP C3]
44 2336 [Higashiyama] Specialising in Belgian beer and rotis-
23 3688 [MAP F4] Kakashi serie chicken. More than 30 beers on
tap or in bottles. Belgian Waffles.
Downtown
23 2622 [MAP D2]
23 3354 [MAP B3] WIld Bills
Kame Payoka
Dragon Wine and Food Bar 22 5652 [MAP D2]
22 0339 [MAP E3] 22 0117 [MAP E1] Come for dinner, stay for drinks.
21 7700 [MAP B2] Piccolo House Hirafus most popular bar and Tex-Mex
cuisine restaurant. See you there!
23 0311 [MAP E2]
Raku Izakaya Yawaraya
22 6638 [MAP C3] 23 3810 [MAP C3]
Kamimura
Rin Izakaya Youtei Yakiniku
EN in-house fine dining
21 2288 [MAP D2]
Nisekos premier dining experience. 22 1444 [MAP B3] 22 0109 [MAP E1]
55 8100 [MAP D3]
Relax while our in-house chef does all A mix of Japanese seasonal cuisine, Yuki Bar and Caf
the work. blended with classic French technique.
Your fine dining solutions. 22 0234 [MAP D2]
Kila Yummys
Fujizushi Sushi
070 6646 4715 [MAP C2] 21 2239 [MAP C3]
23 2661 [MAP B3] Rosso Rosso
Komekichi Onigiri Caf
Gentem Caf 21 7100 [MAP B3]
22 1105 [MAP F1] Casual steak house with a contempo-
23 3154 [MAP B1] Kumagoro rary flavour. Juicy, tender wagyu and
Kobe beef, variety of imported wines.
Grandpapa
23 3381 [MAP B3]
0136 23 2244 [MAP B3] Landmark Deli
23 4285 [MAP E2]
60 powderlife ISSUE 13 january 24 february 6 2009 www.powderlife.com www.powderlife.com january 24 february 6 2009 ISSUE 13 powderlife 61
health T the last word on health
If the shoe
doesnt fit
By Byron Dawson
MANY people assume that A shell check, looking at how much larger the shell is upwards, which is detrimental to skiing and boarding.
cold, sore feet are just fact of than your foot, should be performed for every boot you Changing the ramp angle of the boot reduces the affect of
life when it comes to spending try on, as the length of the shell will not change, but the this limited flexion. Womens calf muscles tend to sit lower
time on the mountain. thickness of the foam in the liner will compress than mens, which can cause soreness in the back of the
Although that may have been substantially. leg when a boot is clamped around it. Many
true 30 years ago, modern When you first put your foot in the boot it will likely manufacturers offer boots with lower cuffs to allow for
boots and boot-fitting feel very snug, but is important to take the advice of your this, otherwise material can be removed to allow for
techniques ensure that nearly boot-fitter, as he has already checked the length of the larger calves. Womens extremities are inherently colder
Byron Dawson
everyone can have warm and shell and knows that this is the correct size. This is as tight than men and appreciate electronic heaters added to the
Byron is a certified master comfortable feet all day long. as the boot will ever feel, as steps that are made down the foot beds which maintain a steady temperature
boot-fitter with seven Whether you are due to road will provide more space throughout the boot. It throughout the foot.
seasons of experience, purchase a new pair of boots, should feel like your foot is encapsulated by the foam of Even if your boots were never customised for you,
currently working at
Hirafus Boot Solutions.
or your existing boots are the boot with little or no movement inside. adaptations can be made to your boots to make them
giving you grief, working with Once you agree on the ideal boot, adaptations will be work better for you. The first step is to add a custom foot
an educated and experienced made to accept any oddities in your feet which were bed, as the advantages described above will apply to any
boot-fitting professional is the only way to guarantee established during the earlier assessment. For most boot. If you were fitted into a boot which is too big, extra
comfort on the mountain. people, the addition of a custom-made supportive panels of foam can be glued onto the liner to snug up the
As a boot fitter, I am often asked by friends and footbed greatly improves the comfort and performance of fit. When specific points of pressure occur in ski boots, the
customers which boot they should buy; my answer is any ski or snowboard boot. A properly made footbed shells can be heated and stretched to provide more room
always the same: The one that fits your foot. This may positions the subtalar joint close to its neutral position, to relieve the pressure. In snowboard boots, and in some
sound very simplistic, but far too often people get hung which is its most balanced and powerful position for the places on ski boots, pieces of foam and plastic can be cut
up on the aesthetics of the boot, and forget they have to foot to be for snowsports. A footbed supports the entire out of the liners to give more space in a problematic area.
wear it all day in the freezing cold. The simplest analogy is base of the foot, which can shorten the foot up to one
to compare a boot to a vice, a vice that must apply even whole size, which in conjunction with a deep heel cup
pressure around your entire foot, ankle, and lower leg. It greatly increases the comfort of any boot.
is, therefore, imperative that said vice must anatomically The final step of the fit process is to custom mold the
match your feet. boots liner, which, when heated, expands and becomes
Before even considering which boots, a good fitter will very pliable. When the foot is placed in the warmed liner,
have a frank chat to understand what sort of a skier or the foam compresses in areas of tightness and to a lesser
snowboarder you are, and what you are expecting from degree fills in voids. After the molding process is complete,
the boots. A brief but concise biomechanical assessment you will be encouraged to ski for a few days which will
of your feet and ankles should follow. A ski boot is further settle in the liner, if soreness occurs after this go
generally designed for an ideal foot, so even anatomical back to the shop for further adaptations to be made.
abnormalities can be problematic when skiing. The good Special adaptations often need to be made to womens
news is that many issues can be accommodated, for so boots, as their feet present a variety of challenges. Boot Solutions is located opposite Yotei Tracks,
long as they are made know to the fitter. It is therefore Wearing high heels is not good for your skiing, as they down the road from Wild Bills in Hirafus Upper
important to speak up if you have any medical conditions tend to reduce the length of the Achilles tendon. A Village. They can be contacted on 0136-221-025.
or chronic pain in your feet. shortened Achilles reduces the range of flexion of the foot
N
in ow
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ku en
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