January, 23rd 2018
Did you realise there are avalanches in Niseko? Many visitors to Niseko come from places where there isn’t snow, and as such, haven’t grown up with any awareness of the possibility of avalanches around ski resorts.
While it’s totally safe to ski on all ski runs within the Niseko United ski resorts without fear of avalanche, once you step or ski outside the resort boundary, it’s a different story.
It’s vitally important that visitors understand this, and also understand how to mitigate the chance of accident.
The Niseko Rules are the Niseko area’s official regulations created for the safety and freedom of every skier and snowboarder riding inside or outside the ski resort boundaries.
Be sure to take careful note of these rules and ensure your Niseko skiing holiday is safe and fun!
Niseko Rules
1. STRICTLY OFF LIMIT AREAS ARE NOT TO BE ENTERED AT ANY TIME
Yu no Sawa and Haru no Taki are “Strictly Off Limits Areas” determined by the Niseko Rules. Whoever riding those areas will have their lift pass confiscated.
2. DUCKING ROPES IS PROHIBITED
Ducking any ropes is prohibited. If you do, your lift pass will be confiscated. Use designated gates to access the out of bound area.
3. NO SAFETY CONTROL BEYOND RESORT BOUNDARIES
The areas outside the resort boundaries (including the peak) are National forests and parks, and are not controlled or supervised by the ski resorts. Niseko Rules proclaims that hiking and riding these areas involves danger and if you do, you do it AT YOUR OWN RISK.
4. DO NOT STEP OUT OF BOUNDS WHEN GATES ARE CLOSED
The access gates will be closed during hazardous conditions and out of bound skiing will be strictly prohibited.
5. NISEKO AVALANCHE INFORMATION
The “Niseko Avalanche Information” is the official information published by “Niseko Avalanche Institute”. This information can be found at lift stations, access gates or on the Internet.
6.BACK COUNTRY SEARCH & RESCUE
You are responsible for the cost of search and rescue operation from any out of bounds areas.
7. SKI AND MOUNTAIN PATROL
Niseko Rules demand that all resort users to respect and follow the instructions of the Ski Patrol and the Shiribeshi Mountain Patrol.
8. RESPECT EACH OTHER
Niseko’s ski resorts and the locals respect the freedom of the visitors, but are concerned about their safety, and expect the visitors to respect the Niseko Rules.
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