Goodbye Niseko - My Final Day on Snow

This was it… The final day of the 2024–2025 winter season.

⭐️Watch Next: https://youtu.be/srx-_t1is9k

The only resort still open this late in April was Annupuri, that was thankfully running lifts all the way to the top of the mountain. The day kicked off with sunshine, but by the time I reached the top, the clouds had rolled in. The weather may have turned gloomy, but the slushy spring snow made for some fun groomer laps.

I caught up with some friends and did a few runs with them, even hitting a handmade jump just outside one of the gates. After they left, I decided to finally do something I’d never got around to after 3 seasons—hiking out Gate 2 to the Annupuri summit. Visibility was poor and I ended up inside a rain cloud at the top, but it felt like one final adventure to close out the season.

The ski down was cautious with low visibility, emerging plants, and the looming risk of glide cracks. Eventually, I skied out of the clouds and enjoyed one last run back to the base. Packing my gear into the car was emotional—hard to sum up a whole season in a single moment.

Back home, I reflect on the season: the goals I hit both on skis and on YouTube, and why I make these videos. I’m not a pro skier, and I don’t try to be—I just want to show what’s possible for the average Joe with a bit of effort, some dedication and a love for the mountains.

Thanks for joining me this season. Here's to more adventures ahead. ????????

❤️Subscribe for future videos: https://www.youtube.com/@UC2NDmoEW_qx8uivSSgnlOVw

????Need to hire a car in Niseko? https://www.northtreksinc.com/
For seasonal car hire, contact Northtreks directly: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563855637699

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❄️ Niseko United Ski Resort is renowned for its 15m average annual snowfall, incredible backcountry terrain, and vibrant ski culture. Experience the magic of Hokkaido, from deep powder runs to peaceful forest glades.

???? Filmed entirely in Niseko United, including Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village, Annupuri and the surrounding backcountry.

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0:00 The last hoorah!
2:00 Time to get the lawnmower out
2:55 Top to bottom run
6:31 Party lap
10:36 Part lap 2
14:57 Do I hike the summit?
16:00 Hiking Annupuri Gate 2
17:02 A horrible view from the summit
18:48 Skiing in a rain cloud
20:33 Last run of the season
22:50 Two blinks and it's over
23:46 What I achieved this winter

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DISCLAIMER:
Some of the areas in this video are shot outside of the Niseko Resort boundary. These areas are unpatrolled and prone to increased risk of accident and injury. DO NOT blindly follow these videos and ride in the areas shown without the proper education, equipment and knowledge of the risks involved. It is always recommended to ride with an experienced guide and carry an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe (and know how to use them) outside of the Niseko gate system.

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Shot on:
Go Pro Hero 13: https://amzn.to/4g9vaiK
Ultra Wide Lens Mod: https://amzn.to/3ZeNC2K
GoPro Shorty Pole: https://amzn.to/49b4goy
Media Mod: https://amzn.to/3VhFzBk
Sony A7iii: https://amzn.to/4g79Ryl
Sony 24-70mm Lens: https://amzn.to/4eYe7zb

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