~ NISEKO 2013/14 ~
Off Piste in Niseko is a pretty organised deal!!!!! Probably how every resort should do I reckon!!!!!
They have a series of gates that they open dependant on Avalanche risk!!!!! Note that they do not patrol these gates areas either, so make sure ya ride with mates!!!!! You will pay if they need to get you out of there too, so make sure ya insurance covers it!!!!!
They’re also pretty organised with back/side country tours, and have several companies that will show you the way!!!!!
Haven’t been to Moiwa but a few say its well worth a look, mainly for the lack of crowds!!!!!
There’s also an area between Higashiyama and Hirafu that you can buy a limited pass into!!!!! Mizu No-Nosawa!!!!! (I think that’s how it’s spelt)
This area is strictly off limits when closed/you don’t have a pass!!!!!
It can get some serious glide cracks at times!!!!!
First Tracks in Niseko on the 9th!!!!! And all when there was nothin but bare grass to be seen a few days prior!!!!!
Made this thread a sticky. 
I’m looking into insurance for the season in Niseko and was wondering about these sidecountry? gates - would the terrain accessed through this be counted as within resort boundaries or out-of-bounds? I tried looking at the trail maps but couldn’t really work it out.
The reason I ask is because some policies say they cover off-piste but only within resort boundaries and backcountry only with a certified guide (eg. World Nomads). I plan on a riding in these areas and after 2 injuries last season in Whistler I want to make sure I’m covered.
If anyone has any suggestions on any good insurers that would be a big help! I need travel insurance for 6 months and it to cover snowboarding for pretty much the entire season.
Yeah mate, the gates are technically Out of Bounds!!!!!
Hasn’t World Nomads got an option to be covered for Back Country????? (No Guide)
http://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance/ski-and-snowboard-insurance.aspx#axzz2kKX7HAqE
Just lookin at this, and it even says they might not cover you even with a guide!!!!!
* But then at the bottom unless specifically covered in the policy you choose!!!!!
3. Backcountry or any areas out of bounds of the ski resort, unless specifically covered under the policy you buy.
Maybe best to call/email or use their forum style help section to get a clears answer?????
The Level 3 cover (from what I can tell is the highest) has a “*” next to backcountry which means you are only covered when with a “professional, qualified and licensed guide or operator whilst performing an activity”
Does anyone know of any other insurers which cover Backcountry?
Maybe ask the question here?????
After a quick browse through there, DRC got cover from AAMI, so it might be worthwhile givin them a look?????
Cheers mate! AAMI sounds like it’ll do the trick
Cheers Mizu! Definitely gonna take a look at Moiwa, planning on being in the area for around 4 weeks so plenty of time to hit up everything. I take it that late Jan early Feb would be crowded by Niseko standards?
Off Piste in Niseko is a pretty organised deal!!!!! Probably how every resort should do I reckon!!!!!
They have a series of gates that they open dependant on Avalanche risk!!!!! Note that they do not patrol these gates areas either, so make sure ya ride with mates!!!!! You will pay if they need to get you out of there too, so make sure ya insurance covers it!!!!!
They’re also pretty organised with back/side country tours, and have several companies that will show you the way!!!!!
Haven’t been to Moiwa but a few say its well worth a look, mainly for the lack of crowds!!!!!