Day Three : Time to explore

We headed out this morning with a plan to meet at lunch time, that way when we got separated we at least had a plan. Niseko is actually four different mountains. Yesterday we skied Grand Hirafu, which is the area closest to where we are staying. Today we decided to explore further afield and ski at Hanazono. Marg caught the bus there. The rest of us went up the gondola and skied across to Hanazono from the top of the mountain. We explored the runs over there, gradually losing the crowd on the way. This time John, Casey and Marnie, successfully ditched Sheree, Anthony and me (Margo) at various points in the morning. 

John, Casey and Marnie went tree skiing and through the gates into the ungroomed areas. I explored the red (blue) runs and the others did similar.

We all met up for lunch, so that plan worked and then headed out in various directions for the afternoon.  

Today's photo is Marg ringing the bells at Hanazono for good luck. You can see the view in the background, there were sunny patches on and off all day, which made it easier to see which way we were going.

There was even fresh snow that fell over lunch time, which made the snow up the top very pleasant for skiing. 

After lunch Sheree and Casey headed back to the tree runs, Marg explored Hanazono a bit more. John, Marnie, Anthony and I headed off to trek across to the third of the ski areas - Niseko Village. We found some lovely runs and of course unlike skiing in Vic, they are very long! So I caught a bus back from there - conserving my energy and my knees. Only one of the four ski areas left to explore. 

Highlight for toady for me, would have to be buying a real coffee at lunchtime. The first one I have had since we arrived - it tasted good.