by glen on September 2, 2011
This summer many local companies and individuals came together to try and make a difference in the lives of people living in the earthquake and tsunami affected regions on the main island of Honshu. Groups were invited to stay in the Niseko Hirafu, property owners and management companies generously donated accommodation, the Japanese government offered subsidized travel assistance, local business donated services and local people volunteered time to help out.
The Niseko Tsunami Relief Program looked after the group and offered a large range of activities for participants from English lessons, games, all kinds to sports including hiking and much more – the weekly BBQ’s were also held drawing large numbers.
It was really good meeting some of participants and I went hiking a few times with different groups.
A lot to the kids from down south haven’t been able to get outdoors as much as usual so they were having lot’s of fun running around which was good to see.
Locals helping out with BBQ duties !
Near the BBQ venue I had never really taken much notice of the mini waterfall and pond in the park just below the J First hotel and it was nice to see the kids catching tadpoles and cooling down there during the hot weather.
Wishing all the participants the best back home.
Tagged as:
hiking,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
niseko,
people,
Photography
Being on holiday here in Australia has been sweet – catching up with family and friends, great food, amazing scenery…
I have been struck by the different seasons between my adopted home town of Niseko Japan and Canberra. When I left Niseko a few weeks ago it was slowly emerging from the meters of snow and when I arrived in Canberra it was in full autumnal glory.
I set up for a night shot near Yass going for the southern polaris where the lights of Canberra were still visible but unfortunately this shot didn’t quite work out as i hoped it would – i messed up the intervals which resulted in the gaps between the star trails….fun anyways.
Loving the weird and wonderful sights of Australia
Tagged as:
Australia,
Autumn,
Building,
Canberra,
cycling,
hiking,
Photography
by glen on January 21, 2011
After an eventful few weeks with lots and lots and lots of snow I’ve managed to make time for a long overdue studio343 post – oh happy new year 
So after doing cat trips with NSA over the last few years on the low down for visiting groups of pros into unknown Niseko back country zones, this year NSA have opened up an amazing section of back country to the public which is now truly primed for cat skiing adventures.
Getting into and out of the ski-able area has become easier as the guys have decided to groom and maintain a trail with their big daddy groomer.
The trail is now in and it makes it much more comfortable and a whole lot quicker for the smaller cat to get groups into the drop zone.
The he runs are probably around a similar length to Strawberry fields in Hanazono with heaps of great features to hit.
There is something for everyone from super deep untouched power stashes…
To some serious drops…
The cat adventures are all day trips with as many runs as your fitness can handle!
Max group numbers for the trips are 5 and transport to and from the base is included as well as a qualified guide and a driver – safety gear and beacons are also provided.
I also offer a range of additional photographic services to capture all the days action.
For further inquires please contact me directly for more information.
Glen 080 6098 7244
gcp@glenclaydon.com
Tagged as:
backcountry,
hiking,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
niseko,
Photography,
snowcat,
winter
by glen on December 21, 2010
As a photographer one aspect that is sometimes easy to forget in all the excitement of setting up and planning shoots is the risk that skiers and snowboarders take in the pursuit of a great shot.
Last Sunday in association with NSA a group of local photographers and guides went through a couple of safety drills to learn how best to assist in the event of an accident.
The first drill looked at how to immobilize and split a broken wrist, the second a broken leg and the 3rd a spinal injury.
It was really good to review all of this and know that in the event of a accident the guys at Niseko Snowmobile Adventures are prepared for all eventualities.
In an exciting development this season I will be offering back country cat skiing tours! These trips will be whole day adventures offering a unique chance to see rarely scene aspects of the local Hirafu area and ride some fresh deep powder with just a few friends ALL DAY. More details will be available soon so stay tuned.
For Snowmobile inquiries visit Niseko Snowmobile Adventures
Tagged as:
hiking,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
Kutchan,
niseko,
panorama,
people,
Photography,
skiing,
snowboarding,
winter
by glen on November 29, 2010
After the initial excitement of the first snowfall and first tracks unfortunately there hasn’t been too much to get excited about over the last few weeks…”opening” weekend came and went with no joy – although The Barn’s opening was good.
Have a look at this panorama taken on the 20th of Nov during the balmy opening ceremony of the ‘Safety Center’.
It seems to me that in Japan every organization loves a ceremony and Niseko Hirafu is no exception. The safety center is run in association with the local police and Hirafu business owners to grease the wheels of internationalization.
Anyways, with the lack of snow it has meant Mountain biking has been a go. Here are a few shots taken over the last month.
These shots were taken on the road up to Goshiki Onsen from Hanazono on the 13th- check out the road markers – the poles must be at least 5 meters high.
There was a bit more snow than we thought there would be up higher !
Last weekend we rode around the Foothills of Yotei…EPIC
Yesterday I went for another ride in fingerless gloves but only made it down one hill before my fingers went numb and i was done.
Ok snow….lets go!
Tagged as:
Autumn,
hanazono,
hiking,
Hirafu,
Hokkaido,
Japan,
mtb,
niseko,
panorama,
people,
Photography
