コース外滑走が許されるニセコ独自のルール。ゲートの仕組み、必要な装備、そして「ロープ潜り」の罰則について。
The "Niseko Rules" In most Japanese resorts, if you cross a yellow rope into the trees, the ski patrol will take your pass and kick you out. The Exception: Niseko. They realized they couldn't stop people from chasing powder, so they created the Gate System. It is a system of "Personal Responsibility." Once you pass through a gate, you are out-of-bounds. You are no longer in a ski resort. You are in the wilderness. --- 1. How it Works The Status: There are 11 numbered gates. They only open when the Ski Patrol deems the avalanche risk to be manageable. The Check: Check the "Niseko United" website or the whiteboard at the lift base every morning at 9:00 AM.
If the gates are CLOSED, you must not go. 2. The Safety Gear (The "Big Three") Even though the patrol allows you to go, you must not enter a gate without: 1. Beacon (Transceiver): To be found if buried. 2. Probe: To pinpoint a buried person. 3. Shovel: To dig them out. The Rule: If you are caught inside a gate without gear, the patrol can (and will) confiscate your lift pass. 3.
"Ducking the Rope" vs. The Gate The Crime: Jumping over a rope to enter a closed zone or entering an "Area strictly prohibited" zone. The Consequence: Instant ban. No refunds. Also, you put the rescue teams at risk. --- The gates lead to amazing terrain, but they also lead to cliffs and water hazards. Every year, people get stuck in "Haru-no-taki" (a valley at the back) and have to pay thousands of dollars for a private rescue. Don't go alone. If it's your first time, book a Certified Guide to show you the safe exits.