Who is going skiing and where in 2016

[seefarr]

a311 said:

A good mate of mine has lived in Japan for about 5 years now ski instructing and guiding, he's based on Hokkaido in Rusutsu close to the bigger and more famous Niseko. If you're going to be close to Tokyo then it may make more sense to stick to the areas around there unless you're happy to take another flight. I've not skied on the main island before, I think Hokkaido gets more snow and powder than Honshu but there are literally hundreds of ski areas within distance of Tokyo.

Good little guide given here: http://www.powderhounds.com/Japan/Honshu.aspx

Skiing is very different in Japan for someone used to skiing in Europe, the on piste stuff for keen piste bashers isn't all that in part due to the size of the mountains and lack of vertical. If skiing trees and deep powder is your thing it's certainly the place to go, the famous deep powder however like anywhere else isn't guaranteed.

^^^ Good stuff there - I love that website. There's over 500 ski resorts in Japan, so you're spoiled for choice! I would agree and say that it's not worth getting back on a plane for a few days and also the skiing on Honshu is fantastic anyway. In 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, you can be in a resort. As a rough guide, as you go down the list on the site above things will get less Western and more Japanese (although Shiga Kogen seems to fall outside this rule). Most of the Honshu resorts that will be on your radar get an average of 12M a year which compares well to most European resorts getting less than 6M. The snow can be wetter than Hokkaido but volume isn't a problem!

Other websites to give you some ideas:

http://japansnowtriptips.com/category/snow-info/

http://www.snowjapan.com/

And the amazing Trip Report that made me go to Japan the first time for skiing is here:

http://forums.ski.com.au/xf/threads/trip-report-ra...

[Tallow]

seefarr said:

a311 said:

A good mate of mine has lived in Japan for about 5 years now ski instructing and guiding, he's based on Hokkaido in Rusutsu close to the bigger and more famous Niseko. If you're going to be close to Tokyo then it may make more sense to stick to the areas around there unless you're happy to take another flight. I've not skied on the main island before, I think Hokkaido gets more snow and powder than Honshu but there are literally hundreds of ski areas within distance of Tokyo.

Good little guide given here: http://www.powderhounds.com/Japan/Honshu.aspx

Skiing is very different in Japan for someone used to skiing in Europe, the on piste stuff for keen piste bashers isn't all that in part due to the size of the mountains and lack of vertical. If skiing trees and deep powder is your thing it's certainly the place to go, the famous deep powder however like anywhere else isn't guaranteed.

^^^ Good stuff there - I love that website. There's over 500 ski resorts in Japan, so you're spoiled for choice! I would agree and say that it's not worth getting back on a plane for a few days and also the skiing on Honshu is fantastic anyway. In 2.5 hours from central Tokyo, you can be in a resort. As a rough guide, as you go down the list on the site above things will get less Western and more Japanese (although Shiga Kogen seems to fall outside this rule). Most of the Honshu resorts that will be on your radar get an average of 12M a year which compares well to most European resorts getting less than 6M. The snow can be wetter than Hokkaido but volume isn't a problem!

Other websites to give you some ideas:

http://japansnowtriptips.com/category/snow-info/

http://www.snowjapan.com/

And the amazing Trip Report that made me go to Japan the first time for skiing is here:

http://forums.ski.com.au/xf/threads/trip-report-ra...

ETA - Oops, noused up the formatting there, doh!

Thanks for the info guys, really helpful! I've not done any off piste skiing before. Perhaps a good starting point would be to try some on my next skiing trip in France before I venture to Japan then.

Edited by Tallow on Monday 14th September 09:24

[budfox]

Silver993tt said:

Petrol Only said:

Always booked in advanced. But I fancy a extra week in March with just the missus. Any tips on sites?

We always ski in Austria. For the 1st few years we did France but after living in Austria discovered that the ski areas are much nicer in Austria together with the pretty villages, better food, better prices and better atmosphere. Try any Austrian ski area and you won't be disappointed.

Couldn't agree more. Gave up on France when it became West Moscow. I'm in Austria right now for a walking holiday and will probably return in Feb for some skiing.

We like Kaprun/Zell/Salbach/Hinterglemm - Not as high as the French Alps but the people are delightful and the value unbeatable.

[Zigster]

We've been to Nendaz in Switzerland (same ski area as Verbier) at February half-term for the last two years. We're thinking of going at Easter this year - but not sure if the snow at Nendaz will be good enough (Nendaz is quite low at 1400 but it's a short trip up the mountain to Siviez at 1730 or a cable car to Tracouet at 2200).

I looked at some of the French resorts instead, but the apartments are all expensive and grim compared with Switzerland (which seems odd) - as an example, a tiny 1-bedroom apartment in France for the same price as a smart 3-bedroom chalet in Switzerland (and I know where the chalet is - I stayed opposite it last year).

There are 4 of us: me (skied most years since I was a kid but happy to take it a bit easier these days), wife (not that bothered - prefers the spa), two sons (6 and 8, skied twice before). Any tips? Happy to drive - flights can be pretty pricey in school holidays.

Cheers

[//j17]

budfox said:

Couldn't agree more. Gave up on France when it became West Moscow. I'm in Austria right now for a walking holiday and will probably return in Feb for some skiing.

We like Kaprun/Zell/Salbach/Hinterglemm - Not as high as the French Alps but the people are delightful and the value unbeatable.

Those resorts aren't as high, no but then height's only half the story. French resorts HAVE to be high because they are in the western alps so have a much higher snow line than places further east like Austria.

[budfox]

Zigster said:

We've been to Nendaz in Switzerland (same ski area as Verbier) at February half-term for the last two years. We're thinking of going at Easter this year - but not sure if the snow at Nendaz will be good enough (Nendaz is quite low at 1400 but it's a short trip up the mountain to Siviez at 1730 or a cable car to Tracouet at 2200).

I looked at some of the French resorts instead, but the apartments are all expensive and grim compared with Switzerland (which seems odd) - as an example, a tiny 1-bedroom apartment in France for the same price as a smart 3-bedroom chalet in Switzerland (and I know where the chalet is - I stayed opposite it last year).

There are 4 of us: me (skied most years since I was a kid but happy to take it a bit easier these days), wife (not that bothered - prefers the spa), two sons (6 and 8, skied twice before). Any tips? Happy to drive - flights can be pretty pricey in school holidays.

Cheers

Apartment Mary in Kaprun is where we've stayed a couple of times. Very nice apartments, welcoming hosts, 90 mins from Salzburg and you've got the huge area I mentioned above.

You'll need a car but they keep the roads very clear so no worries there.

If you do stay there you'll also benefit from a free pass to the Tauern Spa which is new and brilliant which your wife will love. You can watch the sun set over the mountains whilst relaxing in their outdoor infinity pool.

[5potTurbo]

Ranger 6 said:

Not going for the first time in 12 years.......

Hi!
That's a shame.



We'll be away over Christmas and New Year in Whistler, then I've a few long weekends with mates & colleagues through Jan/Feb/Mar, work travel permitting.

Edited by 5potTurbo on Monday 14th September 15:59

[timlongs]

First signs of fresh snow over here in Les Arcs...

[Jarcy]

timlongs said:

First signs of fresh snow over here in Les Arcs...

Arc 1950 booked for half term

[Welshbeef]

Having never bought ski poles before I'm thinking of the below. I've no idea the difference between good bad indifferent but from the conversions o need 130cm poles. For £15 are these a good buy or utter garbage and spend a touch more (on what brand model etc) would be the best move.

Happy to buy used but again I've no idea what I should be looking for.

Ski ability comfortable on all blues more than happy to go onto reds / do struggle on some of the more challenging reds. I doubt I'll improve much happy to hover around this level as its a holiday more than a time how fast I can get down.


http://www.decathlon.co.uk/boost-500-p-poles-id_83...

[a311]

Tallow said:

ETA - Oops, noused up the formatting there, doh!

Thanks for the info guys, really helpful! I've not done any off piste skiing before. Perhaps a good starting point would be to try some on my next skiing trip in France before I venture to Japan then.

Edited by Tallow on Monday 14th September 09:24

Unless you've the cash and/or want to combine it with a holiday/cultural trip then Japan won't float your boat. Get yourself booked on an off piste access course they'll give you tools and techniques to ski off piste. When on holiday just ski everything including the filth, ice, poor vis, moguls etc.

I can highly recommend Snoworks they've a variety of offerings and their All Terrain course may work for you which are half days.

If you want to change it up from Europe there's some good skiing to be had in North America. There are few that compete in size to the big euro resorts but somewhere like Whistler is with plenty of pistes plus the in bounds/out of bounds gives you reassurance everything in the ski area is patrolled so plenty of off piste.

Welshbeef said:

Having never bought ski poles before I'm thinking of the below. I've no idea the difference between good bad indifferent but from the conversions o need 130cm poles. For £15 are these a good buy or utter garbage and spend a touch more (on what brand model etc) would be the best move.

Happy to buy used but again I've no idea what I should be looking for.

Ski ability comfortable on all blues more than happy to go onto reds / do struggle on some of the more challenging reds. I doubt I'll improve much happy to hover around this level as its a holiday more than a time how fast I can get down.


http://www.decathlon.co.uk/boost-500-p-poles-id_83...

They look fine to me Beefy, even for advanced skiers and beyond expensive poles are a waste of money IMO. You can go carbon but they are more susceptible to breaking and potentially thievery when parked up for lunch etc.

Telescopic poles are handy when off piste if you're hiking. Hard core ski tourers obsess about saving weight down to the gram.

If you see yourself going off piste at all you can buy some bigger baskets for your poles, they're cheap as chips (couple of quid) and interchangeable. You need bigger baskets when you're pushing down into deeper snow.

[Welshbeef]

a311 said:

They look fine to me Beefy, even for advanced skiers and beyond expensive poles are a waste of money IMO. You can go carbon but they are more susceptible to breaking and potentially thievery when parked up for lunch etc.

Telescopic poles are handy when off piste if you're hiking. Hard core ski tourers obsess about saving weight down to the gram.

If you see yourself going off piste at all you can buy some bigger baskets for your poles, they're cheap as chips (couple of quid) and interchangeable. You need bigger baskets when you're pushing down into deeper snow.

Ordered them so boots skis helmet and all clothing owned no more hiring or any stuff.

[a311]

Welshbeef said:

Ordered them so boots skis helmet and all clothing owned no more hiring or any stuff.

Did you invest in your own skis last season? They're an arse to carry about to and from the airport etc , I like having my own gear though.

[Welshbeef]

a311 said:

Welshbeef said:

Ordered them so boots skis helmet and all clothing owned no more hiring or any stuff.

Did you invest in your own skis last season? They're an arse to carry about to and from the airport etc , I like having my own gear though.

We hire a mini bus from airport to resort anyway.

[rs4al]

Just booked into a hotel opposite the Ciamponoi gondola in Selva val Gardena/wolkenstein/groden for early Jan. Can't wait !

[T1berious]

malks222 said:

Welshbeef said:

Wow make sure see didn't see that post.

Anyway - absolutely stick with it you'll ideally want to get to the same level together and you can enjoy the skiing. Remember you'll be taking your kids up there and having a mum who cannot ski means it's not a family holiday and will then frankly not happen and you'll have to make do with "beach" holidays instead.


Why not get one mate to bring his wife or lady along too - choose one with utter novice skill on the Mrs side then happy days.

haha, wouldnt worry about her reading it, she has mentioned 'will she be dragged skiing this winter' a couple of times and also mentioned maybe i should just go with my mates. I also know that she's not calling my bluff on this, she really wouldnt be fussed if i went without her.

But i agree, its something i'd really like for her to enjoy. i dont really have any friends with partners who would be beginners, none of them would even be interested.and last year the friends we went with could all ski/board and she felt like she was holding me back.

but i really think i'm going to go down the route of going to courchevel, book a nice catered chalet (bit more social instead of a hotel, like we did last year)so she'll hopefully enjoy the mixed group situation of the chalet.

does anyone have any advice on beginner friendly resorts other my thougths of courchevel?

I have been exactly where you're the Mrs is now, no doubt my Mrs was having a similar conversation with her mates!

The good news is I stuck it out and 7 seasons out am venturing off piste and have done some tree skiing.

my 1st was Kitzbhuel, really flat cruiser blues and really wide areas.

After that was ST Anton. Again really good mix of blues and reds.

did Zermatt after that which was a bit tougher and then after that it was back to St Anton a few times and then it was Whistler after getting confident on black runs.

Tip: 1 to 1 tuition for the win and once you find an instructor you trust stick with them.

Kitzbuhel also wins as a very classy resort (well, last time I went).

Cheers,

T1b

[iphonedyou]

Going with work to Montgenevre.

[malks222]

T1berious said:

I have been exactly where you're the Mrs is now, no doubt my Mrs was having a similar conversation with her mates!

The good news is I stuck it out and 7 seasons out am venturing off piste and have done some tree skiing.

my 1st was Kitzbhuel, really flat cruiser blues and really wide areas.

After that was ST Anton. Again really good mix of blues and reds.

did Zermatt after that which was a bit tougher and then after that it was back to St Anton a few times and then it was Whistler after getting confident on black runs.

Tip: 1 to 1 tuition for the win and once you find an instructor you trust stick with them.

Kitzbuhel also wins as a very classy resort (well, last time I went).

Cheers,

T1b

thanks, i think i'm gonna stick with it and give it another try. whats the worst that happens, it just confirms that she hates skiing and i never need to bother again, or she might actually start to enjoy it.

i've been to kitzbuhel for 1 day and had a good time there. i remember a lot of the runs being quite mellow, specifically remember a black run near the top that felt more like a blue! but my only concern with going to a resort i've never been before, is my girlfriend doesnt like the unknown. she would panic if she thought i didnt know where i'm going, never mind her not having a clue.

somehting else thats come up is, one of her friends and husband love skiing/boarding and mentioned going away this year. when we spoke to her about the skiig holiday she was the only one of her friends who was supportive and really tried to encourage her, i'm thinking if we were able to go on holiday with them, then she might feel a bit more at ease with a friend for support, instead of her stupid bf making her go down black runs!!!! (which never happened, she screamed at me on a steep ish blue)

[T1berious]

From my own experience with the whole chums thing I found it more stressful. It was the fact that they could all Ski and I was the one that was the complete N00b, fortunately, I was doing lessons in the morning and meeting up with my Mrs in the afternoon (which meant we could do easy stuff in the afternoon after she'd done some off piste \ black runs with chums in the morning).

We've since only gone skiing on our own but now the gap skill wise is much smaller and we share lessons (Yay!)

I think when I was starting out I did 3 full day lessons per holiday (yikes), thankfully we share 2 half days now or if she wants an Off Piste clinic we do separate lessons.

Cheers

T1b

[Busa mav]

iphonedyou said:

Going with work to Montgenevre.

That is a great resort , not been for 15 years but it's somewhere I would go back to, part of a great system .