Skiing in Japan

[nammynake]

I'm planning a skiiing trip in February next year. I'd like to go further afield than Europe, so was thinking North America or Japan.

Has anyone been to Japan skiiing, and do you have any key advice regarding resorts, companies to book through etc? My standard is somewhere between beginner and intermediate.

Thanks

[GlenMH]

I haven't been skiing here but various friends have.

Apres ski doesn't really exist as everyone stays in tiny little ryokan and there is very little nightlife in the resorts.
The skiing is very good as there is lots of powder about. I have driven through some of the ski areas here and in N America and I would go to the US TBH: they are better organised in terms of linking ski areas together, whereas the Japanese tend to do things a bit piecemeal.

As for companies, find some Australian ones as they are the ones that come skiing here.

I will see if I can find some more info for you over the weekend.

[Jackpot]

I spent the last season in Niseko.

I would fully recommend it, one of the best places I have been.

The mountain is made up of 4 different parts, Honozono, Hirafu, Niseko, And An'nupui and the pass you get will allow you to use the whole mountain.

I've been all over the world and the snow here was the best I've ridden, fresh powder almost every day, it's all about the off piste powder.

The night life was also awesome, there's not the greatest choice of places to go but there's more than enough. Places open until 5/6am, including the Seiko mart for when you get the munchies. There's friendly people and as above, loads of Australians there. I loved every bit of it and will be going back.

As for getting there, I organised my trip myself and it was very easy. Flew with Air Japan into Tokyo and then caught a cheap connecting flight so Saporro. From there there's a few companies that run busses to take you to Niseko easily found and booked on the net.

I'd recommend a couple nights in Tokyo if you've never been, you wont need more than that though.

Accommodation wise, it depends on your budget. If you choose to go, you have to stay in Hirafu Village, it's by far the place to stay. I stayed in Shizenkan, a hostel.

It was cheap but absolutely awesome, I can't rate this place highly enough! I'd fully recommend it as long as you're not looking for luxury as it's a standard hostel, bunk beds in rooms, communal kitchen, tv rooms, drying rooms, free wifi, everything you need! We met so many great people here and I know some of them are going back, I may well be there too.

If not there's hotels, apartments and chalets available all around the village, there's free shuttle buses that run all day to get around but everywhere is within walking distance any way.

Ask away if you want any more info!

Cheers

Edited by Jackpot on Wednesday 15th December 19:46

[Beardy10]

These guys actually run a powder skiing course in Japan http://www.warrensmith-skiacademy.com/ for a week every February....all the instructors are English. They're based in Verbier for the European ski season but go out to Japan for a week in Feb to avoid half term and because the snow is amazing!

Here's a couple of vid's to give you an idea of the kind of conditions there are out there

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLZUsLjJ1iU&fea...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OjzqlwCFas

The powder week might be a bit beyond you at your level but something to think about. I've done a week's course with them in Europe, couldn't recommend it enough....they take everyone from your level to a really high standard. You'll be a much better skier after a week with them. I'd really love to do the Japan trip but have a two year old and a new baby so no chance for a couple of years!!!!

[Streetrod]

Snowboarding in Japan in on my to do list big time.

Could someone please confirm a rumour I heard. Is it true that the Japanese will not ski or board in the trees because they think they are sacred?

[Jackpot]

Streetrod said:

Snowboarding in Japan in on my to do list big time.

Could someone please confirm a rumour I heard. Is it true that the Japanese will not ski or board in the trees because they think they are sacred?

I'd side with no, that's not true as you see the locals in the trees. It's mostly Westerners though.

I've boarded in a fair few places and Niseko was by far the least busy place I've been. You hardly ever queue for a lift, if you know where to go you could be riding fresh tracks in the afternoon. The powder is just ridiculous, at one point I went to launch off what I assumed to be waist high natural jump and get some air time, it turned out to be fresh powder and I just dissapeared though it. Absoutely amazing.

Any excuse to post some pics...

You can just about see the nose of my board and tip of my hat through the powder in the first one.

[seefarr]

Streetrod said:

Could someone please confirm a rumour I heard. Is it true that the Japanese will not ski or board in the trees because they think they are sacred?

Don't think so. According to this book (which is really good and I would recommend to the OP):
Snow Search Japan

It's a myth - the Japanese just follow the rules in general. Also, lot's of resorts ban off-piste and will confiscate your lift pass if they catch you.

I'm off to Japan for 3 weeks of snow in Feb (Myoko Kogen where they aren't quite as anal about poaching a bit of powder) and can't wait.