What is it like to ski in Japan?

[Silverwitch]

Thinking of going to Japan in jan/feb 2011!
Just wondering what it is like skiing there?
I am an intermediate skiier ( Level 4 according to Perisher Ski School) still learning the ropes and OK on groomed runs but still learning in the deeper/crud stuff.
Do you have to be a very good skiier to ski over in Japan in regards to off the groomed runs?
I am a bit nervous about all this powder stuff they talk about as I have never really skiied off piste in OZ. :unsure:
Do you need to be more proficient in off piste before going there?
I just dont want to spend lots of money and time getting there and find out I cant ski there.
Has any one got any advice and etc for me about what I can expect there?
Appreciate your help in advance!:D

[Jahoota]

I think Japan is Xlt place to learn offpiste stuff. Lots of resorts have have gentle wide spaced tree runs that arnt steep. Great place to get used to soft and fluffy.

Trust me... if you can ski oz hardpack, slush, "oz powder" as an intermediate std and deal with the crowds here Japan is a going to look like nirvana! You'll love it!

Shiga could be a good choice. But then again most Japanese resorts will cater for what your looking for.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks Hoots for the quick reply and info. The trip is to ski at Shiga Kogen and at Niseko for about 2 weeks.

[Jahoota]

Silverwitch, have a look at some of my Album pics from shiga this year. There is lots of terrain you'll be very comfortable in.

Hakuba would also be good but I think for an intermediate you'll get more out of shiga as it has a great expanse of crusiney runs which, when covered in boot deep pow will give you plenty of chance to practice in the soft stuff. Probably worth getting a private lesson or two - the japanese are very friendly and accomodating.

However.....the big downside to shiga is that it really doesnt have a funky village to hang out in after sking. Its more a collection of lodges with very few resturants. Its pretty dull after hours to be honest. Hukuba is miles better in that regard as it does have some great litte resturants and bars, something shiga sadly lacks. I cant speak for niseko as I havent been there.

You also really need to consider the after ski options as I believe the cultural side of japan is 50% of the fun! Whatever you choose you will enjoy it for sure :)

[Podlettte]

Silver - you'll love it. I went over as a skier who'd avoided 'aussie powder' like the plague and did a week of lessons while there and came away loving it. I'm still learning and getting into the swing of it, but I was no longer frightened of it or hesitant of it. I might struggle a bit sometimes but I'll throw myself into it now.

Having said that, at Niseko and Hakuba there were plenty of groomed runs to choose from if you didn't want to ski powder.

Having been converted though, skiing groomers really is tough on your feet!

[Pini Pow Pow]

It is a little bit like this.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy24n3cJSMo Awesome!

My gf is an intermediate. She came with me back in feb and absoloutly loved it.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks for the replies I am feeling better now about going ahead and booking the trip and more importantly very inspired by your thoughts and experiences.
Its sounds like it will be amazing !!
Pods, thank you for your honest recount ..it reassured me to think that I wasnt the only one who felt like that!:redface:
Hoots, thank for your postive outlook and yes..I am looking forward to the travel and experience part as I was an avid traveller around the world on and off for many years but have not been OS since the kids came along...I am looking forward to some of that Nirvanna you are talking about! Last time I found nirvanna was high up in Nepal..:rolleyes: LOL!!!
PPP- good to hear that your GF enjoyed it and by the sounds of it I will too!

[Podlettte]

Do you get any free time in Nagano on the tour Silverwitch? if you do then Zenkoji temple is worth a visit so is the street leading up to it. It's a very short bus ride from Nagano station or you can walk. There's also a great ramen place near the station if you can find it! :)

[Silverwitch]

Trip looks a bit like this so far:
Fly to tokyo then bullet train to Nagano then transfer to Shiga Kogen ( not too sure how much free time here?)
Ski for 7 days staying at Sunroute Hotel
Transfer to Tokyo and spend a day and night there
Fly to Sapporo then transfer to Niseko
Ski for 7 days at Niseko ( dont know where I am staying there yet..it just says luxury apartment?)
Transfer to Sapporo and fly home!

Sounds like I will be busy !

Just wondering what the exchange rate is doing and do people but yen before travelling when good exchange rate is going?

[Jahoota]

Silver, my daughter is the around the same standard as you (L4/5) and I have no hesitation at all about dragging her to any japanese ski field. and we're doing just that this jan when we head to rututsu. :D cant wait! Whilst her brother is a good stronger skier she needs to build up her confidence in a range of conditions and nice soft snow helps ('cause it doesnt hurt when you crash in it :D ).

My take on the whole japan thing is that it will improve your confidence no end as you arnt constantly battling big crowds and hardpack and thus you can just focus on what your doing - not the ijits flying past you out of control.

2 or 3 doors up from the sunroute in shiga is a great little japaese resturant - definatley worth a visit. There's a nepalese place as well (I know.... a nepalese place in japan?!?!?) that is also pretty good.

Riding a chair up at shiga one day we had 50 or so snow monkeys wandering down the hill under the chair heading somewhere else - old ones, mums, youngsers, babies etc. Amazing experiance to see from a chairlift and something you sure dont see everyday!

Only other tip is to watch for the japanese national holiday long weekend around mid feb - it gets really busy at shiga due to its proximity to tokyo. Place goes from dead empty to crowds in a blink of an eye!

[Silverwitch]

Thanks Hoots for all the information!
It is nice to know what other people have experienced especially from those who are in the know!
I really appreciate all your feedback!
I am looking forward to being able to ski and not have to check nearly every turn up the hill to ensure I dont get wiped out
as I had to do in the July school holidays!
In regards to confidence ...I had a few stacks on some deepish snow at Mt P in July ...after the blizzard they had and was amazed when I fell ( ...you know how snow snakes are evrywhere up there when it hasnt been groomed! LOL ) that it didnt hurt!! I usually hate stacking it on ice!
So will now get my passport organised as its run out and then pay some deposit and start dreaming of long wide runs!

Will I be able to take my new skis..they are Blizzard Viva Magnums IQ 7.4? Will they be OK on piste over there?

[SA]

They'd be fine Silverwitch.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks for that SA.:)

[pboards&mskis]

Hey Silver, I'm probably just a smidge more advanced than you in Aussie conditions by what you've said. And honestly, I love Japan. Been there twice now. Niseko has very little truly steep stuff, and amazing powder. Hakuba has some reallllly steep stuff by comparison, but there are still plenty of good solid intermediate runs.

Don't be intimidated by the powder thing, its actually easier to ski than hard pack once you've had a lesson. I had a great lesson through NAC in niseko, and although the guy had limited English, we had a great time. He watched me ski on piste before asking did I ski powder, did I ski trees? Which I said "no but want to learn", he then replied " We ski powder, we ski trees, you ski like me or you hit tree!" And that was the beginning of my now 3 year obsession with powder snow.

Additionally, I don't ski dedicated powder skis. I have a set of Nordica Olympia Drives, and they do fine in the powder, and at points its been up over my knees. So, take your own skis that your comfortable with. If you curious, maybe hire some fat skis over there to have a play on!

Enjoy your trip, I wish we were going back this year, but we have other plans!! Cheers MSkis :)

[pboards&mskis]

PS - do the Snow Monkeys and Zenkoji, and Obuse town if you can. Monkeys were sooo not what I expected, and fascinating to hear all about!

[Silverwitch]

Thanks PBoards &mskis for the input and your stories about the powder. You have brought up thr topic I was thinking about next and that is lessons when I get there. Do they have a variety of ski schools or just one at each resort? I noticed you said you had lessons with NAC ..was it a private lesson?
Thanks again!:cool:

[SA]

The snow monkeys are fascinating - some great photo ops too.

http://warmtinny.com/gallery2/d/117888-2/RIMG0361_b.jpg

[Silverwitch]

SA..that is an amazing photo...are they friendly?

[SA]

I wouldn't exactly say friendly - they are wild but pretty accustomed to human interaction. They aren't afraid to come close.

[Jahoota]

plenty of signs around shiga indicating that its best to leave your lower floor lodge windows closed in summer cuase monkeys come in and nick stuff!

SW, just noticed your comments on my album shots. Shiga is indeed a big ski area - its about half a dozen ski areas connected by lifts - way better than hakuba in that regard as you can ski between all areas without having to use a shuttle bus. There is one area, Yokoteyama, that you have no alternative but to get 2 buses to - but its worth the trip for the day.

Dunno if you have found this link yet but it gives you an idea....
http://www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/

I'm sure those who have been to Niseko can provide you a heap of good tips as well.

and here's monkey-cam!

http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/livecam/monkey/image.jpg

[pboards&mskis]

Hey Silverwitch,
there are lots of ski schools around Niseko. I went with NAC because my hubby was doing a backcountry tour with them and I could do the lesson at the same times with us both starting and finishing at the same spot. It was a private lesson, but private lessons in Japan can be quite cheap compared to Australia. I checked the NAC website, its currently 10,000 yen for a 2hr private, which is about $130 and 19,500 yen for a 4 hr lesson, which for 1 on 1 I though was pretty reasonable. There is also NISS, NGSA and AAC Niseko, and from memory, each area of Niseko has its own ski school too. The trick is getting english speaking instructors. I also had a half day lesson at Rusutsu, when we moved across to do there for 4 days. The instructor there was awesome too, he would video me on his camera phone then play back to show me my faults on the lift back up! (Video analysis seems to be a big selling point at the resorts over here, but I scored some for free!!)

Overall, going to Niseko and Rusutsu 3 years ago was the one thing I have done that really kicked my skiing along and pushed me from happy cruising on blue groomers to comfortable popping up embankments, popping through a patch of trees and dropping off little edges. It scared Pboards witless the first few times afterward, because it was out of character for me to do these things ( and i got to enjoy seeing the look of dismay on his face when he saw that I had survived without crashing). It was these two lessons that gave me a lot of confidence to have a crack at things I would never have done before.

Oh, and I got a helmet at that point too - for 2 reasons...Firstly, a big stack at Cardrona where a French bloke mowed me down as I washed off some speed at a slow sign and he merged out of another trail at high speed! Couldn't feel the right side of my face for 4 days afterwards! Secondly, friends of ours who ski Niseko every year, recommended helmets as one of the best ways to keep your head warm. Just close off the vents, and put a thin beanie on underneath if your not warm enough. I would also put this in the one of the best things I've done for my skiing, I couldn't imagine not wearing one now, and my head is always toasty warm.

Let me know if you want any more info!! Hope this helps, and have an awesome trip!!

[Podlettte]

NISS is run by aussies who hire mostly english speaking instructors from all over the globe, plus japanese. THey run a milo kids club too :D

i did my week of lessons with NISS and was really impressed.

[SA]

+1 NISS. A lot of them are out of Falls Creek.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks to you all for the info again. I will check out NISS and NAC on their web pages for details.

I have bought a helmet this year and I yep... I will be taking it as I dont ski without it now and they do keep your head and ears nice and warm.

I am doing lots of research on the in internet and thnaks for link posted previously about Shiga Kogen.

[schmick]

Hi Silver,

This is a great thread. I think I'm about the same level as you also but I'm yet to experience any deep stuff. I'm OK on the groomers, etc., mainly blues and the occasional black that isn't too narrow. I'm hoping to improve further by the end of the season with a bit more practice, LOL.

Reason being is that my friends are quite advanced skiers, they are wanting me to go on a trip with them to Hakuba in Early Jan 2011. I really want to go because I've got the ski bug bad. Mind you, this is my first Australian snow season and first time skiing! I had a 4 day holiday at Buller which got me hooked and I've done 3 day trips since. Bought myself jacket, pants and boots but no skis as yet.

Like you I was wondering about the conditions for skiers at our level in Japan and was thinking about posting a similar question. Whilst I'd love to go with these guys, I'm worried that I'll outlay all this money but not truly appreciate Japan's skiing because I'm not at their or a more advanced level.

Good to hear from other forum member's that Japan can be skied and enjoyed by all skiers at all levels.

Have you decided where you are going yet?

[2nd String QB]

I think you'll have a great time no mattter what level of skiing ability you are. All the big resorts cater to many kinds and are aware that most groups contain all different levels of skier. We went to Hakuba a few years ago now in a group which contained a few beginners, a few intermediates and a few who had grown up in ski boots. It was more the experience of all being together in the snow that was fun. Most days we went off separately at some point to enjoy runs that challenged us best.
I can't wait to go back this Jan with the children this time. The snow, the food, the onsens and ashi-yuu!!

[Silverwitch]

Hey Schmick,
I am just waiting until tomorrow to get the go ahead from the boss! So fingers crossed!!

Its great to hear your thoughts about deciding to go also. We will be going with a small group of about 6 people who are intremediate and up and I suppose its like @nd String QB said...its all about the 'experience' of going to Japan and that evryone can choose their own runs too. I am planning to get lessons in the first week I am there so I am sure that will help...and the fact that they must get heaps of skiiers there that have not skiied powder before..so if they can lean I am sure I can too!

I was concerned about the same things you talked about but as I am reading peoples comments I am becoming more confident that it will be a great experience and that I will be able to enjoy myself skiing there also!

Sounds like you got the ski/snow bug bad...its a very addictive thing isnt it!!

Thanks 2nd String QB for your thoughts about the topic and sounds like you had a great time and that you are really looking forwards to Japan with the family this time!

My next questions for the wise and experienced ones is:

Will my skiing jacket, pants and gloves I use here in OZ be good enough for the very cold conditions that I hear/ read about in Japan?

Do people have special gear just for Japan because its lots colder or not?

[Silverwitch]

I meant to write ...My questions are: ..but the edit wouldnt load..sorry about the grammar!

[Dr D]

..sorry about the grammar!

Don't worry.
I haven't seen the grammar and spelling nazis around here for a while. ;)

[Bear]

We are still around Dr. ;)

Witchy: your Australian gear should be fine for over there (as long as it is decent to start with). You may need to add another layer of thermals to your normal outfit to allow for the slightly cooler weather. I keep packing thermals and then never use them over there but I ski very hot so I am unusual in this (and a few other things). May want to see if you have room in your gloves for a silk or microfibre under glove.

[2nd String QB]

Hi all,
It seems the time of year when everyone starts planning their overseas trips! And agree with schmick this is a great thread, thanks for starting it Silverwitch!

I remember a few cold days and nights in Hakuba but I think most gear will stand up to it. The coldest I think was about -15 on one of the temp gauges but during the days it was mostly -5 ish. In really bad weather you could take a day off and head to Nagano for some tourist attractions (Zenkoji temple) or some shopping (Uniqlo is great, as are the Japanese department stores).
Does anyone have any experience with children skiing in Hakuba? I'm looking to put mine into a ski school for half days but it seems the NISS/NAC guys suggested above only operate in Niseko. It would be beginner's level for a 5 year old.
Thanks to everyone for all the help so far.
QB

[Jahoota]

Decent ski sox, thermals and gloves and you'll be as snug as a bug in a rug!

[Podlettte]

I didn't feel the cold as much over there as it is a drier cold, so even though it might be -15 during the day, it's generally not due to windchill and it's not damp so it's easier to cope with and yes it's cold but I didn't wear any more than I do here in Aus, in fact I found on a couple of days I was too warm with my 1 layer of icebreaker and 200 weight polar fleece with shell jacket.

[Jahoota]

Hi all,
It seems the time of year when everyone starts planning their overseas trips! QB

only the slow ones ;) mine was locked in and paid for by teh end of may!

[schmick]

Hey Guys, does anybody know how much ski hire generally costs in Japan? Just require skis and poles...

[Vet]

I still have 3 one nighters hotels 'on the road' and one $79USd domestic airfare to add onto our first trip. $10,570 for 2/1-6/2/11 for 3 people, a week at Yosemite and santa monica, weeken in La, 2 weeks car, insurances, $1m 3rd party injury/property, season passes for 3 at 2 resorts, and season passes for moi to 5 resorts and a batch of half priced tix to give a bit of flexibility.

[Bear]

Did you miss the subtle reference to Japan in the title Vet? ;)

[Silverwitch]

only the slow ones ;) mine was locked in and paid for by teh end of may!

Now ..now dont be mean Hoots!:giggle:

[Jahoota]

Did you miss the subtle reference to Japan in the title Vet? ;)

I vote we buy Vet a world globe + atlas for x-mas this year Bear... ;)

and Vet... use some carriage returns and a bit of formating so it doesnt look like a jack kerouac novel! :p

[2nd String QB]

I vote we buy Vet a world globe + atlas for x-mas this year Bear... ;)

and Vet... use some carriage returns and a bit of formating so it doesnt look like a jack kerouac novel! :p

:D

haha, does have a slight 'The Dharma Bums' feel to it, only with a vastly different budget to Kerouac.

Schmick, most rentals in Japan are about 3000-4000 JPY per day i believe.

[Polaris]

Did you miss the subtle reference to Japan in the title Vet? ;)

That made me giggle Bear ;)

[Silverwitch]

So to summarise what to wear:

I will need good quality gear jacket, socks, gloves, thermals, inners for gloves...got all of that but thinking of buying another pair of gloves as myn are getting a bit old now. Any suggestions on ones that are toasty warm? Are the leather ones all they are cracked up to be?

[2nd String QB]

I love my Swany x-Change gloves. Half leather but I think they make some that are full leather. They've gone through some really bad weather without any problems.

Another question, has anyone been to Myoko Kogen? Are there any trip reports from previous years? It seems a good place and easier to get to from Osaka where I'll be based.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks QB for the glove info etc..I will look into Swany gloves. I have seen them in shops and heard people talk about them...so I will check them out!

By the way you seem to post very early in the morning...shift work?

I found this fantastic and informative trip report on the other side :ninja:and have posted a link to it as it gives great first hand info about skiing in Japan and has some things about Myoko that you might find helpful. Enjoy!

http://forums.ski.com.au/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=924151&page=1#Post924151

( I hope I am allowed to link to other ski forum.....and I dont mean any disrespect or to offend anyone here at snowatch.
If its not OK I am sure the mods will modify if they deem it necessary?)

[Silverwitch]

Just found this link also on Myoko Kogen.:)
http://myokokogen.net/

[Silverwitch]

Travel Insurance is the thing I am looking at next.

I found this company (see link below) and did an online quote for $100 for 3 weeks.
That seems vcery reasonable to me. Is this a pretty average cost for travel insurance.
I am wondering if anyone has had any good experiences with other travel insurance companies that they might to share or any bad experiences so I can avoid the dodgy ones!
Thanks!
http://www.worldnomads.com/

[2nd String QB]

Many thanks for the link Silverwitch. Its made my decision that much harder, but it looks like I can't go wrong whether its Hakuba or Myoko.
And yes, I'm working night shift this month on an FX trading desk. Watching currency markets in the middle of the night and dreaming of the upcoming trip.
While we're on that topic, I went and bought some yen for the trip a couple of weeks ago at exchange rates not too different to where they are now. Just doesn't seem it can get much better than this but could easily get a lot worse.

Re: Travel Insurance , I had one really bad experience with Mondial/Worldcare for a very small claim.
Got the flu just before I was due to come home so I delayed the flight by a few days and it cost me about $120 extra to do so. When I tried to claim this tiny amount back they delayed it by any means they could. Asking for extra info, originals of medical certificates etc, translated documents. When I sent these in they said they never got them. Luckily I'd made copies (without them they would've rejected the claim) and re-sent them.
I never heard anything for 2 months and when followed up they said they'd sent an email and heard no response from me. It turns out their email had one letter in the address incorrect (which I suspect was done on purpose) and never reached me.
After sorting this out they sent a cheque for the amount less $100 "excess". The policy specifically stated that there was no excess on overseas claims so I sent it back with a copy of their terms and conditions highlighting this fact and asking them to explain how they don't know their own policy terms.
They finally paid 9 months after I originally lodged the claim and much delay but I got no apology or explanation. In the end I felt compelled to report them to the insurance ombudsman just so they have a record of it and hope it doesn't happen to anyone else with a much larger claim.
Overall it was a complete nightmare. Nowadays I use the insurance that comes with my credit card but always go through the T&Cs very, very carefully.

[Jahoota]

I'm sure boardingbunny has been to myoko. someone else has but I cant remember who. Bluehue maybe???

[blutek]

MyokoKogen - I've been there!

[Ted and Fi]

Swany gloves are great, I have just replaced mine with the same thing. Originals lasted 5+ yrs and many washes. I go for what is now called Legend II but I knew as Toaster Mitts... they are leather mitts with a waterproof zip... allows figures (within a light liner) out to fiddle with zips, kids stuff and take pictures. If its cold you can get one of those break-shake-heat things in there on top of the fingers but outside the liner. They also dry super quick! Not something to buy on-line as sizing is not consistant.

[Silverwitch]

QB Thanks for the info about Yen and Travel insurance. I dont have a credit card so I will have to go with a company that I deem OK..but I wont go with Mondial for sure...as they look pretty dodgy from what you said..good on you for persisting ..I suppose if they figure that if they make things hard enough people will give up! I will read the fine print even more carefully now!

[Vet]

I've never been to Japan but Mondial were 100% behind my knee injury in the USA and Lil Vet's fractured cheek in the USA. The 1st class on Air NZ to Melbourne was literally 'no questions asked': well they asked me what flight I wanted and time and airline. They offered to fly Mrs Vet over to and from the States. My and her medicals and xrays etc were reimbursed pretty quickly. Yes, they needed paperwork when we got back from the US, and yes some papers were 'stupid' - eg they wanted a letter from my ski pal/gp saying he never told me to not go skiing. Cripes, everyone knows I'd never go to a doctor who'd tell me to stop skiing.

Personally I don't bother shopping around after those 2 injuries.

[2nd String QB]

Glad you got something out of them easily Vet.
Maybe they sign off on the big payouts without much questioning but give those with small claims a hard time? Or maybe I just got the wrong person in the claims department?
I suppose we really only take out a policy in case of one of those big events where it's going to be a few thousand bucks and you got what you paid for in that sense.

[Jahoota]

only 141 days to go!

[blutek]

just don't trash it before we get there around 13 Feb

[Vet]

Glad you got something out of them easily Vet.
Maybe they sign off on the big payouts without much questioning but give those with small claims a hard time? Or maybe I just got the wrong person in the claims department?.

They paid up quickly (several weeks) on a $US50 bill which arrived about 6 months after we returned home too. Again, no questions asked. Maybe the difference is that medical things can be verified with hospitals whereas thefts could be treated with suspicion.

I've reviewed our insurances now that I found a prepaid (when the $A is high) half price car rental company with no excess and $1m of 3rd party cover. I'll just need the mondial travel policy which I get as a annual frequent worldwide traveller for ~ $400 p.a and that covers Lil Vet and +1 if they accompany me.

[schmick]

Hey Guys,

Well we are well on our way also to booking our trip to Hakuba in Late Jan/Early Feb 2011. We will be skiing for 6 days and have decided to stay at Hotel Luna Hakuba mainly due to it's proximity to the lifts. Anybody know or stayed there before?

Just also wondering about peoples opinions who have been there about traveling to Hakuba on the bullet train. is it easy to navigate and find/get to all the right places/connections? Also, what's the go with all these rail passes and things?

Additionally, we are going to stop in Tokyo for a week following our weeks skiing. Never been to Tokyo and wow what a complex place. So many different regions/areas, etc. Initially we were thinking about staying in Chiyoda but after a little bit of research, this area doesn't seem to have much going for it (ie. nightlife, restaurants, etc.).

What area have people stayed at in Tokyo or would recommend for first time visitors? I think Shinjuku would be a better fit for us and we are thinking about staying at Citadines which has got good reviews on Trip Advisor. Anybody stayed there?

Soo excited, can't wait, will be awesome! :D

[blutek]

JR East has a 4 Day Pass which is worth getting for visiting the Nagano resorts. I think it's 21000yen. Buy on arrival at Narita & use for the N'ex to Tokyo & the Shink to Nagano (and return).
N'ex arrives at basement B5 platform Tokyo. Follow the signs to the Shink platforms 20 - 23.
You can store skis behind back seat (I try & request a back seat when booking). You then take a bus from Nagano to Hakuba & Happo (1hr). The Nagano Tourist Office at the station has timetables & can direct you to the bus stop (East side of station).

Unused days on the rail pass can then be used in Tokyo on JR Chuo line & JR Yamanote line (only).

Alternatively, the limited express Super Azusa goes from Shinjuku to Hakuba (3.5hrs).
There's also a highway bus from Shinjuku to Hakuba (about 4800yen) & direct shuttles from Narita to Hakuba (Chuo taxi).

The Citadine gets good reviews but seems to be a taxi ride away from Shinjuku station. Most tourists tend to stay in the Shinjuku-Shibuya area. The Tokyo rail network also include the underground Metro system (not JR). Get a colour copy of the metro rail map here:
http://mappery.com/Tokyo-Metro-Map-Official

Here's a guide to buying tickets on the subway (not required with pass):
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html

[schmick]

direct shuttles from Narita to Hakuba (Chuo taxi).

Bluetek, we are thinking of using the Chuo Taxi service now as our flight gets in at 6:00am and the direct bus does not leave until 8pm that evening. Have you used this service before or anyone else for that matter. What are they like with ski gear? I note on their website that sometimes they are unable to carry all your luggage! This could be a problem!



The Citadine gets good reviews but seems to be a taxi ride away from Shinjuku station. Most tourists tend to stay in the Shinjuku-Shibuya area.

Cool, so Shinjuku will be a good base? I've heard that Shibuya is more for shopping? Is that correct?

Hmm, in regards to Hotels in Shinjuku do you or others have any other recommendations?

Skimax likes the Hotel Washington, some others have mentioned Shinjuku Prince, so confused! Please help! LOL...

[sam]

Is Air Asia cheaper (and longer) than the Junkstar sale fares?

[Jahoota]

Bluetek, we are thinking of using the Chuo Taxi service now as our flight gets in at 6:00am and the direct bus does not leave until 8pm that evening. Have you used this service before or anyone else for that matter. What are they like with ski gear? I note on their website that sometimes they are unable to carry all your luggage! This could be a problem!


If used chuo taxi twice. great service. about $300AUD return (based on xrates) door to ddor. Best used with a group (we had 5). If you tell then you have skis they use a mini van so its no issue re skis/boards. Taxi man meets you at narita, gets the van and drops you off whereever you are taing in hakuba or shiga, even if its 2am! Pick up from your accom and drops back at international departures. easy peasy. Overall, an awesome service if you dont arrive until late in the evening when the buses and trains cant get you to hak or shiga that night (as it saves the cost of a night in tokyo)

[schmick]

If used chuo taxi twice. great service. about $300AUD return (based on xrates) door to ddor. Best used with a group (we had 5). If you tell then you have skis they use a mini van so its no issue re skis/boards. Taxi man meets you at narita, gets the van and drops you off whereever you are taing in hakuba or shiga, even if its 2am! Pick up from your accom and drops back at international departures. easy peasy. Overall, an awesome service if you dont arrive until late in the evening when the buses and trains cant get you to hak or shiga that night (as it saves the cost of a night in tokyo)


Hey Jahoota,

Thanks for the feedback. We have a group of 3. We feel the Chuo would be a good option because we are arriving at Narita at 6:00am! I like the convenience factor plus we will experience using the Bullet Trains on the way back from Hakuba to Tokyo.

Excellent news regarding the ski gear. Is this service something the travel agent can arrange? Will make sure that we note that we will be carrying ski gear with us.

Cheers...

[Jahoota]

The cool think with the taxi is you head out on the expressways - amazing view, especially when you get to a smoking volcano right next to the road!

Plus the driver has to have a rest break so you get to stop at a truckstop or two. Nothing like truckstops here - they're clean and the food made to order is fantastic! I love nextco truck stops. They kick ar$e!

[Silverwitch]

I want to take my new skis and of course my boots to Japan.

Just wondering what people here recommend for a ski bag ( there are a few different types around and not too sure which one is best for plane travel and getting around best)

Also do you put your boots in your carry on luggage or in your bag that goes in the cargo?

I was also wondering is there a size limit now or a limit to how many carry on bags you can take on a plane? I used to just take my smallish backpack on the plane but I wont fit boots in one that size plus my other things I want to carry on?
I am flying Quantas if that makes any difference?

[blutek]

QF allows 7kg carryon + 23kg checked. See:
http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/carry-on-baggage/global/en#jump0

SkiBags - one with wheels is best, even a small wheelie snowboard bag (eg: 160cm).
Otherwise smallest & durable (with some padding) if you must carry. Getting on & off trains is a pain.
Mrs B has a SportsTube, hardcased shell with wheels - got it in Tokyo for 2000yen.
Before that I used to strap her skibag on top of my wheelie snowboard bag and then towed them both all over Japan (but now use Takkyubin courier when convienient).

Buy a small hand scale.
Pack your carryon first to 7kg. Only one allowed + airport shopping bag (duty free) (+ laptop bag?).
Carryon is often not weighed. Have had some big weights in my backpack that weren't checked.
Then pack checked luggage & skibag.
Skis will weigh about 7kg+ and Boots 5kg.
7kg carryon + 12kg skis & boots only leaves 11kg for everything else! (good luck)

The bootbag could be the carryon, or it can be packed in your checked luggage/snowboard bag. Keep checked luggage total under 23kg.

Excess kgs (ie: over 30kg) cost about $50kg each way. At least that what I paid to JAL a couple of years back. Since then I've posted stuff home.

[DHS]

Having trouble deciding which resort guys. Have pretty much ruled out Niseko this trip due to the lost time in transfers. We have an 8 day window either Jan 8-16 or 21-29. I was thinking Hakuba, but then had a good look at Shiga Kogen and Myoko Kogen. Or do we go to Nozawa Onsen. There are 3 of us, 2 very experienced skiers and 1 good intermediate who is willing to try anything. I was leaning toward Shiga Kogen in the end but any advice would be very helpful. Maybe we should go to Hakuba?
HELP PLEASE!!!!

[blutek]

Go the later date & go to Hakuba Valley.
Happo has the largest area of above treeline skiing in Japan (& offpiste is permitted). There's also excellent guided backcountry skiing.
However, each of those resorts do have their own unique features.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks blutek for the information about baggage. I will check out the quantas link..cheers!

[Silverwitch]

Is anyone buying any Yen as yet or do you wait till later?

[2nd String QB]

I'm just about to get some more to cover me for the length of my trip. Around 80 seems good enough to me for my cash. However, since last week the Bank of Japan has started to sell yen in an attempt to weaken it against major currencies and if this continues we could see the AUDJPY rate even higher. Up to the high 80's or even 90 isn't out of the question.
If it goes to 100 again I'll sell up and move over for good!

[2nd String QB]

And on another note, this is a report about global commodities, but the last section will interest us snowatchers going north:

"The United States is the anomaly. Global weather has reduced wheat production in Canada, Russia, the Ukraine, the European Union and Kazakhstan. Similarly, the global supply of cotton, oilseeds and coarse grains (corn, rye and barley) is down. Meanwhile, America's Midwest breadbasket is enjoying some of the most massive bumper crops in years.

To make this anomaly even more surprising, This was a La Niña summer, which typically means hot weather and drought. As anybody living east of the Rocky Mountains knows, we have been experiencing the heat. But unlike most La Niña years, we have had rain - lots of healthy rainfall. For people, this has frequently led to steamy misery, but crops thrived.

Typically during a moderate-sized La Niña cool waters flow along the West Coast. Temperatures plunge along the coast and precipitation drops further inland. Further east, trade winds become stronger, blowing directly into Mexico and sending less Gulf moisture into the US. Temperatures rise and the Plains become parched.

The reason that this La Niña has not been dry is because we are feeling the impact of the volcanic activity in the Northwest Pacific. Last year two huge eruptions, Mt. Redoubt in Alaska and Sarychev Peak in Russia put huge amounts of ash and chemicals into the stratosphere. This year there has been a small-to-medium sized eruption on Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula almost every week. According to the latest report from Tokyo's Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (which warns airplanes of possible engine-damaging clouds of ash) Russia's Mt. Sheveluch had eruptions that produced plumes that rose to altitudes of 6.4-8.5 km. (4.0 - 5.3 miles), high enough to enter the stratosphere. This means the ash can linger in the upper atmosphere for months and years.

And what about winter?

Don't expect this heat to last. Once again the Northern Hemisphere faces a very cold winter due to volcanic ash".

[Silverwitch]

THanks for the info about the Yen..where is the best place to buy it these days-are there some places that are better than others in regards to fees?

[2nd String QB]

THanks for the info about the Yen..where is the best place to buy it these days-are there some places that are better than others in regards to fees?

You can usually find somewhere that doesn't charge commission these days, so look for that first as this can be fairly high in some places (i.e 10% of what you are changing!). I know in Melbourne there are a few 'hole in the wall' type places in the city that operate on razor-thin margins and don't charge commission (they seem to be clustered around Elizabeth St). Travelex and the banks all seem to have slightly worse rates on any given day and then have a commission on top of that. Best to check around Canberra Silverwitch, but I do thin the airports are the absolute worst place to change...they have you over a barrel if you've left it till then to change!

[Jahoota]

Must buy Yemen tomorrow as rates are good at the moment.

[schmick]

Hmm, confirming our booking and paying deposits for our Hakuba trip Jan/Feb next year on Wednesday!

I'm kind of scared to be honest, what if I can't ski there! I've only had 9 days on skis EVER! LOL...

Jahoota, did you just book your CHUO taxi via their website? The agent told us they could book it for us but it would be an additional cost on top of the fare. Also, did you have to wait before departing Narita to Hakuba with this service (ie. for other passengers/planes to arrive to fill up car, etc).

[Silverwitch]

Good on you schmick for taking the plunge!
I was thinking like you at first about whether or not I would cope with Japan but after reading all the positive posts here in this thread and doing a bit of research on the web I am keen as mustard! By the sounds of it the snow will be fantastic even if its a bad season for Japan and there are ski schools for new to powder people who are in the same boat as you and I...that is...not expert skiiers...but who enjoy skiing and want to progress and have a great love of skiing!
I am still getting my head around all the Japan resort areas, names ect but I suppose its like everytthing else in life...you got to give it a go and its like what Warren Miller says...'If you dont do it this year, you will be one year older when you do.'. Legend!

[Jahoota]

Jahoota, did you just book your CHUO taxi via their website? The agent told us they could book it for us but it would be an additional cost on top of the fare. Also, did you have to wait before departing Narita to Hakuba with this service (ie. for other passengers/planes to arrive to fill up car, etc).

we just had my usual agent book it. There was no no mention of an extra charged and based on xrates I reckon we paid what the website stated.

We had 5 in the mini van and as it was a private hire (I'd imagine 3 would be classed as a private hire but I dont know if they use the van.... as long as they know you have skis or a board they will sort it out - they're pretty organised!) we didnt wait for anybody. Mr taxi man was waiting for us at narita, went and got the taxi, we loaded up and off we went. easy peasy japanesy.

Same with coming back. They call the accomodation the day befotre to confirm the pick up time and they were on schedule. Excellent service.

[Jahoota]

just brought myself some yen today as its a good rate to buy....

[Jahoota]

its like what Warren Miller says...'If you dont do it this year, you will be one year older when you do.'. Legend!

and wazza is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo right in that regard. GO FOR IT!

[blutek]

For those in SYD - KVBKunlan is one of the best foreign exchange dealers. From memory, L18 Citibank building.
If out of town, I think the local post office is commission free (?).

What did it get to last year 85y/$ (ASB you got that?)

[2nd String QB]

[QUOTE=schmick;86480]Hmm, confirming our booking and paying deposits for our Hakuba trip Jan/Feb next year on Wednesday!

I'm kind of scared to be honest, what if I can't ski there! I've only had 9 days on skis EVER! LOL...

schmick - you'll be fine as there is plenty of terrain for all levels and it's no exaggeration to say that you'll come back a lot better than when you left. A lot of Japanese people I know went to Hakuba on high school trips as it caters for all comers.
Somehow the marketing people have created an impression that skiing in Japan is for powder-hungry, back-country loving, hard-core skiers only, but that couldn't be further from the truth.

Re exchange rates: I think the highest last year was 85, and it got as high as 87 earlier this year. Would love to see it there again or even in the 90's in January.

[schmick]

EXCELLENT! My skiing buddy is talking it up, maybe he's trying to get me nervous or something! Which is working mind you... LOL...

Deposit paid today, we're going HAKUBA! WOO! \m/

Obviously, skiing deep powder requires a different technique etc, however, out or curiosity, is there much of a different technique required when skiing the groomers in Japan as opposed to here?

[rugbyskier]

Obviously, skiing deep powder requires a different technique etc, however, out or curiosity, is there much of a different technique required when skiing the groomers in Japan as opposed to here?

No difference in technique required for skiing groomers. Happo and Hakuba 47/Goryu have some great steep groomers ideal for screaming medium carve turns.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs270.ash1/19743_269889967762_657752762_3463429_7390605_n.jpg

[schmick]

Oooh, looks the goods! Wish I could ski my edges like that though! Hehe...

How deep would the cover be on the groomers? Ie. is it soft to fall on! Hahaha...

I'm sure 7 days in the snow will help me improve! WOO!

[Silverwitch]

Just continuing Schmicks train of throught...I am wondering if the groomed runs get very icy in Japan like they do here at times...or does the snow there,because I hear its very dry snow, not freeze the same as our snow does?:confused:

[DHS]

I'd imagine it is all temperature relevant. If the temps stay nice and cold the snow will stay dry. If there is a thaw freeze process then it will ice up.

[Jahoota]

generally (and I do say generally) the snow stays as snow rather than icy hardpack as the temps are cold, especially in jan/feb.

Th only time I found ice in japan was after in a narrow high traffic area after a warm front breezed through and dropped a bit of clear snow. It then re-froze when the temp dropped. However, it was soon erased with the usual japanese snow dumpage as the temp dropped and all was good again by next morning.

So, its possile but nowhere as common (in jan/feb anyway) as in oz as the day time temps tend to be around -5C rather tha -0C and the mositure content of the snow in japa in jan/feb is generally a lot drier than oz snow in july/aug.

[blutek]

there's a noticeable difference between Nagano & Hokkaido.

[rugbyskier]

Oooh, looks the goods! Wish I could ski my edges like that though! Hehe...


You can, just do the APSI Level 2 training ;)

Don't worry about the cover on the main groomed runs, Hakuba has 10-12 metres of snowfall per winter.

7 Days on the snow will help you improve a lot - take lessons too!

[rugbyskier]

there's a noticeable difference between Nagano & Hokkaido.

Agreed, although the high traffic areas at Hirafu can get "firm and fast" too.

The Hakuba resorts are more prone to freeze/thaw and the holiday weekends in January can generate big crowds from Tokyo and Osaka, so the main runs such as Reisen Slalom at Happo and the red run down to the base of 47 can get hard packed. Having a FIS race at 47 didn't help and a lot of people were complaining about how difficult the red run was after the race.

[blutek]

only 1 pax on 18 chairs in that pix, that's impressive too. Well even if most going downhill, it still looks good.

[coggie]

QB Thanks for the info about Yen and Travel insurance. I dont have a credit card so I will have to go with a company that I deem OK..but I wont go with Mondial for sure...as they look pretty dodgy from what you said..good on you for persisting ..I suppose if they figure that if they make things hard enough people will give up! I will read the fine print even more carefully now!

When my son broke his shoulder in USA this company was very difficult to deal with and despite the fact that he had a complete break and displacement of the bone they would not allow us to have it fixed there but insisted on us: driving 3 hours to Denver, flying to san fran, flying to Auckland then Bris, all in cramped cattle class with him in constant pain with every movement. Drs over there did everything they could to get it approved but penny pinching travel agent bean counters would not have a bar of it.

[Silverwitch]

I am thinking of getting cash card...what ones have people used or recommend?

[Jahoota]

I wouldn't bother - a fist full of yen speaks anywhere. Atms arnt very plentiful in japan I'm my experiance.

[2nd String QB]

Yes, cash is king. I'd count on using cash for all purchases bar a few meals and some shopping.

[blutek]

we use Visa extensively, except for small daily purchases say under $50 each.
Ski lift tickets, JR tickets (N'ex), hotels, department stores, some mid to large restaurants - Visa usually OK.
We would carry maybe 30,000+ in cash & top up as needed, depending on location. ATM's are on arrival at at Narita.
Can find a Post Office, Citibank, 7-11 or Seven Bank ATM in all cities.
Hakuba is a problem, as the PO is way back at the station. Not sure about 7-11.
Niseko& Kutchan have ATM.
Problem is if the ATM is down or PO closed or if you need more than your daily cash limit.
I think the new Rusutsu ATM is International.
It's best to carry a combination of CC's, Visa Debit Card, cash, TC's (not that convienient) etc.
You can loose your wallet/bag - the +1 did on her return to SYD airport last Feb.
She also had a number of store cards, a CC, & Medibank card taken from the hotel room in Tokyo.

Check ATM availabilty here:
http://www.visa-news.jp/visitjapan/atm/index.phtml

[Silverwitch]

Thanks for replies and the link to the atm availabilty!

..carrying around a lot of cash worries me so I think a variety of visa, cash card and cash may suit me.

Just wondering if $100 australian is enough for a day..so in saying this comes my next question about..

How expensive is it to eat out in Japan at the major cities and the ski resorts. Is it comparable to Australia or not?

[blutek]

Not same as here, The price range goes from much cheaper through to incredibly expensive.
I've seen noodle bowls for 100yen and maincourses for 25,000yen.
"cafe" style costs 1,000 to 2,000yen - ramens, curry rice, yakatori, okinominyaki, hamburg plate etc.
Restaurants go up from there - maybe alow 5,000yen per person average.
Coffee shops about the same as here or cheaper (sandwiches & pastries).
Then also Maccas, Mos Burger, KFC.
Beer from street vending machines or shops around 300yen. I've seen hot dogs & hot chips in a vending machine for about 400yen.

[blutek]

and if you need an ATM in Shiga you may need to get down to Hasuike (PO). Most areas don't have one.

[Jahoota]

In happo dinner consisted of a big ramen, upon or katsu + 500ml beer. That was only 1200 yen (about $16 aud). On mountain was similar.

Only expensive item is coffee - some places charge you 500 for a cup! Locate your friendly coffee vending machine as priority #1. Best coffee I've had in Japan came from the machine. Look for the one with the camera that shows your coffee beans being ground as they are usually pretty reasonable flavour wise and around 250 to 300 yen.

[blutek]

coffee;) - some of the J men like having a longneck at breakfast!
Tokyo is getting noticably better for coffee now (hotto kohi).

[DHS]

atataki kohi

[Jahoota]

whats it like to ski in japan? If you like roof sking I reckon japan is the cats pyjama's...

http://www.snowjapan.com/e/snow-japan-photo-galleries/muikabochi/muikabochi_2110.JPG

(pinched from snowjapan forums)

[blutek]

Glad I'm not renting a room with that weight on the roof.
No thoughts for personal safety there, if that slab slides ...

[2nd String QB]

They build them strong over there.
Mind you that poor guy is going to be clearing that roof for a week with one small scraper to work with.

[Coopski]

I hope he's got a beacon in his pocket cause if that roof slides... (oh dear now all I can think about- is that a beacon in your pocket or are you...oh dear...small minds, tut tut) :-)

[DHS]

lol at coops

[Silverwitch]

So still thinking about new gloves for Japan and wondering if anyone has a pair of these Hestra Heli Gloves?
http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/large/HES/HES0017/ALHSBLK.jpg
They have a nice long cuff more so than my gloves do. I am thinking my old gloves wont keep the snow out as much as these do? I assume its helpful to have a longish cuff on your glove when skiing ( and falling ) in deeper snow?

[Jahoota]

believe it or not I just brought a new pair of hestra gloves very similiar to those a few months ago. My previous pair of marmots with a long cuff had finally fallen apart after after 8 years!. I'm not sure teh long cuff keeps less snow out - I just prefer guantlet style gloves as I find them easier to get on and off to take vid and pics.

[Vet]

Damn formatting. Have a lovely pic of a guy helping a lady to board a heli. He needs Heli Gloves, ...and she needs undies.

[blutek]

IMO what you need is a powder strap/garter in your jacket (don't know the correct name), that you can do up to stop a bucket load of snow going up inside your coat when you crash. But maybe it's not such a problem on skis. That also leads to the need for a helmet.
Those straps could be a snag risk in the trees.

[Silverwitch]

believe it or not I just brought a new pair of hestra gloves very similiar to those a few months ago. My previous pair of marmots with a long cuff had finally fallen apart after after 8 years!. I'm not sure teh long cuff keeps less snow out - I just prefer guantlet style gloves as I find them easier to get on and off to take vid and pics.

Thanks Hoots for the reply..did you find the Hestras any good?
There are some good reports about them on the internet....are yours warm?

[Silverwitch]

IMO what you need is a powder strap/garter in your jacket (don't know the correct name), that you can do up to stop a bucket load of snow going up inside your coat when you crash. But maybe it's not such a problem on skis. That also leads to the need for a helmet.
Those straps could be a snag risk in the trees.

My friend was talking about this same topic...I thought the snow skirt inside my jacket would be good enough and should keep snow out but they were saying the bib and brace style pants were the go?
So I am wondering if others wear a bib and brace type of pants or normal trouser ski pants?

[Jahoota]

Thanks Hoots for the reply..did you find the Hestras any good?
There are some good reports about them on the internet....are yours warm?

dunno. havent used them yet! I'll know on the 18th jan 2011....

[blutek]

Jacket & pants for us.

[Jahoota]

Those straps could be a snag risk in the trees.

indeed. Not really sure what they are supposed to be for. Hanging them up to dry maybe? Anywayz, I've taken the straps off mine....

[blizzardattack]

indeed. Not really sure what they are supposed to be for. Hanging them up to dry maybe? Anywayz, I've taken the straps off mine....

The straps on the gloves are to put around your wrists so when you take your gloves off you don't drop them. Particularly handy if you need to take them off to take a photo, make a phone call or remove them on a lift, you can just let them dangle without the hassle of trying to hold on to them or stuff them in a pocket.

[Jahoota]

The straps on the gloves are to put around your wrists so when you take your gloves off you don't drop them. Particularly handy if you need to take them off to take a photo, make a phone call or remove them on a lift, you can just let them dangle without the hassle of trying to hold on to them or stuff them in a pocket.

geez, that just screams "punter"! :giggle:

[blutek]

Hoots, plan at least 50% of your day in the inbounds offpiste trees!

[Jahoota]

I'm going to! and I'm draging J2 with me as he's fast becoming a better skier than me! (bloody kids). He'll go off like a frog in a sock in the trees after sking nothing but austrlian sludge his whole life. J1 will much prefer the cruisers so judging by the layout we can just all met up at the lifts each run. :D

[Silverwitch]

geez, that just screams "punter"! :giggle:

I dont know Hoots I think they will be useful especially on lifts when I like to take a few photos and have to take my gloves off. At the moment I carefully stuff each glove into jacket and hope I dont drop one!

[Libelle]

Hi Schmick,

We had a 6am into Narita last year and took the Chuo tax. I booked it on their website then confirmed the details with them...

We came out of Customs/immigration and the Chuo man was waiting, holding a sign with our name on it. Delivered us to our hotel door in Shiga Kogen. No fuss, no hassle, no thinking, no chance of getting lost after 12 hours of travelling. Took all of our ski gear with a bit of juggling. Used the same service to return to Narita 10 days later.

Would recommend them without hesitation, will use them again this year...

[2nd String QB]

My friend was talking about this same topic...I thought the snow skirt inside my jacket would be good enough and should keep snow out but they were saying the bib and brace style pants were the go?
So I am wondering if others wear a bib and brace type of pants or normal trouser ski pants?

I've always used a jacket and pants and never thought I needed something else to stop snow getting inside (and I sometimes feel like I spend more time rolling down the hill rather than sliding down it!). And that's even with some fairly average gear over the years.
But good gloves are well worth it. Just got some new Swany mittens for my son as having cold hands means a day of no fun for kids.

[Jahoota]

And the great thing about chuo taxi is you get nanna's doilies on the headrests! Hahahaha.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks all for the replies about trousers vs bib and brace...I think I will just stick to trousers, it doesnt sound like I will need more than what Ive got already and use here.

[blutek]

exactly, just another layer if needed.

[Silverwitch]

Well not long to go now and getting down to the nitty gritty...so I have another question for the seasoned travellers.

I have an optus pre paid moblie phone..can I use it in Japan?

Thanks in advance!

[blutek]

Your phone should work in Japan if it has the 3G 2100Mhz band and if you can arrange global roaming.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks Blutek I wasnt sure but I will look into the global roaming.

[The Frog]

yeah you will need to get it set for international roaming, most are just set for Aust only unless you get that added.

[schmick]

Hey Guys,

Happy New Year!

Well, not long till we are all jetting off to Japan... Can't wait, soo excited... Still nervous though because it seems ages since my last ski here in Oz... Hopefully I haven't forgotten! Haha...

Couple of additional questions:

1. Where is the best place to get Ski Lessons in Hakuba. We are staying at Hakuba Luna so at 'Happo One' would be ideal.

2. Will I actually be able to try ski in some powder? I mean, I know it's possible but at an intermediate level will it be kind of out of my reach, especially on non powder skis (I'm sking 76mm underfoot)? Where does one find this mythical powder? =P

3. Do I need to have my skis waxed by my local store for the conditions in Japan?

4. Anybody taking their Ski Boots as carry-on? I'm thinking of getting a Dakine Boot Back Pack for this.

5. Ski Bags, I've got my normal carrier but am I going to need something more durable? Any suggestions?

Looks like my luggage will consist of 1 x Boot Back Pack (Carry-On), 1 x Ski Bag (Skis/Poles - Checked), 1 x Suitcase (Clothes - Checked). Think that should be reasonably manageable?

So so excited... Especially as I got my new skis towards the end of the Oz season... Got some Nordica Hot Rod Igniters (CA - 123/76/107)... Can't wait to test em out in Japan, hopefully they'll be OK too... =)

WOO!

[blutek]

It's a few years since I've been back to Happo, but:
1. Evergreen Outdoors has been one of the larger operators with western services & group lesson:
http://www.evergreen-hakuba.com/hakubaresorts/
2. 123cm tips should be fine for Hak. You could start near the top of Skyline chair . Stay a bit to skiers right of chair - don't ski directly under chairs, the patrols usually don't like it. Another offpiste run is skiers left of Kurobishi 3 down to Skyline (caution, if you drop off left over the falline you die). And the mythical powder is in HokkaiDo (although ASB said it was definitely at Shiga today - major dump on J-Alps today).
3. No, we just buy the rub on syntetic wax when we arrive (it's probably a toxic nightmare, but easy).
4. Sounds good, fill your carryon first to the weight limit, then pack the checked luggage.
5. MrsB now has a hard SportsTube, but before that we bubble wrapped skis in a lightly padded ski bag - no problems. We once took 7 bags on the Nagano Shink. It pays to reserve the back seat which has storage space behind ("ushiro seki kudasai"). And get a helmet if offpiste and do not go out of bounds without a guide.
(diclaimer: I'm a snowboarder, Paul may give a different view)

[schmick]

Thanks for the info Bluetek...

Hmm, so Lessons in Japan are similarly priced to those here @ Mt Buller... Thought they may have been a little cheaper!

What's the general consensus, are the group lesson's just as beneficial as the private lessons? I'll probably be doing these on my own so group lessons sound like a fun way to meet some new people!

Definitely interested in the powder clinic though! WOO!

[SA]

My tip: if you go the pork curry for lunch open the gondie window!!!!

[blutek]

yep, that's what japan skiing is all about - offpiste powder and curry rice :)

[schmick]

Guys, just wondering, when walking around the town at night and in Tokyo, what clothing would be suitable?

Are jeans and a warm jacket going to suffice?

[The Frog]

most of the time they will be ok unless it's snowing ofcourse which isn't that often.

[blutek]

Theres no 'ski area town' as such to investigate, just a commercial area way back at the station, with a number of linked satellite accomodation centres nearer to the snow. Echoland has a developing retail scene with some after dark cafes & bars. Unless you are staying in Echoland you will need to take the Genki Go bus at 300yen, or taxi, or walk from 15mins to an hour in each direction, depending where you are and where you want to go - not fun when it can be down in the subzero's or snowing. If you have a meal package, you may not want to venture out from your hotel. You can google the GenkiGo bus map (should also show the 7-11 store locations for an international atm) and Echoland.

[schmick]

So guys... In regards to what you wear skiing... This is what I'm thinking...

Thermals
Ski Pants (think mine are insulated?)
T-Shirt
Fleece (if required)
Neck Warmer
Gloves
Ski Jacket
Bennie

Will I be warm enough? All my gear has 20,000 waterproof rating...

[SA]

Replace the t-shirt (if its cotton) with some synthetic, or wool base layer.

[schmick]

Hey SA,

Yeah, was reading about 'Cotton' being a no no... Will look into something synthetic or wool based...

So, there seems to be lots of snow in Hakuba at the moment... I'm scared... Mainly due to me bringing my own skis there... Not to say that planks are better for skiing there, it's just that I think I've syked myself out by watching videos on youtube, etc. with people riding around so effortlessly on wider skis... =(

What's more important in deeper snow, wider tip or bigger waist? Neither?

Somebody set me straight once and for all! Haha...

[Paul Oberin]

Hey SA,

Yeah, was reading about 'Cotton' being a no no... Will look into something synthetic or wool based...

So, there seems to be lots of snow in Hakuba at the moment... I'm scared... Mainly due to me bringing my own skis there... Not to say that planks are better for skiing there, it's just that I think I've syked myself out by watching videos on youtube, etc. with people riding around so effortlessly on wider skis... =(

What's more important in deeper snow, wider tip or bigger waist? Neither?

Somebody set me straight once and for all! Haha...
My last two trips to Hakuba I used 68mm under foot slalom skis, you will be fine, skiing powder is easier than skiing hard pack.

[Paul Oberin]

You should have Skins I think, almost everyone benefits from compression skins of one brand or another, I prefer the Aussie brand called Skins myself.

[Podlettte]

geez, that just screams "punter"! :giggle:



I do this all the time, you callin me a punter? mine are just narrow bits of cord though, not big cuffs.

funny bit is when you forget to put them on then take them off to take a photo on a chair lift, let them drop as you usually do (with pole attached) and have to madly grab for it :big_laugh: :redface::rolleyes:

[Coopski]

Hey Schmick!

You must be getting excited! Not long to go.

I just thought I would give you an alternative. With regards to base layers if you are going wool then fork out the money and get a good one. However with synthetics, if you are after a t-shirt synthetic layer I can recommend a cheaper alternative. I do a lot of hiking as well as my usual winter trips to the snow and own quite a lot of synthetic t-shirts, singlets, and long sleeve versions. I have some very expensive ones and honestly ninety percent of the time I wind up walking in my good old kmart version. I've always found them comfy (I'm currently in one now that I wore to the gym), durable and they perform equally as well as their expensive counter parts. They have their own brand "sports- dry performance". They also stock another brand diadora. They come in t's, tank tops, polo's etc. My favourite one is the one I have on now which is a t-shirt that the neck zips down for ventillation. And for round the $20 mark or less you can't go wrong.

Happy shopping

[John Deere]

My tip: if you go the pork curry for lunch open the gondie window!!!!

My tip: ALWAYS go the pork curry for lunch...it just rocks!!!

[John Deere]

(I'm currently in one now that I wore to the gym)

I thought I could smell something (non pork curry created!)

[Coopski]

I thought I could smell something (non pork curry created!)

Considering the workout I just had I couldn't agree more. (bows head and shuffles off to get changed and apply new deodorant).

[schmick]

My last two trips to Hakuba I used 68mm under foot slalom skis, you will be fine, skiing powder is easier than skiing hard pack.

Really, how so Paul?

[Jahoota]

'cause you can put in sh1tty turns and no one see's them!!! :p

I used my old rossi's in happo-one pow (boot deep) av few years ago. no probs at all and they were only around 65mm ish underfoot. Just go with the flow and dont over turn...

[schmick]

LOL, is that cause you face plant in to the deep snow and then nobody can even see you anyway! Hahaha...

Another question, what shoes do you guys wear when walking around the ski town?

[blutek]

There's many answers to that question from trainers & skate style shoes, bloodstones work boots, industrial strength snowboots and fishmonger style rubber gumboots - & it can vary according to the weather. A safe choice is a mid-height waterproof hiking shoe/boot from discount outdoor shop or internet - doesn't have to be expensive, just waterproof & comfortable (you will do lots of walking in Tokyo).

[blutek]

here's a pix:

1227

[schmick]

Hey Bluetek,

Thanks for the info. Going to check out some shops at lunchtime tomorrow to see what's available..

So guys, in regards to my ski poles, can I just use the same ones I use here in Oz or do I need special 'Powder' baskets?

[schnee fraulein]

hello snowpeops, its been a loooooooooong time since I posted but I have been lurking ;) .Anyway its a "signifcant" birthday for +1 and we are thinking of using our FF flights to get to Tokyo for a quick snow hit in late March/first week April. We will be Japan virgins (!) and are thinking Hakuba after reading thru posts here and on the darkside as well as other ski forums. Are we mad?! We would probably end up having approx 6 days on snow (excludes travel days with the Shink) and one day in Tokyo (the day we fly back). We realise there will be spring conditions but figure these are better than Aussie peak conditions!! Should we organise all our own transfers/accomm or because we are Jap newbies and dont have loads of time just go for a package deal? Also- just wondering is there much for non-skiers to do? I have chronic pain syndrome (lower back) and may not be brave enough to board this time so would be looking at nordic walking and that kind of thing (have just returned from a week of that in Wengen and was definitely not bored!). Please advise!

[blutek]

Anything for non skiers in Hakuba - IMO not much without a full day excursion involved (eg: snow monkeys, Nagano city for Zenkoji Temple, or Matsumoto castle). There is no central ski village in Hakuba, just a number of accommodation based developments/areas spread way out around the valley connected by shuttle bus. If in Hakuba, drop into Evergreen Outdoor Centre in Wadano, they may have something on.
Also do some research on Nozawa Onsen which has a nice traditional onsen town, however the lower slopes close early here. In April, rain may cause problems. If cold enough, it can still turn to snow, but there's a greater chance of that in Hokkaido (Furano or Niseko). It's probably cheaper to ski in Hokkaido as you should be able to get ticket (assuming QFF here) Sydney to Chitose (NRT-CTS codeshare on JAL). This would need to allow a Tokyo stopover on return. (Furano city is walking distance from ski resort. Near Niseko, there is Kutchan town and Otaru fishing port a bit further away)
Organise your own itinerary online. Stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya in Tokyo.

[Silverwitch]

Hello all, just back from down the coast and no internet. Had bit of reading to do just to catch up about whats going on with all regards Japan.

Got myself nearly sorted for Friday when I leave, insurance,yen etc

Got myself a pair of swany gloves..very comfy..should be toasty for Japan.

A question for the ladies: I have a pair of keens briggs shoes which I will be wearing but just wondering if I need another pair of shoes

for going out at night...maybe a pair of flats? ( But they would be cold on the old toes I think!)Or are they unecessary for resturants etc. http://www.quarkshoes.com/IMAGES/LADIES/KEE/5365-WEANDED-M.JPG

[Podlettte]

whatever you wear, makesure they are easy to take off, most restaurants and so on require you to take your shoes off at the door, so you want either slip ons or shoes with zips or laces that make it easy to take them off.

You want the warmest shoes you have, plus thick socks for night time. Perhaps it was just me, my feet and hands always get really cold, no matter how warm the rest of me is, but my feet were particularly cold a few of the nights I was in Niseko. Icy streets and 80cms of snow over night will do that I guess.

[schmick]

Hey Silverwitch!

How exciting! We are leaving on Friday also!

So what is your luggage setup going to be like? Did you manage to stay within the 23kg (Checked) + 7kg (Carry-On)?

Also, will you be using the Japan couriers to send any of your gear whilst there, or are you carting everything around with you?

It's going to be AWESOME!

[Silverwitch]

Hey thanks Pods for the info about the shoes, the cold and the taking off of shoes!
I think I will just stick with the Keens as they are warm and comfy.
I will also pack socks wothout holes since they will be seen ...ha ha!

[Silverwitch]

Hey Silverwitch!

How exciting! We are leaving on Friday also!

So what is your luggage setup going to be like? Did you manage to stay within the 23kg (Checked) + 7kg (Carry-On)?

Also, will you be using the Japan couriers to send any of your gear whilst there, or are you carting everything around with you?

It's going to be AWESOME!

Hello there schmick!

Friday will be here before we know it!

I have decided upon a medium sized checked in bag and a small cabin bag that fits over the handle part of the main bag for pulling around as one.It has my ski boots, ski jacket and other carry stuff ( packed using compression one way valve bags..jacket packed up like a sandwhich!!)
I also have a ski bag that will be carried over my shoulder.

I am going to pack tomorrow so I will let you know how it all goes but I am going pretty basic...I have thrown stuff into bag that I am going to take and its pretty empty...well that is so far!

What luggage set up are you doing? I thought of the big ski bag with wheels but decided not to...as I thought the smaller bag would be aesier for me to manage.We will soon see!

Cant wait...three more days to go!
I will be rolling and carrying my own stuff around!

[Podlettte]

I had the same set up as silverwitch, bag on wheels, carry on plus ski bag. We shipped my bag on wheels, BH's pack plus our ski bags to hakuba and kept our cabin bags with change of t shirts and undies and toiletries for our 2 nights/days in tokyo. Highly recommend it if you are touristing in tokyo first off, or the reverse if you're playing tourist after skiing, get your gear sent straight to the airport, it makes travelling so much easier.

[SA]

Silverwitch - I have always found the double ski bag with wheels, and backpack easiest. This way I always have at least one hand free and no chance of bag straps falling off shoulders or bags falling off each other.

The less pieces the better.

[Silverwitch]

The cabin bags has a back strap that velcros over the handle of the wheeled bag and it shouldnt fall off ( I have tested it) and the ski bag over the shoulder/ cross the body sort of thing.. should leave me one hand free.well thats the theory...I will see how my set up goes as I have got these bags already and didnt want buy more luggage. If all goes pear shape I will try the rollable ski bag next time!

[Silverwitch]

I am just wondering if I need to pack swimmers for the onsens in Shiga and Niseko or are they not allowed/ necessary?
Ladies what did you do?
I suppose I can buy a cheap pr of thongs over there also for bathing??

[blutek]

silver, you better study some onsen etiquette:
http://japan-onsen.com/japan_onsen.htm

[Silverwitch]

Thanks blutek will read it now.

[schmick]

Hey Guys,

So how do you guys charge your electrical appliances in Japan?

Any recommendations for a Plug/Adaptor etc.? I'm having difficulty locating one with the Australian 3 pin to Japan 2 pin... =(

[Podlettte]

any luggage store should have them, and I've seen a universal one at Dick smith that does the whole world, you just slot the required wall end in and away you go.

mine are Go travel brand and i found them at snowgum, or kathmandu or somewhere, though I know they are also available at most luggage/handbag type shops.

[2nd String QB]

Hi Schmick + Silverwitch,

We just got back from our trip to Myoko so hope you guys have as mush fun as we did. We were planning next year's trip on the train back home it was that good!

Adaptors - i got one from JB HI FI that worked well with the children's Nintendo DS and DVD player.
Shoes - i brought along a pair of runners for getting around town but ended up wearing my board boots as it was ankle deep most of the time! I did pick up a cheap pair of gumboots in Osaka before we headed off for my son though and wished I'd done the same.
Onsens - no clothing required.

Have a great time guys. I'd love to be on that plane with you...

[Podlettte]

oh and if either of you are planning on taking any hair straightners hair dryers etc check the voltage as most won't work in japan if they aren't dual ie 110-240, even then they might not work at all.

best to leave at home really :)

[Silverwitch]

Hey Guys,

So how do you guys charge your electrical appliances in Japan?

Any recommendations for a Plug/Adaptor etc.? I'm having difficulty locating one with the Australian 3 pin to Japan 2 pin... =(

Schmick, I got my Adaptor for Japan from Kathmandu ( their brand and about $8 on sale) but have seen them at Luggage shops also.

Hey Legs I wont be taking any as I am a wash and shake girl!

[schmick]

Schmick, I got my Adaptor for Japan from Kathmandu ( their brand and about $8 on sale) but have seen them at Luggage shops also.

Hey Silver,

I saw these, good price at the moment.

Are most of your devices only 2 pin instead of the usual 3 pin we use here in Australia?

I note that the Kathmandu adapter only takes 2 pin Aussie devices! =(

[blutek]

schmick, did you confirm your baggage limits with JAL - I think it will be 20kg checked + 10kg carryon.

[schmick]

schmick, did you confirm your baggage limits with JAL - I think it will be 20kg checked + 10kg carryon.

Hi Bluetek,

I didn't check the baggage limits with JAL as we booked with QANTAS. Our Flight Centre invoice confirms QF numbers also. I think it maybe codeshare with JAL.

In this instance, am I naive in thinking that QANTAS baggage limits apply (ie. 23kg checked + 7kg carryon)?

Hmm..

[Podlettte]

it'll be the limit of who you booked with, so you booked with Qantas, you go by their limit, NOT jal.

[sam]

What's it like to ski in Japan? There's a thread on the other site titled "Why Niseko sucks".

[Silverwitch]

I am flying Quantas international and JAL internal but I am trying to keep to 23kg checked and 7kg carry on as the JAL excess baggage rates seem OK from what I have found ( hopefully correctly) that on the JAL website its about $5 ( aus dollars ) per KG over 20kg for checked baggage.

Schmick I am only taking my camera charger and its 2 pin so I didnt have any trouble...are you having trouble finding one for your three pinned plugs?

[schmick]

Schmick I am only taking my camera charger and its 2 pin so I didnt have any trouble...are you having trouble finding one for your three pinned plugs?

Hey Silver,

False alarm! LOL, just checked all my appliances, all of them are 2 Pin and are 100v - 240v so all good! YAY!

Going to pop down to Katmandu tomorrow to get me an adaptor! =)

[blutek]

silver, is that JAL domestic - shows 15kg checked only here:
http://www.jal.co.jp/en/dom/service/bags/#muryo

[Silverwitch]

silver, is that JAL domestic - shows 15kg checked only here:
http://www.jal.co.jp/en/dom/service/bags/#muryo

Thanks Blutek. The carry on however can be 10 kgs so that means 15 checked and 10 carry on so with surely that means 25kg total?

Sounds like I will have to add a few more things to the carry on when flying the domestic flights in Japan with JAL if I have got it right this time!!

[schnee fraulein]

Blutek - many thanks for the Hakuba advice - will keep this in mind for when we actually do go to the land of great white pow...at a better time. It was all looking a bit sketchy for end of season conditions so plans have completely changed....now going beachy with diving instead!

[blutek]

I can't recall if our carryon has ever been weighed, one bag was so full we could hardlly get it into the overhead locker.
Focus is usually on checked bags. We were challenged over 1kg overweight on a Jet* starclass flight last season at NRT.

[blutek]

schnee, hopefuly the back improves. Swimming could be helpful.

[schnee fraulein]

thanks Blutek. Unfortunately its a chronic thing which I have to manage - with pilates, swimming and....positivity. Determined to enjoy snow though and hopefully board again.

[Podlettte]

my experience with JAL domestic flights was the japanese take waaaayyyyy more carry on than we did and we were just under the limit!

we booked directly with jal as a syd-sapporo with a night in osaka there and 12-14 hrs in tokyo return. our international limits applied for domestic flights

[Silverwitch]

OK just finished packing and have suitcase 13 kgs and ski bag 7 kgs = 20 kgs checked and then 7 kgs cabin bag.

[schmick]

OK just finished packing and have suitcase 13 kgs and ski bag 7 kgs = 20 kgs checked and then 7 kgs cabin bag.

Awesome Silver! Did you pack many casual clothes etc.?

I'm going to do mine tomorrow night... Will let you know how I go! =)

[blutek]

schmick, make sure to go to Norikua for some easy tree skiing.

[Jahoota]

SW,

we had:

57 kg checked in (included 2 pairs skis) for both international and domestic JAL legs for the 3 of us
3 cabin bags - 2 heavy ones as one had ski boots and stuff and other a laptop and dslr.

No probs on domestic at all.

[Jahoota]

JAL syd > tokyo has powerpoints in economy between seats for 22-25ish. Its a little 4 row section of the plane. Sadly, row 45ish onwards doesnt (as I discovered on the flight home, which sucked!). Their is no rows marked 26-44.

[Silverwitch]

SW,

we had:

57 kg checked in (included 2 pairs skis) for both international and domestic JAL legs for the 3 of us
3 cabin bags - 2 heavy ones as one had ski boots and stuff and other a laptop and dslr.

No probs on domestic at all.

Thanks for in the info hoots ( especially the domestic)
My skis must be heavy as the ski bag which only has poles and skis ( bindings on) weighs 7kg!

Shiga Kogen weather forecast for Sunday 30th Jan: -17 max to -23 min and with the wind chill factor -32 !!!! OMG!!!

[blutek]

schmik & silver, some general information, however you could already know this:
There's a bird flu virus starting in Japan at the moment (but hasn't mutated to humans as yet).
Apparently the seasonal flu went through Niseko two weeks ago (caution, ski shuttle buses can be health risk). But don't bring 'Codral' type of cold & flu tablets with pseudoephedrine or codeine, you could be detained.
Don't forget to carry a copy of your passport at most times when not in the snowfields (technically you are required to carry your passport at all times). Also fingerprints are scanned upon arrival at NRT.
Chinese New Year has started for 15 days (there will be a larger number of HK skiers in this period).
Silver, if you are going to SK, I think there is an ATM in the small upstairs shop at Ichinose - if it's not there now, then there's one back at the Hasuike PO (in business hours) - take enough cash just in case.

Have a great flight and enjoy the snow & the food.

[Silverwitch]

Thanks blutek, Thanks for the heads up on the flu and the info about the ATM in shop at Ichinose..Ihad read about the one at Hasuike PO.

Hopefully the flu in Niseko will have run its course and wont be around by the time I get there!

Looking forward to the whole experience of Japan!

Also a very big thanks to everyone for helping me with the many questions I have asked , sharing their experiences and knowlegde! Much appreciated...so thanks again!

I wont be taking a computer but will check in to Snowatch when I can get onto a computer at a cafe etc ....I assuming since its Japan that internet cafes will be around in the bigger towns and cities.

[schmick]

Hey Guys,

Well, I just packed my ultralite wheelie, minus a few cords and my toiletries and it came to ~16kgs! Does this sound right? It has my skis, poles and clothes in it!

I basically weighed myself on my bathroom scales, then weighed myself again holding my wheelie. I weigh 60kgs and with the bag I"m about 76kgs... I'm pretty confident my scales are accurate as I weigh the same at my gym! I also weighed the bag only on the scales, came to around 16kgs... I figure with 7kgs spread, I should be OK even if out 1 or 2 kgs?

I'm soo excited!

Silver, hope you have a great trip! We can share stories and pics when we get back!

Bluetek, just a quick query in regards to your post above. I'm thinking of bring with me a Dimatap nasal spray and also a 500g container of 'make-your-own' Powerade. Would these items be OK through customs etc.?

As Silver said, I would like to thank everybody for their patience with all my questions also! Sincerely appreciate it and I love the snowatch community!

Will be sure to post some pics if I can too! =)

[blutek]

Dimmetap & poweraide powder will be OK to carry (preferably in their original containers).

[schmick]

Well, off to the airport for me! Hope all goes well! =)

WOO!

[Paul Oberin]

Good luck and have fun.

[Jahoota]

Wot he said. Have fun!

[Pollo]

Have fun Schmick.

There's a high standard of Trip Report that you need to maintain.

[Paul Oberin]

I heard on the news late last night flights into Japan may be disrupted because of a Volcano in Japan, I thought they said Mount Hiroshima, great when we are flying out this coming Thursday.

[blutek]

here's NHK's coverage:
http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/society.html

Hopefully Narita stays open, Kansai could be questionable.



Here's JAL's current advice (same volcano different name?):

{Tomorrow January 30}

The following airports may experience flight delay, cancellation, or diversions.

Hakodate, Aomori, Akita, Niigata, Komatsu, Izumo( snow ), Miyazaki( volcanic eruption in Kirishima )

Normal operation is expected for other airports.

[blutek]

... and flu season peaks next week.
1.5 million people visited the doctor in one week.

http://www.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/28_72.html

[Paul Oberin]

We may see a lot of people wearing those white masks this time.

[schmick]

Hey Guys,

Arrived in Hakuba, it's been snowing all day! Will be hitting the slopes first thing in the morning!

Have noticed lots of ppl wearing masks and lucky for us no delays regarding our flights.

Going to be fun! Can't believe the snow, so dry, so much and so fluffy!

Pow Pow!

[Silverwitch]

Hello all from very very snowy shiga kogen.
We had a great flight on Friday night and no disruption to flight path/
Trains and buses to get here...all good
Love the onsen and all the products you get to use ..amazing
We have only seen a dozen english speaking people and I am getting very good at pointing
Love the food, the vending machines, the japanese politeness, the bed ( so good last night)
I am just in for a quick pit stop and then off again....-10 today but nice and I actually have 1 to many layers on ...hence the pit stop to remove a layer.
The snow here is beautiful...amazing...light as a feather and makes everything look like a fairy tale ...magic!!
I am having a ball and learning lots.
We have ｆｒｅｅ　ｉｎｔｅｒｎｅｔ　ａｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｈｏｔｅｌ　．．．ｂｙｅ！（　Ｉ　ｄｏｎｔ　ｗｈａｔ　Ｉ　 ｈａｖｅ　ｄｏｎｅ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｆｏｎｔ　ｃｈａｎｇｅ　ｉｔｓ　ａ　ｊａｐａｎｅｓｅ　／ｅｎｇ ｌｉｓｈ　ｋｅｙｂｏａｒｄ　．．ｓｏｒｒｙ！）

[Podlettte]

Great to hear you're both enjoying.

Silverwitch... :giggle: just don't pop it into japanese accidentally ;) took me ages to figure out how to return to english!

[blutek]

it's the two key presses that cause problems (eg:Alt+ Shift)

[Jahoota]

Be sure to hit up the tibetean place for a curry. Yum yum.

[schmick]

Morning from Hakuba!

We had our first day on the slopes here in Hakuba yesterday and boy what an experience!

There was about 35cm of fresh the night before, making for excellent skiing! We were on the first Sakka life at 8am and skiied until the last lift at 4, only to stop for lunch! Three meat curry of course! =)

Powder! Wow, what an exhilarating feeling, the float is sensational! Was difficult at first but after a few goes, started to get some hang of it! Luckily we have another 5 days to practice! Best advice was from Jahoota to just go with the flow! When I did this and just let the skis take me, I was doing much better!

Basically skied the whole mountain going from run to run! Even starting to get better at navigating the bumps! The whole vibe of the resort here is much different to Oz! Much more relaxing and the views are spectacular!

Paul,my skis are doing fine over here, even I the knee deep!

We think we will hittup 47/Goryu today and want to also get to Cortina at some stage!

Really loving Japan, everybody is soo nice!

Silver, glad to hearyou are having an awesome time too! I did the same thing with the computer here at our lodge! It started typing Kanji and it totally threw me! I think I'll stick with the iPhone! =)

[blutek]

... it didn't happen without pictures.
And keep your eye out for offpiste or nearpiste opportunities.
Have a look under the top of Skyline as you travel up.

[Bendalong]

Hey Silverwitch, sounds superb.
You staying at the Sunroute Hotel as mentioned a while back?
We arrive Friday 4th Feb afternoon. Might see you then if your still there.

[Silverwitch]

Hey everyone!

had another amazing day and now love cable cars!! The japanese people are so friendly and they go out of their way to help you. Had an amazingly spectacular yard sale today off into to the fluffy stuff ( off the edge of a run ) and it didnt hurt a bit but took me a while to find a few things! I was so buried that noone else saw me except saome very nice japanese skiers who asked if I needed help !! Its a new experience having to clean all the snow out out of the vents in your helmet...Hmmm..apart from that today all good and enjoying myself and learning lots.
Hey Shmick, Great to hear you are well and enjoying the experience!
Bendalong, I think I leave Saturday morning..but if you are here Fri 4th I will probably hear you as there are not many aussies here we are the only ones at the moment aｔ　寸労テ！！！ｏｐｐｓ　ｄｉｄ　ｉｔ　ａｇａｉｎ　ａｎｄ　ｓｏ　Ｉ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｓａｙ　ｋｏｎｉｃ ｈｉｗａ　ｆｏｒ　ｎｏｗ！　ＬＯＬ！！

[Silverwitch]

Q:What is it like to ski in Japan?
A: Amazing!

[Xena]

Go hard you powder hounds!!!!

[2nd String QB]

Good to hear SW!
All those concerns you had before you left would've faded away in that first run in the powder.
Tell us how it went
(i'm still trying to get time to do a TR on our Myoko trip). Photos are posted in the Albums.

[blutek]

Day 3 in Rusutsu proved to be sort of bluebird (with some cloud) after yesterdays light snow.
Looks like a few sunny days coming unfortunately (... it's Hokkaido, it's where you can appreciate snow days & blizzards).
Here's a pix:

1516


1517

The cloud in the centre left of photo is Mt Yotei.

[Jahoota]

stop it. your giving me SDS!

[blutek]

Snow's back in Hokkaido for a couple of days, so heading to Tomamu tommorrow.

[Silverwitch]

I have posted some photos in an album called Shiga Kogen and Niseko Trip. Not all of them have comments as of yet but will finish that later. Enjoy!

I will write a report up this weekend when I get time.

[blutek]

Tomamu has been snowing since we arrived. More like Honshu powder, not quite as light & dry as Niseko or Rusutsu.
Have seen less than 10 aussies in two days.
You sign a liability waiver and can ride the offpiste inbounds or OOB. Trees are mainly pine and can get a bit tight compared to birch trees (as they have so much foliage to avoid). Makes it difficult to ski with the camera. Overall it is still very good.

[Silverwitch]

Blutek, Where is Tamamu near?
Nice to hear that you have lots of snow!

[blutek]

Silver, it's in the middle of nowhere. There's a station but village is about 10km away, the resort bus picks you up.
It's about half way between Chitose and Furano.

Here's a liftline shot (single chair, no safety bar). We would ski the adjoining trees.

1688

[Silverwitch]

Thanks Blutek for the info..I went on those single lifts with no safety bar at Shiga and Niseko ...they are OK once you realised they did the job and you wouldnt fall off...first time I went on one I made my experienced friend carry my poles!..after that I just took a concrete pill!

[blutek]

here's a cable car - Furano Ropeway (holds about 100 people - taken today).

1691

[blutek]

this morning was bluebird at Tomamu after 2 days of continuous snowfall (knee deep):

1692


Then headed to Furano for a midmorning 4 hour session.


Now in Asahikawa, our base for Kamui Ski Links.
Here's sunset over Santa Present Park taken from hotel room (it will probably have a nighta on tonight):

1693


About to head out into the Kawa for dinner.

[Jahoota]

awesome. I really have SDS now. :cry:

[blutek]

@ hoots, wait to I figure out how to post HD video from the Lumix TZ.

@ Paul & JD, as snowboarder I have an aversion to big groomers, BUT Kumai No5 was 10 out of 10 yesterday. The 10 locals who were on the piste skied like the JSA ski team (with impressive rooster tails of snow with each turn), but the standout was a telemarker going warp speed with a bomb blast of snow behind him/her at every turn.:p

[SA]

I really enjoyed Asahikawa. Nice town, not too big but enough to be interesting. Kamui looked very promising, but we struck it in the middle of this time last year's warm spell.

[John Deere]

Kamui has a nice backside!

[blutek]

Some interesting Kamui signage:

[Silverwitch]

Sorry I cant see them blutek?

[rider26]

Here's a few photos from my trip to Hakuba 3 years ago...

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_710578_6749.jpg
Empty slopes

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_710603_3856.jpg
Hakuba Valley

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_710609_5676.jpg
Untouched

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_710610_5942.jpg
Fresh lines

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v204/46/24/506908277/n506908277_714942_8559.jpg
Trees

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v204/46/24/506908277/n506908277_714948_782.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_718976_3208.jpg
Storm after storm...

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_718975_2957.jpg
No roads

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_718982_4726.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_718987_6169.jpg
My happy shadow

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_718991_7199.jpg
The valley and avalanche barriers

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_750757_7218.jpg
My cousin, waist deep...

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_750766_24.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v182/46/24/506908277/n506908277_750781_5600.jpg
Onsen

[blutek]

trying again

BC gate
1707


only in Japan
1708

[Silverwitch]

Thanks Blutek the photos are funny..I loved all the japenglish signs too!

[Silverwitch]

Nice photos Rider26..thanks for sharing them..where is the onsen?

[sam]

Thanks Rider.

[blutek]

1715
went to Kurodake today, steepish cable car up.

1716
checked the only copy of the trail map.

1717
windy & not so good -we were the only people there.

1718
& found the local JAL office.

[rider26]

Nice photos Rider26..thanks for sharing them..where is the onsen?
Cheers Silverwitch! :)

It's about 15 minutes down the road from the main Hakuba Town area. I found it by accident... long story short, I took a wrong turn out of bounds in the trees, had about a 2 hours hike out in waist deep powder. Finally hit the road, had no idea where I was, found this awesome natural onsen. Skated down the road for about half an hour back to civilisation.

[Silverwitch]

Hey Rider..sounds like a good adventure with lots of excercise to keep you snow fit! Nice find also :)

[blutek]

1774
gets cold in HokkaiDo
ski school class going down hill