First time Japan Pow!
Hey guys
Looking at doing 3 weeks start of Feb and wanna rack your brains of knowledge.
Just want 3 weeks of free ride, tree runs and good times!
I’m traveling alone so looking for solo/share acc, with like minded boarders/skiers
Traveling from Gold coast/Brisbane, so info on flights, lift pass and acc deals would be awesome!
Ha pretty much everything!
Anyways if ya can help..would be awesome!
Cheers
Chris
Hey Chris, welcome to Boardworld!!!!!
First off, what resort/s have got ya interests?????
Purely boarding, or ya wanna see some of Japan as well?????
Hi Mizu
Thanks for the reply.
Not sure on resorts yet, I’ve heard great things about Niseko/Rusutsu, Myoko Furano, Tomamu and also down Hakuba valley.
I just want to spend 3 weeks on the mountain in good powder, I’ve been to Japan a few times already, so sightseeing’s been covered;)
Thanks again
Chris
Okay, so sightseein done, what type of resort are you after?????
Uncrowded, with not many facilities, or can ya handle a few people in order to have a bit of a social nightlife scene after ya done on the hill?????
How many resorts?????
Where are ya based at home????? (For flight options)
Welcome to Boardworld, Christafari. 
I’ve only been to Japan once. I went to Hakuba for three weeks and had an absolute blast. I can’t compare to other regions but I chose Hakuba based on the town, terrain, and mountain options. I can highly recommend checking it out. Typically you get less crowds than Niseko for example, and steeper terrain — but the nightlife is better in Niseko (so I hear).
Hey Mizu and rider26.
Thanks man.
Yeah sorry original post was pretty vague, not a good typist!
Definitely steep and deep pow and fun tree runs.
I’ve done many seasons in France/Austria, I know the mountains aren’t as big but I’ve heard and seen how good the pow is, so I’m hanging to get out there!
Prob stay around one resort that has a few diff options, so a lift pass that covers a few mountains!? But wouldn’t mind traveling for variety if not too far!
Not bothered with nightlife, still like to have a few but priorities are first tracks!
So just some cool bars and good Food!
I’m traveling alone, so be good to meet people with knowledge of backcountry and def No massive lift lines!
Hope that covers a bit more.
Thanks again guys!
Hey Mizu and rider26.
Thanks man.
Yeah sorry original post was pretty vague, not a good typist!
Definitely steep and deep pow and fun tree runs.
I’ve done many seasons in France/Austria, I know the mountains aren’t as big but I’ve heard and seen how good the pow is, so I’m hanging to get out there!
As you probably know with steep AND deep comes Avi risk.
You’ll find a stricter off piste policy in Hakuba for this reason.
Whereas in Niseko they are much more relaxed because it’s more mellow, therefore lower risk (in general, there’s always a risk, yes there’s some steep spots in Niseko…)
Prob stay around one resort that has a few diff options, so a lift pass that covers a few mountains!? But wouldn’t mind traveling for variety if not too far!
AFAIR Niseko is the only one that does an ‘All Mountain’ pass. Hakuba valley (at least when I was there) are all on different passes…buy them on the day, for the day. Unsure as to whether other resorts have any arrangements in place, but I don’t think so.
Not bothered with nightlife, still like to have a few but priorities are first tracks!
So just some cool bars and good Food!
Should be ok almost anywhere.
I’m traveling alone, so be good to meet people with knowledge of backcountry and def No massive lift lines!
Hope that covers a bit more.
Thanks again guys!
You’ll get decent queues in Niseko/Rusutsu/ most Hakuba locations in Feb. Not usually crazy Aus style queues but queues none the less. Once the day gets underway, especially away from beginner and base access lifts you’ll rarely have to wait more than a minute or two.
You will definitely find backcountry crew in Niseko and Hakuba (I recommend booking a professional guide) and there’s definitely some English speaking back country loving staff in Myoko. As for the others - no knowledge sorry.
Hope that helps a bit.
Hey Mizu and rider26.
Thanks man.
Yeah sorry original post was pretty vague, not a good typist!
Definitely steep and deep pow and fun tree runs.
I’ve done many seasons in France/Austria, I know the mountains aren’t as big but I’ve heard and seen how good the pow is, so I’m hanging to get out there!As you probably know with steep AND deep comes Avi risk.
You’ll find a stricter off piste policy in Hakuba for this reason.
Whereas in Niseko they are much more relaxed because it’s more mellow, therefore lower risk (in general, there’s always a risk, yes there’s some steep spots in Niseko…)
They do have Niseko Local Rules, which does give you a fair bit of freedom. They send out reports every day in regard to avi risk and conditions. They are very vigilant in Niseko. If they don’t think it’s safe, they don’t open the gates. However that doesn’t mean that other open areas are 100% safe, even sidecountry. You ski at your own risk. Remember, it doesn’t have to be steep to get buried! And if you get buried and can’t get out, you’re in trouble. I remember getting buried 10 metres from the piste, and couldn’t get out! Very scary.
http://niseko.ne.jp/en/rules/index.html
http://www.snowjapan.com/niseko-local-rules
http://niseko.nadare.info/
ps. You’ll love Japan!!! Wooooooohoooo
Hey Mizu and rider26.
Thanks man.
Yeah sorry original post was pretty vague, not a good typist!
Definitely steep and deep pow and fun tree runs.
I’ve done many seasons in France/Austria, I know the mountains aren’t as big but I’ve heard and seen how good the pow is, so I’m hanging to get out there!As you probably know with steep AND deep comes Avi risk.
You’ll find a stricter off piste policy in Hakuba for this reason.
Whereas in Niseko they are much more relaxed because it’s more mellow, therefore lower risk (in general, there’s always a risk, yes there’s some steep spots in Niseko…)They do have Niseko Local Rules, which does give you a fair bit of freedom. They send out reports every day in regard to avi risk and conditions. They are very vigilant in Niseko. If they don’t think it’s safe, they don’t open the gates. However that doesn’t mean that other open areas are 100% safe, even sidecountry. You ski at your own risk. Remember, it doesn’t have to be steep to get buried! And if you get buried and can’t get out, you’re in trouble. I remember getting buried 10 metres from the piste, and couldn’t get out! Very scary.
http://niseko.ne.jp/en/rules/index.html
http://www.snowjapan.com/niseko-local-rules
http://niseko.nadare.info/
Ditto Billy!
Was buried ON PISTE in Hakuba (ok…ungroomed after 6 straight days of epic pukage) took me half an hour to get out. Was terrifying.
If you want bigger terrain, more mountain options, and you don’t care much about nightlife… I think Hakuba would be a great option. The reasons above are why I chose to go there. I didn’t regret it.
Have a read through MarcD’s Hakuba blog from last season: https://www.boardworld.com.au/forums/viewthread/14928
Also, busta’s Hakuba Review thread: https://www.boardworld.com.au/forums/viewthread/4649
Awesome guys thanks for all the reply’s!
Always good to hear first hand experiences!
Very avi aware having done many seasons in France, Chamonix, LDA/La grave, Val d’Isère but
still be hooking up guides while in Japan.
A buddy of mine from Cham just dropped on me that his mate owns Morino lodge in Hakuba!
So will be checking it out..
Anyone stayed there?
Thanks again and any more tips would be awesome!
Chris