Other than well worn tales that have no basis in fact!
There's sure been a lot of rain this summer.
There's sure been a lot of rain this summer.
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A very rainy summer = winter implications?
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xmas trip w/kids
Hi guys and gals, first post.
Deciding on my xmas trip, either to Rusutsu or Tomamu.
Will be travelling with kids (1, 3 and 5yr old)
To those that have travelled to these 2 resorts
1)which children ski area is better?
I see that Rusutsu has the Crayon shin chan school, pretty much can cater to my 3 and 5 yr old (skied once at Akan lake)
How is the school/ children area at Tomamu?
2) Wave pool and children activities.
which resort has more children fun?
Also I know onsen are pretty strict on tattoo's how about pools?
3) Snow condition.
Generally how is the snow in december?
Niskeo was great feb/ march this year when we went and Akan was also pretty good in early feb.
Club med is out of the question as they don't teach 3 yr olds to ski.
Thanks in advance.
Deciding on my xmas trip, either to Rusutsu or Tomamu.
Will be travelling with kids (1, 3 and 5yr old)
To those that have travelled to these 2 resorts
1)which children ski area is better?
I see that Rusutsu has the Crayon shin chan school, pretty much can cater to my 3 and 5 yr old (skied once at Akan lake)
How is the school/ children area at Tomamu?
2) Wave pool and children activities.
which resort has more children fun?
Also I know onsen are pretty strict on tattoo's how about pools?
3) Snow condition.
Generally how is the snow in december?
Niskeo was great feb/ march this year when we went and Akan was also pretty good in early feb.
Club med is out of the question as they don't teach 3 yr olds to ski.
Thanks in advance.
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Alpine Ski World Cup 2016
...in Naeba, announced today.
Quite why they have passed over the chance of going with Mt Granview and gone with Naeba, I can't work that one out.
Quite why they have passed over the chance of going with Mt Granview and gone with Naeba, I can't work that one out.
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Niseko at Christmas
Hi all, will be in Niseko for Christmas this year woohoo ![:)]()
just wondering, does everything close up on Christmas Day?
and can anyone recommend a restaurant in niseko? something fancy..
found an awesome little place last time there that i'll be looking for again, i just have to find the red door...
thanks![:)]()
just wondering, does everything close up on Christmas Day?
and can anyone recommend a restaurant in niseko? something fancy..
found an awesome little place last time there that i'll be looking for again, i just have to find the red door...
thanks
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Helmets
I went to Tokyo to buy myself a new pair of ski boots today well actually an xmas present from my wife and at the same time I decided to buy a ski helmet.
Been considering getting one for a while but never really bothered before but thought why not get one especially as I do tend to ski rather fast and do lots of fast cornering.
Might help a little if I were to take a spill.
Hope to give both the boots and helmet a try tomorrow depending what time I get back tonight.
Been considering getting one for a while but never really bothered before but thought why not get one especially as I do tend to ski rather fast and do lots of fast cornering.
Might help a little if I were to take a spill.
Hope to give both the boots and helmet a try tomorrow depending what time I get back tonight.
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Snowboarding for a 5 year old
Bubs has expressed an interest in starting up snowboarding this season. I've been looking at various resorts that offer ski schools for groms and was wondering what have other people's experiences have been? Any recommendations?
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Lodge Mokoro
I've been trying to contact Lodge Mokoro in Annupuri to enquire about room availability but have not received any replies to emails (ruri@lodgemokoro.com) or online booking form enquiries.
Does anyone know if the lodge is open?
What is the best way to contact them?
Does anyone know if the lodge is open?
What is the best way to contact them?
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The gnarliest (official) ski course in Japan is...
OK, so the gnarliest official run/course (ie, not a backcountry adventure) in Japan is....
Spoiler
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Kagura in early Feb, is it worth it?
I've been looking at options for some slackcountry/ easy backcountry in early Feb (7th-). Some of the reviews of the terrain accessed from the number 5 romance lift (the top lift) sounded very appealing. The in bounds sounds a little mellow but as it's the start of the trip I'm sure we'll enjoy a warm up run or three. But looking further it seems that lift (also called Kagura Pair Lift No. 5) is not actually open in early Feb. Was this the case this year? If it is the case is there anything there to appeal to a crew that likes the getting into the trees and some easy back country (on snowboards so prefer to ride out but carry full avi gear and snowshoes).
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Niseko Property
Hi All,
I was wondering if any of you wonderful people live in or own property within the Niseko area? If so I have a few question with regard to owning property and would be most grateful if I could run some questions by you![:)]()
Many thanks![:)]()
I was wondering if any of you wonderful people live in or own property within the Niseko area? If so I have a few question with regard to owning property and would be most grateful if I could run some questions by you
Many thanks
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Places to stay near White World Oze Iwakura
Looking for budget accommodation near White World Oze.
Looks like not much up there, other than the pricey resort hotel....
Has anyone stayed at or know of any cheap pensions nearby?
Looks like not much up there, other than the pricey resort hotel....
Has anyone stayed at or know of any cheap pensions nearby?
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Yen
Hi I have been watching the Yen go down lately (allthough a bit late for me as I already changed my money)
What is the history has it ever been $1AU to 100Yen
And does anyone know why the Yen is devalueing I heard they are thinking of printing more money?
What is the history has it ever been $1AU to 100Yen
And does anyone know why the Yen is devalueing I heard they are thinking of printing more money?
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SnowJapan Giveaways - unclaimed lift tickets
SnowJapan Giveaways 2013/2014
We have a number of unclaimed ski lift tickets that we would like to send out to people - they are no use left here unused!
We have at least one lift ticket from all of the weekly prizes apart the Niseko Hanazono, Happo-one and Hakuba Goryu Giveaways.
The remaining Givewaways - ie. the ones that we have unclaimed ticket(s) for - can be found here:
http://www.snowjapan...0132014-season/
If you would like one of those and are able to use them, please send us an email to editor@snowjapan.com; tell us your Forums member name; and tell us why you'd like one.
Oh yes, and don't forget to tell us which one you would like.
In order to reduce time needed in this process, also tell us your postal address in case you win. (Don't worry, if we don't use it to send you a ticket it will be deleted).
One more thing: If you have already won a ticket from us in the last few seasons, please send us a link showing us the Resort Review you have posted and/or photos you uploaded to SnowJapan.
We'll decide who gets what by the end of the week.
Thank you and good luck.
We have a number of unclaimed ski lift tickets that we would like to send out to people - they are no use left here unused!
We have at least one lift ticket from all of the weekly prizes apart the Niseko Hanazono, Happo-one and Hakuba Goryu Giveaways.
The remaining Givewaways - ie. the ones that we have unclaimed ticket(s) for - can be found here:
http://www.snowjapan...0132014-season/
If you would like one of those and are able to use them, please send us an email to editor@snowjapan.com; tell us your Forums member name; and tell us why you'd like one.
Oh yes, and don't forget to tell us which one you would like.
In order to reduce time needed in this process, also tell us your postal address in case you win. (Don't worry, if we don't use it to send you a ticket it will be deleted).
One more thing: If you have already won a ticket from us in the last few seasons, please send us a link showing us the Resort Review you have posted and/or photos you uploaded to SnowJapan.
We'll decide who gets what by the end of the week.
Thank you and good luck.
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Is Yuzawa area as good as it looks?
Hi ![:wave:]()
Never been to Japan, but planning on a trip.
Great to find this website, it's easily the best info. Been reading up on places and I like the idea of the Yuzawa area in Niigata Prefecture. Sounds like there's lots of ski hills around the town and just slightly further out as well. You could spend 2 weeks and go to a different place each day.
Am I right? I know some of them are small, but that sounds decent to me. I actually prefer places that are more compact than spread out over huge areas, as long as the snow is good and there's a decent variation of terrain.
Onsen sound good too.
Never been to Japan, but planning on a trip.
Great to find this website, it's easily the best info. Been reading up on places and I like the idea of the Yuzawa area in Niigata Prefecture. Sounds like there's lots of ski hills around the town and just slightly further out as well. You could spend 2 weeks and go to a different place each day.
Am I right? I know some of them are small, but that sounds decent to me. I actually prefer places that are more compact than spread out over huge areas, as long as the snow is good and there's a decent variation of terrain.
Onsen sound good too.
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Kandatsu Kogen (Yuzawa) in trouble....again
This time the company director/owner has 'run off', leaving salaries, bills etc not being paid....and it all looking bleak once again.
I first heard this last week, but put it down as a rumor. But I heard the same story now from a few other reliable people, one of whom is the friend of one of the now unpaid and nothing to do (ex) staff.
There seems to be a 'Kandatsu in trouble' story every year, so perhaps they'll somehow survive again....
Can't say I like the place, but it would be a significant bit of news if it closed up.
I first heard this last week, but put it down as a rumor. But I heard the same story now from a few other reliable people, one of whom is the friend of one of the now unpaid and nothing to do (ex) staff.
There seems to be a 'Kandatsu in trouble' story every year, so perhaps they'll somehow survive again....
Can't say I like the place, but it would be a significant bit of news if it closed up.
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First snow on the mountains snow watch autumn 2014
Ok it is that time where we all start to get excited when the first snow of the new season is spotted so thought I would make a thread for it.
Amazingly enough I can see Fuji san today the first time in what seems like months.
And with the feeezing level next week going doing to or below the peak of Fuji any percipitation could well be snow up there.
So lets posting pics of the first snow on any mountains that are blessed with the white stuff!
Amazingly enough I can see Fuji san today the first time in what seems like months.
And with the feeezing level next week going doing to or below the peak of Fuji any percipitation could well be snow up there.
So lets posting pics of the first snow on any mountains that are blessed with the white stuff!
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Niseko at Christmas
Hi all, will be in Niseko for Christmas this year woohoo ![:)]()
just wondering, does everything close up on Christmas Day?
and can anyone recommend a restaurant in niseko? something fancy..
found an awesome little place last time there that i'll be looking for again, i just have to find the red door...
thanks![:)]()
just wondering, does everything close up on Christmas Day?
and can anyone recommend a restaurant in niseko? something fancy..
found an awesome little place last time there that i'll be looking for again, i just have to find the red door...
thanks
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Rusutsu January 2015
Hi all, I have booked the family (myself, wife kids 12,10) to Rusutsu, mid Jan for 10 days. Any other like families going at that time?
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Snova Mizonokuchi-R246
We'd been planning to try to hit one of the summer slopes at some point (Marunuma or GALA), but the weather has been completely uncooperative so far this year, with rain every single weekend that would have been possible for us. With a typhoon dashing hopes yet again for this weekend, finally figured heck, let's try one of the Snova indoor slopes and see what it's like. We hit the one in the Mizonokuchi area of Kawasaki, a bit off Route 246, imaginatively named Snova Mizonokuchi-R246:
![Posted Image]()
The entrance is on the second floor, at the base of the slope. Windows to the right offer views of the happenings on the slope, though they are half frosted over, so can't really take a decent picture through them:
![Posted Image]()
After buying your ticket and going inside, you go down a staircase to the left to get to the entrance to the slope. Go through a couple of doors, and a blast of cold air hits you. It's kept at about -3 degrees. Definitely want a jacket and gloves.
Looking up from the bottom, there are 3 zones.
To the far left, the halfpipe:
![Posted Image]()
To the far right the 平バーン, which is basically a bunny slope, where they sometimes set up boxes and rails. Check the calendar for how this area is laid out each day. Today there was just a box near the top:
![Posted Image]()
In the middle is a kicker:
![Posted Image]()
Against the far-right wall is an escalator, reached by a short staircase:
![Posted Image]()
That old We're riding on the escalator of life song kept going through my head... (still is):
![Posted Image]()
There is also a carpeted ramp to the left of the halfpipe that one could hike up if feeling gnarly -- at risk of getting face-bonked by someone taking air off the lip. I declined the opportunity.
The 'snow' is pretty dry, not at all wet or slushy, and even pretty soft where piled up after the kicker. Under it is a rock-hard ice layer:
![Posted Image]()
The ice base has apparently been built up or maintained over a long period, and is almost black with dirt in places:
![Posted Image]()
A mini quarterpipe ramp at the bottom of the 平バーン:
![Posted Image]()
Top of the escalator:
![Posted Image]()
Looking down from skier's top left:
![Posted Image]()
Looking down the halfpipe:
![Posted Image]()
Snow maintenance on the kicker:
![Posted Image]()
There was a range of people there, from an obvious first-timer shouting for help all the way down the bunny slope, to some really seriously talented kids (and I mean little kids, maybe third graders by the looks) who were tearing it up on the halfpipe and kicker. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of them at future Olympics. Most visitors seemed to be there to train or practice skills and tricks. Quite a few camps and lessons seem to go on there.
I found the halfpipe tougher than I expected, and the kicker more manageable and enjoyable than I had expected. But what really kicked my butt was that stupid box -- I couldn't do anything but ski straight-line over it without slipping and crashing. Really need to figure out what the trick is for rotating on those things. (I suppose a sense of balance would help.)
Anyway, we had fun, and came back surprisingly tired. Ended up getting a decent work-out, it seems.
All in all not a bad way to spend a couple of hours, and forget that it is summer.
The entrance is on the second floor, at the base of the slope. Windows to the right offer views of the happenings on the slope, though they are half frosted over, so can't really take a decent picture through them:
After buying your ticket and going inside, you go down a staircase to the left to get to the entrance to the slope. Go through a couple of doors, and a blast of cold air hits you. It's kept at about -3 degrees. Definitely want a jacket and gloves.
Looking up from the bottom, there are 3 zones.
To the far left, the halfpipe:
To the far right the 平バーン, which is basically a bunny slope, where they sometimes set up boxes and rails. Check the calendar for how this area is laid out each day. Today there was just a box near the top:
In the middle is a kicker:
Against the far-right wall is an escalator, reached by a short staircase:
That old We're riding on the escalator of life song kept going through my head... (still is):
There is also a carpeted ramp to the left of the halfpipe that one could hike up if feeling gnarly -- at risk of getting face-bonked by someone taking air off the lip. I declined the opportunity.
The 'snow' is pretty dry, not at all wet or slushy, and even pretty soft where piled up after the kicker. Under it is a rock-hard ice layer:
The ice base has apparently been built up or maintained over a long period, and is almost black with dirt in places:
A mini quarterpipe ramp at the bottom of the 平バーン:
Top of the escalator:
Looking down from skier's top left:
Looking down the halfpipe:
Snow maintenance on the kicker:
There was a range of people there, from an obvious first-timer shouting for help all the way down the bunny slope, to some really seriously talented kids (and I mean little kids, maybe third graders by the looks) who were tearing it up on the halfpipe and kicker. I wouldn't be surprised to see some of them at future Olympics. Most visitors seemed to be there to train or practice skills and tricks. Quite a few camps and lessons seem to go on there.
I found the halfpipe tougher than I expected, and the kicker more manageable and enjoyable than I had expected. But what really kicked my butt was that stupid box -- I couldn't do anything but ski straight-line over it without slipping and crashing. Really need to figure out what the trick is for rotating on those things. (I suppose a sense of balance would help.)
Anyway, we had fun, and came back surprisingly tired. Ended up getting a decent work-out, it seems.
All in all not a bad way to spend a couple of hours, and forget that it is summer.
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Guess which Japanese ski resort gets the most page views on SnowJapan
Quiz!
Some very interesting info/data being found as we wade through statistics and logs for the site.
Which ski resorts do you think get the most pages views on SnowJapan over the last 12 months?
1
2
3
I am referring to the 500+ resort listing pages, such as this one:
http://www.snowjapan...uma/mt-granview
Prizes galore for those who get it right!
Some very interesting info/data being found as we wade through statistics and logs for the site.
Which ski resorts do you think get the most pages views on SnowJapan over the last 12 months?
1
2
3
I am referring to the 500+ resort listing pages, such as this one:
http://www.snowjapan...uma/mt-granview
Prizes galore for those who get it right!
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