Hello there,
Just joined the forum, but I've read a lot posts with keywords "beginner", "December", "snowboard" and "cheese" (!?)".
Based on the forum advice, changed my vacation from December to late January/early February and picked Iwappara and Annupuri as destinations. Staying a few days in Tokyo and Sapporo too.
I haven't "snowboarded" on snow. My "snowboard" experience is limited to a small artificial slope, covered withcardboard cutout plastic blocks and oiled with detergent (ok, you can stop laughing now ![:lol:]()
).
I can stay on top of the board without falling off, but I can't do curves (on purpose at least). Ended up switching front foot and back to regain control of the board. The instructors there were of no use. After reading another great tip from the forum, I started to watch tutorials on youtube. No interest in ski.
Questions:
1) How many days in each resort? 3 full days in Iwappara and 3 in Annupuri is enough? I realize it's a bit of a tricky question based on tastes and time, but I'm trying to balance between staying too long, doing the same runs, get bored and staying too few days with plenty left to explore. Or since I'm a beginner it won't matter, since all beginner slopes are alike?
2) Is there anything to be gained from going to Joetsu Kokusai? Too much hassle or worth going for different slopes?
3) Are there dog sledding and snowmobile in Niseko?
4) Are English lessons typically only private lessons? There is no such thing as "group English lesson" that I could join?
5) Since I'm weak against Ice-type magic, should I wear more than the 3 basic layers (base layer, fleece, jacket)? I don't plan to buy brand snowboarding clothes. Any other suggestion against the cold?
Any other tip/suggestion is appreciated (besides BOOK NOW, which I should have done like 16 months ago).![:wave:]()
Just joined the forum, but I've read a lot posts with keywords "beginner", "December", "snowboard" and "cheese" (!?)".
Based on the forum advice, changed my vacation from December to late January/early February and picked Iwappara and Annupuri as destinations. Staying a few days in Tokyo and Sapporo too.
I haven't "snowboarded" on snow. My "snowboard" experience is limited to a small artificial slope, covered with
).I can stay on top of the board without falling off, but I can't do curves (on purpose at least). Ended up switching front foot and back to regain control of the board. The instructors there were of no use. After reading another great tip from the forum, I started to watch tutorials on youtube. No interest in ski.
Questions:
1) How many days in each resort? 3 full days in Iwappara and 3 in Annupuri is enough? I realize it's a bit of a tricky question based on tastes and time, but I'm trying to balance between staying too long, doing the same runs, get bored and staying too few days with plenty left to explore. Or since I'm a beginner it won't matter, since all beginner slopes are alike?
2) Is there anything to be gained from going to Joetsu Kokusai? Too much hassle or worth going for different slopes?
3) Are there dog sledding and snowmobile in Niseko?
4) Are English lessons typically only private lessons? There is no such thing as "group English lesson" that I could join?
5) Since I'm weak against Ice-type magic, should I wear more than the 3 basic layers (base layer, fleece, jacket)? I don't plan to buy brand snowboarding clothes. Any other suggestion against the cold?
Any other tip/suggestion is appreciated (besides BOOK NOW, which I should have done like 16 months ago).
