Niseko 2014

[smeacs]

So Based on JesicaTam’s thread about a AFF ski trip there seemed to be a lot of members who have Niseko plans for this season. I am not proposing to arrange anything, be responsible for anyone other than me but I figured let’s have a new thread to post when we are there and keep the other one clear from Japan plans.

I am there form 11/1 till 19/1.

And if anyone has any good tips or pub suggestions please share.

 

[thompg]

I'm there from 6/2 to 12/2 after having gone to Asahidake and Kiroro. Never been to any of those places before, just Sahoro and Rusutsu in Hokkaido. Looking forward to it...

 

[Cynicor]

Booked 27th Jan to 6th Feb at Hilton niseko (Higashiyama/Niseko Village)

Thinking of going around 2nd Jan to 9th Jan also or 12th if anyone is interested...

 

[trentusjuventus]

Dec 29 to Jan 5 slumming it at Lodge Bamboo. This will be my fourth trip, and it is definitely still as exciting as the first!

 

[trentusjuventus]

And if anyone has any good tips or pub suggestions please share.

Plenty of pubs, although I've been absent for a year or two so not sure what's still there, or what's new. Wild Bill's is the go-to for a rowdy pub atmosphere, there was an 'Irish Style' one there too last time I was there, but I'd recommend checking out all the little bars that are spotted around. There's almost always an Ice Bar somewhere (last time it was next to Blo Blo IIRC, and there was another one somewhere near Bill's), and although pricy, it's an experience worth doing.

But I'd of course recommend limiting the booze, enjoying the Japanese food, and saving yourself for the powder during the day. You'll hate yourself for being too hung over to enjoy it!

 

[Grogan]

I have a couple of weeks in Japan in March, have booked into the Club Med for a week

 

[petermac123]

I'm in Japan 14th to 28th January.

Skiing Hakuba 15th to 19th.

 

[penegal]

Our compulsory Christmas shut down period is being extended for an extra week, so early January is likely for me (unless I can find a legitimate reason to work through the shut down).

 

[anat0l]

My sister and friend are going to Japan to the snow for about 1 week in late January to early February.

They are still deciding on where to go; Niseko has been mentioned. Some say that Niseko has been so popular with Australians now that it's almost a tourist trap. Whatever that means (probably means more Australians than some people would deem comfortable outside of Australia).

A recommendation made to me of an alternative is Appi, a small town in the Tohoku region.

She's still deciding on where to go. She's a beginner-intermediate skiier.

 

[ausfox]

Niseko was excellent this year in January. The snow conditions are from your dreams with huge groomed piste and dry powder off-piste, Plenty of English speakers and good standard accomodation. Mrs tore some ligaments off the knee but the ski patrol and the local hospital gave excellent care.

 

[Cynicor]

Niseko was excellent this year in January. The snow conditions are from your dreams with huge groomed piste and dry powder off-piste, Plenty of English speakers and good standard accomodation. Mrs tore some ligaments off the knee but the ski patrol and the local hospital gave excellent care.

Half true! The second last week of Jan this year was actually pretty poor. It rained a lot, was icy and cold and dark but no/little fresh powder. This is rare however, and my time there was amazing- a friend arrived as I left and gave that report.

 

[Fifa]

Next year will be our 6th ski trip to Japan.
This time we are spending a week each at Naeba and Nozawa Onsen in Feb.

I've been to Niseko twice but now find the prices for accommodation and meals are just too expensive compared to other resorts.