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Best Place to Ski in Japan?

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Enstrut
Posts: 1388 - Karma: 362
Hey NS,

Im just looking at different places to ski this season and thought maybe Japan would be cool. I want to see some nice powder skiing because my local shop (also my sponsors) like to see me in the powder and stuff.

I was hoping to get some quick insight on when to go, where to go, where to stay, and how to get there for a trip to Japan.

Has anyone else skied their? Is it worth it? Any other suggestions to exotic ski trips?

Thanks Bros.
Oct 11 2011 11:03PM
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wheezy
Posts: 122 - Karma: 20
Hey,

Went to Niseko and Happo One / Cortina for a month back in Janurary and am going back to Niseko in december for the whole season (dec - april).

There are 2 areas to chose from (actually more but for simplicity ill condense it to two)

Niseko:

North Island
Slightly better snow quality (gets the majority of its air from the sea of Japan)
more constant falls
fairly mellow terrain
open gate policy
some option to hike some decent hills
best resort access backcountry in Japan
better maintained terrain parks

Hakuba:

Central Japan
Slightly (ever so slightly) heavier snow (gets air mixture from sea of Japan and pacific ocean i believe)
more clear days between dumps (not as consistent)
Far bigger and steeper terrain, hakuba is located in the Japanese alps and you can ski some super nice steep stuff there, unlike niseko
Due to the steepness and high snow levels there is a real avalanche danger so the resorts are extremely tight about skiing out of bounds
less quality terrain parks



Oct 11 2011 11:21PM
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Enstrut
Posts: 1388 - Karma: 362
thanks dude +k will deff. keep this into consideration
Oct 11 2011 11:24PM
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mountainviper
Posts: 1931 - Karma: -3
I did alot of the stuff near karuzawa and Nagano. The resorts are Eh but the surrounding backcountry in good snow is epic!
Oct 11 2011 11:48PM
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sneds
Posts: 349 - Karma: 26
After watching Sean Petit's part in 'the way i see it' with Jacob and henrik i'd definetly reccomend Niseko. Pow looked unreal.
Oct 12 2011 8:39AM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
I've lived in Hirafu (Niseko), for the last 3 winters, and it's awesome. Can't comment on Hakuba because I've not been. There's some smaller resorts around Hokkaido (the north island), that are great as well, if you come you should def check out Rusutsu (it's really close to Niseko) and probably try and head north to Asahidake, Tomamu and Furano too.
Oct 12 2011 9:26AM
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Rosbif
Posts: 2543 - Karma: 930
I've seen that too, about 10000 apparently, but probably not till april.
Oct 12 2011 9:38AM
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MitchPee
Posts: 8871 - Karma: 1,510
That was shot with us at the Black Diamond Lodge.

Niseko is without a doubt the best place for pow. We have pillow lines, deep snow, perfectly spaced trees, and the list goes on. Last year we had Level 1, TGR, Field Productions, Meathead, Arc'teryx, Skullcandy, Giro, Ride Snowboards, and a few others all come out to see what it was like. All of them got some amazing footage and we are now doing a special tour this year where I will personally take you to all of the spots they shot for last year's movies.

If you want to come to Japan send me a pm. I'll get you lodging info with us and what you can expect. Feel free to ask me anything about it too! You'll have an absolute blast, everyone does.


Oct 12 2011 10:36AM
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ski0
Posts: 2321 - Karma: 5,370
wow what an offer. i hope to go to japan in a few years and i would really love to have a tour guide like you man. How did u get into the scene down there , were u born there? Can i depend on good pow if i come down for 2 weeks in the winter? what month is best for avoiding crowds and getting good snow?
Oct 12 2011 3:30PM
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sneds
Posts: 349 - Karma: 26
oh really thats awsome. Henriks banger at the end was just unreal.
Oct 12 2011 4:33PM
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MitchPee
Posts: 8871 - Karma: 1,510
hell yeah man! Do it. It's an incredible place. I was offered a job there last year and took it. Had an amazing year and overall learned a lot as well. Coming from UT the terrain isn't quite as technical but the snow is amazing.

February would be a great time to go. Not busy at all and the snow is still great. 2 weeks at the lodge is perfect too. You usually meet a chill group of kids within the first few days and those are your "riding buddies" from there on out. I usually take groups out to spots with the best lines if that's what you are looking for!
Oct 12 2011 10:02PM
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