bakcountrygrrl
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Posts posted by bakcountrygrrl
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anyone in niseko this week and up for a few runs? piste-side or backcountry (would need to sort some gear, but still def up for it)....
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must confess tsondaboy, i'm def less aggressive on a board than skis! and thinking that's what i will get, so hm....
thanks for the Hakuba suggestion gert. will that be more expensive than Niseko? and does it also have a good reputation for powder?
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Hi Emilia. I'm in the same boat. I'm arriving for a month at the end of January. I usually ski/board in Chamonix [with many many (many!) of your compatriots] so am worried that I have become spoiled by the nice mix of steep, off piste, and backcountry-- not to mention good apres!
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Hi. I'm new to the forum and looking for as much advice as I can get! I usually ski in Europe (last 2 seasons at Chamonix), but am about to take off to travel around asia for the next 5 months. I plan to spend Feb in Japan looking for nice powder, aggressive runs, and a little night life.
First, how expensive is gear?
I can't bring mine with me. I am a very aggressive skier/snowboarder (mostly off piste and randonnee). I just bought new randonnee gear last year, but need a new snowboard.... How do prices in Japan compare to the US for example? I'm in the states at the moment, so should I be trying to buy a board here before I go? Or what about when I am in China? Neither option would be as convenient as buying in Japan, so if gear is reasonably priced in local shops (or Tokyo even) that would be my pref. And do I also need to budget for avalanche gear, or not as much of a risk in Japan? Duplicate ava gear may just put me over the edge-- it's already bad enough having to buy dup snowboard pants, boots and bindings.
Second, any advice on where I should go?
I've been reading the related threads, and Niseko and/or Furano sound promising. I won't have a car and Niseko sounds like you may need one. I think both resorts may be smaller than what I am used to?? Is that an issue? One option could be to divide my time between resorts, tho it's nicer to get into a grove and have regular folks to go up the hill with.
Lastly, any tips on how to find a place to stay?
I could hostel it (have seen the mixed opinions about the Lodge Bamboo)-- if nothing else would be a good way to meet people to go up the hill with (and go drinking with!). Or should I be looking for a room to rent with/from seasonaires for the month? Without a car I get the sense that Bamboo may be my best bet for Niseko. For Furano i've been looking at Alpine Backpackers. Any thoughts/suggestions on where else to look?
many many thanks in advance for any and all opinions shared!
Ski shops in Sapporo
in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Posted
Greenroome just want you to know how much you rock (and not just cos green is the best color). I followed ur tip straight to the little white house and got this year's burton mayhem (pretty much untouched) + bindings, boots (again untouched) and rolling board bag for 45000 yen. If you're in niseko this week you should let me buy you and your wife a beer!