agillgren

This site has helped gather much inspiration for our trips over the last few years.. so figured it was time to contribute back. This is our 4th ski trip to the Hokkaido (consecutive years) and this year we’ve decided to rent a car and try get around to a few more resorts as we’ve loved the smaller/quieter resorts we’ve visited on previous trips. A little background. We are snowboarders....from Aus. Both reasonably competent and love the trees and off piste-- but we are not geared up or have the avalanche knowledge for any serious back country riding. So in resort of off piste or

Spent the last few weeks planning and getting very excited. This will be our fourth trip to Hokkaido, but this year we are planning to rent a car and spend 2 weeks doing some exploring in Late Jan/ Early Feb at some of the many smaller resorts around the island. Plan is first 3 nights around Tomamu. 5 nights based out of Asahikawa 2 night in Otaru and the finish with a lazier 5 nights in Niseko. Time to start learning some Japanese!

Thanks for the heasd up everyone as I would have been a bit stuffed (my cards are Maestro). My normal travel plan involves just turning up and withdrawing enough cash for say a week from the nearest ATM. This has worked in South America, Tanzania, Europe and SE asia. That way when your mugged you don't loose too much cash at one time.... Wouldn't have expected it to be harder to get cash in Japan than in a small village in africa! Anyway. as a rought guide so I know how much Yen to get how much is say dinner pp. at an average restaurant in Niseko? And the price of beer? Tha

Thanks for the tips MB. I've got some Ice Breaker tops. They are fantasic. Gareth, I don't think I can PM yet as I'm a new member. My partner needs a set of snow board clothing. We are off to check the main peak sales today. What size gear is it? and would you sell it before Feb?

Hi, It's our first trip to Japan (Tokyo and Niseko) in Feb and I've got a couple of questions. Sorry if you've covered this all before: I hear Niskeo is pretty cold.... I have some snow gear I've used in Aus and NZ. The colder days in NZ were fine with thermals. I was hoping these would be ok with a fleece layer on for Niseko???? Or is it worth investing in a better outershell. I hate being cold. 2nd, are the shops in Japan expensive? How does the price of snow clothes in Tokyo and Niseko copmare with Perth as I'm sure they'll have a much larger range. Thanks!