manfredk

sorry about the spelling..oops Hakuba..lol

Thanks for your imput guys, as first time travellers to japan and a a wife in tow, we might stick to the more well beaten tracks this time prob hakaba, I am not sure at this stage to stay only in Hakaba or spend a few days in Nozowa as well. we will use the public transport in any case so that sounds like the best for us. When Im on Holidays I dont spend a lot of time photographing. What I usually do is spend 1 day by myself and explore the photo opps, and then put it away..I can photograph(work) any day, but cant ski anytime in australia on the Gold Coast. Of course I have a happy snap camera

Thanks for the pics, I am a pro photographer myself, so I understand the scare..lol. Lucky the Nikons are semi water proof.

Thanks for the advise, I will have a look at Tenjin, We are both after a nice ski holiday, powder snow is not needed as I dont have that experience, somewhere nice and comfortable with good skiing and interesting areas sounds good to us., There is so much choice, dont think I will be able to get it just right the first time, may have to keep going back every year..LOL..Cheers Manny

thanks for the tip. That sounds like a good option.

From what I have found the hire cost for the average skier like me..(groomer) is about the same as buying new. we will probably staying for 10 days so is a each way bet I suppose. Will see what is the extra costs to bring them home..Thanks for your help.

Thanks again, Nellie your info will be handy, will take a look when we get there, we have already bought boots from the US, just trying to avoid the hassle of lugging them (ski's) around the airports.

Thanks guys, well i will compare new to hire.. cheers

Has anyone got some advise on purchasing used ski's in Tokyo or Nagano area, not too keen on traveling from australia with skis, have own boots. I heard there are good value 2nd hand ski gear stores. Intermediate skiier so just thought it might be a option?? Thanks manny

Thank you for the tips, I am thinking about buy skis in japan, we have our own boots. Did you see any used ski shops, I have heard there are a few and good value, maybe save me bring them home, if they where the right price?

I love your way of thinking, that sounds pretty good to me. Id love to check out Hiroshima, dont know much about Kyoto but will look into it. thanks mate..you havnt herad the last of me yet..lol

I don’t understand the yardstick here. Why $1500? Researching and booking for yourself is far more rewarding than letting a “specialist” do it for you at a premium you know has been thrown in but have little idea of the scale. It’s not really the monetary factor but more the knowledge and satisfaction of being able to plan and materialize your own itinerary at a price you deem good value. I ALWAYS do my own bookings and I enjoy it more that way. But that’s just me. I am a big tight arse and do waste heaps of time online checking out prices I enjoy it, it is part of the process.

Thanks Mate, at this stage our flight arrives about 7pm, so thinking of staying the night in Tokyo and traveling on the train the next day to Nagano as you have suggested. Im now thinking of just staying in Hakkuba and doing some travel to other areas from there, like Naowa for a day trip. Now I have to make up my mind on how long to stay there as it seem the airfare is the most expensive part, i work for myself so time off is not a issue, dont get me wrong im no money bags but while we are there I might do some other travel and go for 14 days. Im not young enough "in Body" to ski for that lon

I will buy you a beer and lunch if we ever catch up I will buy you all a beer..

thanks Pete, level nine is an amazing US web ski web site, great prices compared to aust. buying a pair of boots for my wife and I through them. I also like to THANK YOU for the effort in your advise and help...Im blowen away by the positive response I have received from everyone on here. The trips a long way off but Im going to enjoy the ride, good to have something exciting to look forward to..lifes about the journey..if the end is at a ski resort in Japan..YEEEHAA.. Cheers

another question, is buying ski boots in japan worth while? Im staying in Tokyo for at least one day before heading to hakaba.

thanks , iam going to have a look at doing it myself. Never been to japan so just seeing if it was easier. You have been a great help. I have also enjoyed your other posts..cheers

Thanks , , so far quoted A1500pp 10 days total inc 5days in hakuba, 3 in nozowa, and a night in tokyo on the way there and back. We are coming from gold coast aust, which has a direct flight to tokyo(airfares not inc). 4 day ski pass in Hak, and 3 in nozawa. A rail pass. seems good value to me, but have asked for 4 star acc, instead of 3 , so will see what the next quote will be. I dont think Im being ripped off atthis stage.. but australian skiing is very exspensive. Manny

Has anybody got thoughts on who I should book through, Im currently looking at liquid snowtours.

great idea.. thanks

Just a thought, do the thermal springs smell like rotten egg gas as in NZ?

thanks for the tip. place looks amazing.. Dam so many choices..

I heard the same thing, I like the idea of a quaint village, not sure if you can travel to these parts if staying at Hakkaba which is where most people are suggesting.

Thank you all for your help and tips, must tell you we are in our early fifties, but still pretty fit and have skiied since 8 yrs old off and on. I work as a photographer and have worked a lot with the japanese people on the gold coast and love them, so Japan seems like a great idea and the price is very appealing compared to australia. I get booked for my work 12 mnths in advance so im trying to organise the trip soon so I can allow space for the trip. Again thanks to all who have been so helpful. Not sure on the travel details once we get there, but have time to find out, to buy good warm

Im what i think you call a "groomer". its a new word to me but pretty apt..lol . Never skiid powder, ski mostly blue runs in australia, My wife is not a great skiier, im looking for plenty of suitable runs for her and I to enjoy together and not just a the bottom of the hill, then I will head off by myself to test my quads as well. Is it best to buy good warm clothes there or here. I think I might spend the first night at Narita after a 10- 12 hour flight im not sure about a long bus trip to the resort. We will probably hire ski clothes. But any tips will be greatfull