crippledgimp88 0 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Hi, My buddies and I are looking at doing a 3 day snowboarding trip Thanksgiving weekend, and I looked on SnowJapan and found a couple places. I was wondering if anyone knows what would be our best bet for that weekend or personal preferences, I know it's really early in the season. I was also wondering if any place had a package deal like a 3 day/2 night hotel package plus lift fee. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Hokkaido, guessing top area of niseko would be best bet. In regards to Honshu, kagura is due to open on the 21st Nov but even then it's cutting it close. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 ....and usually VERY limited. Link to post Share on other sites
skidaisuki 0 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 It's going to be very difficult to be certain that there will be enough natural snow anywhere so early in the season, but in theory Kagura will be open, with some help from snow machines, as I think will Naeba. Otherwise you have places such as Karuizawa (the Prince Hotel) which is all artificial snow, but if you are anything other than beginners, you'd find it small, crowded and pretty boring. I suggest you stick to the turkey dinners at home that weekend, or get into Tokyo for a night out and save your energies for the full season to come. But whatever you decide, enjoy... SdS Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Gran Deco is supposed to be opening on 11/28. You can check the blog archives on their home page to get an idea of what it was like last year at that time. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted November 2, 2009 Share Posted November 2, 2009 Interesting I wouldn't have thought Fukushima for some reason (probably just ignorance!) Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 The Ura-Bandai region has a relatively long snow season. Nekoma seems to be planning to open 11/28, too. Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 Over Gunma way, looks like Tanbara is planning to open 11/28 as well. Link to post Share on other sites
cram400 0 Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 Nozawa Onsen is planning to open on 11/21, I believe.. Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted November 3, 2009 Share Posted November 3, 2009 I'll be heading up to Kurodake on the 22nd. Usually has a great cover by then. Link to post Share on other sites
mactos 0 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 what's the drive from niseko to kurodake? Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 It's a long one, depends on road conditions but it's around 5-6 hours. Link to post Share on other sites
flip360 0 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 Hokkaido is pretty big hey? Link to post Share on other sites
Go Native 70 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 It's not that it's that big, it's just that you can't really drive that fast! Link to post Share on other sites
Yuki's Passion 1 Posted November 4, 2009 Share Posted November 4, 2009 Originally Posted By: skidaisuki It's going to be very difficult to be certain that there will be enough natural snow anywhere so early in the season, but in theory Kagura will be open, with some help from snow machines, as I think will Naeba. Otherwise you have places such as Karuizawa (the Prince Hotel) which is all artificial snow, but if you are anything other than beginners, you'd find it small, crowded and pretty boring. I suggest you stick to the turkey dinners at home that weekend, or get into Tokyo for a night out and save your energies for the full season to come. But whatever you decide, enjoy... SdS Typically, the few times I have been to Hakuba for opening weekend, November 21st, I have been blessed with deep powder!! Ill head up again as long as there is snow. It has melted away after that before too On a side note, you can hike many places in Nagano, Niigata, Hoks, etc SO many good places to ski, so little time. Link to post Share on other sites
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