loucat 0 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Hi everyone, I am planning a family trip for 2 weeks to Japan in Feburary and was hoping for advice on what cross country skiing is like in Japan. Are there lots of trails or will we be stuck doing small loops? We all know how to ski well and don't want to take lessons or do a 'tour package' - we'd much rather explore the trails ourselves. In Australia we ski 10 - 20 km when we go out. Any advice on the best places to go for cross country skiing (I have been recommended Sappora where the World Loppet race is run)? Thanks all Link to post Share on other sites
NoFakie 45 Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Loads of trails in Hakuba, notably the Olympic cross country stadium which has a 5 and a 10km course and loads of little variations off them. There are also fantastic views off the 5km trail at the top of Minekata on the opposite side of the valley to the main Japan Alps. Both are groomed. The cross country stadium has a short season, but you should be okay for coverage in February. Link to post Share on other sites
gnarly-dude 1 Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 loucat (or anyone), what's the appeal of cross country? It kind of just seems like hard work to me. Link to post Share on other sites
rider69 18 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Nature and good exercise is the appeal really. Link to post Share on other sites
gnarly-dude 1 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 I can see that, but those things are hardly exclusive to cross-country skiing are they. Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 I've heard that Myoko has some really nice places to go cross country skiing. I've never done it there though but if you poke around online you might find some good information. Link to post Share on other sites
NoFakie 45 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 I can see that, but those things are hardly exclusive to cross-country skiing are they. I guess it's like the difference between jogging around a track and cross-country/trail running. Link to post Share on other sites
loucat 0 Posted October 11, 2012 Author Share Posted October 11, 2012 loucat (or anyone), what's the appeal of cross country? It kind of just seems like hard work to me. If you're the kind of person that likes cycling or bush walking then you'll like cross country skiing. The appeal is the same as any other kind of physical activity, plus you usually get to see some beautiful views that not many other people make the effort to get out and see...But each to their own. Cheers, Lou Thanks for the advice on Hakuba and Myoko...much appreciated and I shall continue my internet seaching! Link to post Share on other sites
gnarly-dude 1 Posted October 11, 2012 Share Posted October 11, 2012 Naruhodo. Perhaps one day I will give it a try. The lure of being able to bomb down a hill at high speed though is just too strong! Link to post Share on other sites
iiyamadude 6 Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Haha me too. I tried it once and it was fun but doesn't compare to the speed of downhill. It sure beats jogging though. My sister loves cross country. Link to post Share on other sites
Masao 0 Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 I like cross country, it makes good change from downhill at times. Would like to do in Hakuba one time. Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Welcome aboard, Masao. I did some cross-country as a teen-ager. Better than jogging, as iiyamadude says. Link to post Share on other sites
hellyer 216 Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 1 Link to post Share on other sites
kkk 7 Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I have seen a few graphics like above.... is there somewhere you can make them to look like you? Or just co-incidence? Link to post Share on other sites
hellyer 216 Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 ha ha - I wish I had that much hair Link to post Share on other sites
rider69 18 Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 Cross country is a PE program in Hakuba elementary schools. I think the same could be said at other sn areas. They set a track on the school grounds for the kids. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 They do the same in this area. Link to post Share on other sites
gozaimaas 61 Posted October 17, 2012 Share Posted October 17, 2012 You should look up the Stan Darsh cross country ski park. I hear they have lots of tracks. Link to post Share on other sites
rider69 18 Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 The kids really enjoy it and even set up jumps etc. I think if you live at the snow full time you see the allure of a sport like cross country. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted October 19, 2012 Share Posted October 19, 2012 Yes they do seem to. And it is so much easier than trekking out to a skijo as well and all that involves. Link to post Share on other sites
tokabochi 9 Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I always want to know what the deal is with schools and ski resorts - like in Yuzawa where there's tons of choice, what dictates which skijo the kids go to for their lessons? Not people visiting from afar, but the local kids. Link to post Share on other sites
rider69 18 Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 In Hakuba you can choose which ski club to join usually it is the closest to your house. The Iwatake program has a Kiwi guy instructing a bit less than before but their club is considered quite fun. Link to post Share on other sites
tokabochi 9 Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I meant school lessons, within school hours. Does that still apply in Hakuba? Link to post Share on other sites
rider69 18 Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 One school in Hakuba Minami Sho has its own gelende and rope tow. The PTA grooms and runs the lift. The Teacher and the PTA teach skiing in PE class. KIta sho has a ski jump 20meters they teach ski jumping from grade 4. The school has ski days but not many. The different grades all go to different resorts to allow for balance. Same goes for the JHS the 3 grades go to 3 different resorts. The kids all can buy discounted passes from the local government. They are super cheap and cover every resort in town. Kids in kindie can apply to the local ski school for the local discount, 50% off all lessons at that age only. So a full day is 3000 yen a day. Remember that many of these kids go on to becoming part of the Ski school staff in the future so the ski school invests in this. Link to post Share on other sites
big-will 7 Posted October 24, 2012 Share Posted October 24, 2012 Sounds great! How long is the slope rider? Link to post Share on other sites
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