seemore 66 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Rusutsu has been Ok apart from the last week the base is 50cms higher than last year so you have to duck more branches so snowfall has been good Mikes Vids show he gets the goods just a bit of local knowledge, research and luck also helps The only downfall with Rusutsu has been more people and ski school Link to post Share on other sites
agillgren 13 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 We've had a car and been willing to use it. It definatlely let us make the most of what snow did fall with fresh lines to be found on nearly all our days. But it's probably not for everyone- we dont mind driving. We also counter the cost by staying in towns or small hotels away from the lifts and not fancy places at the resorts. I don't think we could go back to being based in one spot. I'd feel too hemmed in. Link to post Share on other sites
sapporo 8 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 That would be my advice to anyone coming over for a couple of weeks....cheaper accommodation away from the resorts (why not stay in Kutchan or a place a small drive away?) plus a car. But I definitely think the rain we received mid January and the mild temps we had for a while allowed the sasa to uncover and reset things back to mid-December like conditions on the slopes! It wasn't until the start of Feb that most of the sasa started to disappear again, allowing easier access to the tree lines. The rivers also took a lot longer to freeze over and disappear this season (still encountered some massive, gaping holes revealing running streams last weekend at Kokusai!!) I'm not saying there hasn't been some sick, deep powder days this year, because I've had a few myself, but rather that the milder temps (low minuses to above freezing) have had some serious affect on the rivers, sasa and trees this year. This is all based on Rusutsu and Kokusai riding. Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Pow 52 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 Don't know where everybody else has been skiing? Come on now, don't be insincere. Ask many in Niseko - heard of it? - in the last week or so, with hardly any fresh, and they might wonder what you're on about. Not everyone has a car or is willing to make journeys. Going to Niseko and having to travel to find fresh snow is not part of the deal. I wasn't being insincere. The OP asked about conditions on Hokkaido this winter. Not specifically about Niseko. I gave my take on what has been in my opinion a great winter skiing Niseko United, Moiwa, Rusutsu, Kiroro and Sapporo Kokusai. Link to post Share on other sites
agillgren 13 Posted February 16, 2014 Share Posted February 16, 2014 We also had no problem finding hotels on the day of or day before in most places too. If we wanted to change area (eg. Tomamu way/ Otaru etc). We'd normally decide the day before if we were going to change area and book online or call ahead before we left so we didn't have to stress after a days riding. Only place that was a little tricky was Kutchan where I had to do some ringing around. But still- found somewhere the night before (and a sat night too) for 12000 for two people. The cities also make for a fun change. Plenty of dining options and site seeing to add to the trip. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Hokkaidough 4 Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Insincere was a poor choice of words, sorry. But best not to make out or should I say leave it to imply that Niseko has been full on powder all season. Because it hasn't. Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Pow 52 Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Insincere was a poor choice of words, sorry. No problem. But best not to make out or should I say leave it to imply that Niseko has been full on powder all season. Because it hasn't. Did neither IMHO. Link to post Share on other sites
Popular Post Mick Rich 78 Posted February 20, 2014 Author Popular Post Share Posted February 20, 2014 I guess it's horses for courses, really. Mike does a great job of sniffing out the good stuff, and people who rent cars have a better chance of accessing better areas than those who are resort-bound. I'm a cheapskate and go for the hostel and public transport route but must admit to being tempted to follow Goz's lead and go Car Danchi style! Am now in Furano btw and have had a couple of great days! ???? 3 Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 Have u been to Teine yet? I was thinking u were there today.....was beautiful weather with a nice little top up.....I wish I was up the hill instead of stuck in a school looking up to the resort Link to post Share on other sites
Wizz 11 Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 Have you been to Mt Granview yet Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Rich 78 Posted February 20, 2014 Author Share Posted February 20, 2014 I'm building myself up for the Big G!! Have u been to Teine yet? I was thinking u were there today.....was beautiful weather with a nice little top up.....I wish I was up the hill instead of stuck in a school looking up to the resort Next week TB!! Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 It's all talk though isn't it Mick. Come on admit it. Not to fear, Mt Granview spooks even the gnarliest of them all! Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Rich 78 Posted February 21, 2014 Author Share Posted February 21, 2014 It's all talk though isn't it Mick. Come on admit it. Not to fear, Mt Granview spooks even the gnarliest of them all! Perhaps I should hire a local guide - know anyone Muika? ;-) Link to post Share on other sites
Alexander L 80 Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 She be the ticket lady. Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Rich 78 Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 Isn't she now Muika's muse?? After some good days in Furano, am now on the bus to Sapporo. Destination Otaru, riding Kiroro 2moro. Link to post Share on other sites
kokodoko 67 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 I tried to pm you mick. there is no bus to kiroro tomorrow. only mondays and thursdays. afaik Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Rich 78 Posted February 24, 2014 Author Share Posted February 24, 2014 Zannen‼ Looks like I've missed the best of the snow there anyway, so am currently enjoying a few beers in a standing sushi bar in Otaru! Link to post Share on other sites
Mike Pow 52 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 Go to Sapporo Kokusai instead. Cracking day there today, with plenty of powder stashes to be had. Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Rich 78 Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 Wish I'd seen this last night!! Thanks anyway Mike - am heading to Kokusai 2moro so hopefully you've left some pow for me!! Kiroro's actually ok. Still lots of snow in the trees and it's holding up well in the shade :-) Nice resort - reminds me a little of Kamui. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Or Teine.....from Teine station the first bus is 9:10, gets u there for 9.30 Link to post Share on other sites
MagSeven 40 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 But Teine's crap. And flat. And never gets powder. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 indeed! But Mick is beginner enough to enjoy it I think Link to post Share on other sites
seemore 66 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 Why is this snow avoiding Rusutsu Link to post Share on other sites
pie-eater 207 Posted February 25, 2014 Share Posted February 25, 2014 If Rusutsu is a bunch of rubbish, as I have heard, that's probably the reason why. Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Rich 78 Posted February 25, 2014 Author Share Posted February 25, 2014 But Teine's crap. And flat. And never gets powder. But I need to go just to see how many times I can see "Tubby woz 'ere" scratched everywhere! Link to post Share on other sites
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