number9 0 Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Hi, Last year's snow was so fantastic that I got back into skiing (I had only skiied casually years ago though). I'm planning a trip with a few friends for us to ride natural snow for the first time this season in mid-December. I found a couple of packages that would be about 20000 yen for transport + accomodation + lift ticket(s) for a one night, two day visit to either Naeba or Hakuba (latter is actually 15000 yen with one day lift ticket, where Naeba is 20000 yen for 2 day lift ticket, so they're a wash). http://kokunai.tour.ne.jp/tour/tur_dtl.php?tur_id=55838&dp_ym=2005/12&dp_d=17&knd_no=1&acc=1 http://kokunai.tour.ne.jp/tour/tur_dtl.php?tur_id=55819&dp_ym=2005/12&dp_d=17&knd_no=2&acc=1 I've never been to either resort, so I don't have much of an idea about how much snow we can expect by mid-December and how the crowds will be (which of course depends on the snow). Now, snow's obviously dependent on weather, so which location is likely to have enough snow in mid-December? (Both places are scheduled to have all runs open by then, but then again, last year snow came to Hakuba late, right?) And I've heard that Naeba can get quite crowded, but is Hakuba similar? Travel time from Tokyo seems to be similar with Naeba about 30-60 min closer than Hakuba's 3 hour Shinkansen + bus ride. So, any help and input would be much appreciated! (And I'll probably make some solo trips during the season, so hopefully I'll see some of you then, cheers.) Link to post Share on other sites
gamera 0 Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 This is really hard to answer because it all depends on snow. You just need to be keen to get correct snow information. Sometimes enough at that time, sometimes no like last season. If it's somewhen around mid December, I don't think it's so crowded. Link to post Share on other sites
rachael 0 Posted November 12, 2005 Share Posted November 12, 2005 Naeba is basically just one (big) resort. Hakuba has more resorts in the area to choose from. (Though admittedly there is more to choose from in Yuzawa 30 mins away from Naeba). I'm not sure about Hakuba in mid-December, but I'd say Naeba is a bit risky. Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted November 12, 2005 Author Share Posted November 12, 2005 Thanks for the information! Hmm.. Maybe I don't have to be in a hurry to reserve the package. Link to post Share on other sites
egglesby 1 Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 I'd wait a bit longer. But if I had to choose, it would be Hakuba. Link to post Share on other sites
RockyV 0 Posted November 13, 2005 Share Posted November 13, 2005 both bimyou for mid december, wait if you can Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 the resorts will be open just dont hope for powder and just go have fun. hakuba happo will be making snow very soon up high. Link to post Share on other sites
miteyak 0 Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 In a regular year mid-december in Hakuba can see some great snow, I've had many early season trips at this time that were memorable. Occasionally there's nothing to speak of. I'd take the risk with Hakuba, though, and book a trip there. Chances are it'll be at least respectable. Link to post Share on other sites
miteyak 0 Posted November 14, 2005 Share Posted November 14, 2005 Oh, and as for crowds, If there's any natural snow to speak of (90% chance) you can always escape the crowds at smaller resorts in Hakuba early season. Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted November 14, 2005 Author Share Posted November 14, 2005 Thanks again for all the advice! Link to post Share on other sites
IIIII 2 Posted November 15, 2005 Share Posted November 15, 2005 Definitely Hakuba over Naeba. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted November 30, 2005 Author Share Posted November 30, 2005 Hakuba's snowfall is looking good! Thanks everyone Link to post Share on other sites
joshnii 2 Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 Then again if the snow keeps on falling in the next week, Naeba will be looking good as well. Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 where do you stay with the cheap deal? Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted November 30, 2005 Author Share Posted November 30, 2005 Right above Hakuba station at フォルクローロ. Link to post Share on other sites
Fattwins 0 Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 bus or train station? Link to post Share on other sites
NoFakie 45 Posted November 30, 2005 Share Posted November 30, 2005 That trip is super cheap. Return shink + bus plus one night with ensuite, b/f, and a day pass. The margin, if there is one, must be paper thin. Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted November 30, 2005 Author Share Posted November 30, 2005 Yeah, early season cheapness. I believe it's above the train station, but I've never been. Might be just a way for JR to cut losses on empty Shinkansen seats (like super cheap plane seats). Link to post Share on other sites
ShinyDiscoBall 2 Posted December 5, 2005 Share Posted December 5, 2005 Just looking back at this one.... touch wood, looks like we could be happy at both! Link to post Share on other sites
smellyfeet 0 Posted December 6, 2005 Share Posted December 6, 2005 I would say right now Hakuba is winning hands down! Link to post Share on other sites
ProbablyaCrazyPerson 2 Posted December 13, 2005 Share Posted December 13, 2005 Oh how we were worrying. Link to post Share on other sites
number9 0 Posted December 13, 2005 Author Share Posted December 13, 2005 Yesssss!! Link to post Share on other sites
SydFunnelWeb 0 Posted December 15, 2005 Share Posted December 15, 2005 yuzawa is coming back strong though. Link to post Share on other sites
sanjo 2 Posted December 15, 2005 Share Posted December 15, 2005 It sure is. Link to post Share on other sites
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