We just returned from a wonderful week long ski adventure in JaPow! Two dads and four young adults. We are expert Colorado skiers and boarders. What else can we say - we loved everything about our trip to Japan, the resorts, the snow, the acomodations and the food. It snowed about four feet (130 cm) during the week.
We spent four days in Niseko, skiing five different resorts, and then Four days in Hakuba. We recommend visiting both areas, even though it takes a day to transfer. Niseko is not very steep, but is blessed with great powder. Hakuba is in the Japanese alps, and is breath taking. We tree skied every day in Niseko. We also skied two resorts in Hakuba. Cortina for powder and trees, and Happo-one.
We went back country touring in Hakuba with Evergreen. They were pricy, but the guide was great.
We used our own guide - Susan Mol. She is a former world champion snowboarder, ski patroller and back country guide, and could not have been more wonderful. She made the trip a breeze. Susan is a true professional and we highly suggest that you contact her.
Date visited:
From 13 February, 2015 To 15 February, 2015
Snow condition on visit:
Powder, powder and then some more powder
Things I liked:
Powder, tree skiing and ease of access to the hotel. Incredible views. Great on mountain dining. Wonderful staff. Fun town.
Things I didn't like:
Hakuba should open up more side and back country terain. Lifts close before the stated closing time. Too many terain traps on the bottom made it impossible to explore out of bounds - they should move some of the chairs to those areas and open up more of their great terrain, especially the trees. Also suggest more gondolas and covered lifts.
