Powder your Toes

Carve it up in Japan

Thursday, 15 Jan 2009

Hanging for some fresh, alpine air? Ready to climb a mountain? Like to see what everyone is raving about this ski season? Well the forecasts are good, there is already steady snow fall and with this quick run down we’ll get you ready for the sensational Japanese powder!

Hakuba

This resort in Nagano was the host of the winter Olympics 1998. Fly direct to Tokyo and then just zip up on the bullet train in about 2 hours.

We love:

The close proximity from Singapore, decent hotels on the slopes, great long cruising runs, the amazing scenery, sunshine, hardly any lift queues. and a few resorts are covered on the 1 lift pass.

However…There is a limited restaurant selection and après ski (obviously the Aussies haven’t taken over here yet!)

Stay:

Powder House is a funky chalet perfect for 2 to 12 people.

Niseko

This ski resort is on the north island of Hokkaido, just a short flight via Tokyo or Osaka to Sapporo. A wonderland of powdered snow!

We love:

Lots of powder for great off piste (that’s off the trails for you beginners!), awesome views when visibility is good, cosy Japanese inns with great food and atmosphere and funky new places are opening up every year, such as Sekka.

However…The visibility is variable and the temperatures can be freezing with the winds coming from Siberia.

Stay:

Fall in love with the views at J First

So dust off that old ski jacket, squeeze back into that fancy pair of ski pants and get yourself ready to take on a white powder mountain!

Useful travel sites:

Check out japanspecialists ski-hakuba and snow japan