A week in Daisetsuzan / Asahidake with children?

A snowHead

I'm planning a ski trip in February with my sons (ages 10 and 7).

We're good, experienced skiers (and novice boarders). We've been skiing black diamond and off-piste/trees for a few years. Our big trip last year was a week in Niseko.

We could return to Niseko, and would have a good time: it's big, it's got a lot of variety, it's easy, we enjoyed it last year, etc.

I'm wondering, though, about taking it one step further, and going to Asahidake.

I think that this could be an extraordinary experience, but also have two concerns:

1. the flat lower slopes: will this end up being a lot of work for children (esp. if we board)?

2. avalanche risk: are there enough skiing options to keep us going for a week without facing avalanche risk?

On the second, we'll spend some of the time cross-country skiing, and perhaps even snow-shoeing. My main concern is that - if we get there, and find out that we don't like it - we're somewhat stuck.

I've wondered whether a better plan is to find a tour that spends a few days in Asahidake.

I'd be grateful to hear your thoughts.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas,

Colin

A snowHead

Colin I admit that I only skied 2 days in Asahidake but, based on that, I would say it is not suitable. A few things (parking for one moment the snowboard issue - I ski so cant comment). The fact that there is only one lift up (which requires a queue and wait) would IMHO get very tiresome for the kids over a long stay. There is very little vertical so you will be lapping pretty quickly. If they have split boards and can skin (I guess not) there are more options. I know you did Niseko but the 2 places are worlds apart. I think a tour could work (there are lots of threads on those) but a multi resort trip has its own issues (travel time, repacking etc).

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Thanks chrisJersey. I was hoping that wouldn't be the reply I'd hear, but it does confirm my concerns - and it's better to hear it now than realise it once we get to Asahidake.

OK - we'll give it a couple of years before we try Asahidake.

Thanks,

Colin

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If Central Hokkaido is where you'd like to go, then base yourself at Furano and make decisions on a daily basis.

Furano, Tomamu, Sahoro, Kamui resorts.

And if the children are riding well, then Asahidake.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Thanks Mike_Pow. I like the sounds of that: I'll look into the resorts you mention.

Would we need a car, or are there ski buses?

You'll need to Register first of course.

Another question Mike_Pow: I should ask the more basic question - should we want to be in Central Hokkaido/Furano or Niseko? I'm guessing that the former offers more options (inc. cross-country), but requires a bit more work as well to get to them?

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

I've only skied one day there - and there is some really good terrain. However:

The lower half of the lift-served terrain is VERY flat.

There can be long waits for the gondola.

To keep occupied for a week or more you're probably going to have to hike/tour.

Theres really nothing there apart from the lift.

So it wouldn't be my choice for a week long trip with kids. @Mike Pow's suggestion of Furano is a good one. Easy to get to as far as I know (I went with Black Diamond Tours, so organised transport), reasonable amoint of stuff going on in town, reasonable sized ski area with less crowds and competition than Niseko.

Howver I'd probably just go to Niseko with a couple of day trips to Kiroro, Moiwa and Rusutsu. And spend first/last day at Sapporo Teine before flying home.

After all it is free

*Ski* the Net with snowHeads

Thanks @Mike Pow and @clarky999. I think that I may end up being constrained by availability: the usual places in Niseko seem full up. Thus, it may be Furano & environs.

Help!!

A week in Daisetsuzan / Asahidake with children?

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