 Poster: A snowHead
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planning a Japan trip next year.Have looked at previous threads and as it is so new to me, am going round in circles a little with options....so thought I would put it out there and see if any words of wisdom on snow heads. Skiing level-advanced on piste, fair amount of experience of power in Canada,new to Japan.
Have booked a white rooms tour based in Niseko then on to Otaru,then we are hoping to stay on for another week on Hokkaido (middle of Feb)for the skiing part.Looking for suggestions for where to base ourselves for the next part, to experience a bit more of what Hokkaido has to offer. The idea is to try and expose ourselves to powder and culture and likely be looking to book more guiding. I am wondering about Furano .Any advice would be very gratefully received. 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Take a snorkel 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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I’ve been on 5 Whiteroom tours, and you won’t go far wrong with them.
I really like Furano itself (I had my best ever days skiing there in chest deep powder), and there are plenty of other resorts within a hour or so radius. Whiteroom also have an office there, so would be able to offer advice.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Which tour are you doing?
Name?
Which resorts?
Which resorts/areas in Canada did you enjoy?
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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As we are new to Japan -decided to start with a powder progression tour . We are based in Niseko for 6 days then Otaru -I’m not sure which specific resorts will ski at as I’m sure that will depend on conditions .
Mostly skied in Fernie -and enjoy hunting out the untracked stuff -did a couple of Cat skiing days there .
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@hang11, 
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| Myfanwy wrote: |
As we are new to Japan -decided to start with a powder progression tour . We are based in Niseko for 6 days then Otaru -I’m not sure which specific resorts will ski at as I’m sure that will depend on conditions .
Mostly skied in Fernie -and enjoy hunting out the untracked stuff -did a couple of Cat skiing days there . |
Cool
Will be a good tour most probably taking in the Niseko United resorts; Niseko Moiwa; Rusutsu; Kiroro; Otaru Tenguyama; Sapporo Kokusai; and maybe Sapporo Teine
Depends on conditions
If SW Hokkaido is getting the goods and Central Hokkaido is struggling, then I would be inclined to stay put and ski additional days in the resorts you've already skied and/or try the ones you haven't
If Central Hokkaido is getting the goods then it would be worth heading there to ski very different areas
Your own transport would be essential to make the most of what's on offer
Basing yourself in Furano as suggested would work
So too the city of Asahikawa - more choice of hotels, restaurants, and bars. And definitely a more Japanese experience
Mt Racey, Kamui Ski Links, Pippu, Asahidake, Kurodake, Furano, Tomamu, Sahoro to choose from in that area
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Mike Pow, cheers for this. I am happy to hire a car once the tour is over.Do you think its possible to leave things til last minute re booking accommodation in eg Furano or Asahikawa (this wasnt on my radar -so thanks will look at it)-ie wait til we know what conditions are like,or is that not possible/too risky in ski high season (the would be week beginning 6th Feb)
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| Myfanwy wrote: |
| @Mike Pow, cheers for this. I am happy to hire a car once the tour is over.Do you think its possible to leave things til last minute re booking accommodation in eg Furano or Asahikawa (this wasnt on my radar -so thanks will look at it)-ie wait til we know what conditions are like,or is that not possible/too risky in ski high season (the would be week beginning 6th Feb) |
Shouldn't be a problem for Asahikawa
Could be more difficult for Furano as those dates coincide with Chinese New Year
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Mike Pow, thanks
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@PowderAdict, good to know!
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If you're hiring a car, make sure you get a proper international drivers licence with the official Japanese translation, and take the paper copy to show the car hire place - they won't hire a car to you without that. Can't help with how to do that in the UK, but for me in NZ, it's about 35 bux from the AA to get it.
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You know it makes sense.
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@hang11, drivers licence situation depends where the OP is coming from and what type of drivers permit he holds. There are two ways for this - depending on the OP permit issuing country - either a translation (9 countries in total affected in total) or obtaining an international drivers permit from OP’s issuing country and then no need for a translation. All depends on Geneva vs Vienna convention under which international drivers permit is issued.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@hang11, @mooney058, thanks guys-will add this to my long list of "Japan research to do list"
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Poster: A snowHead
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I'm in UK
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@mooney058, yes a UK licence.thanks for the links.So l would need to get an international licence.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@Myfanwy, indeed. It is issued by the UK. No need for translations by the JAF.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Myfanwy wrote: |
| @mooney058, yes a UK licence.thanks for the links.So l would need to get an international licence. |
Easy enough, from the Post Office
Fill out a form, take your UK licence, passport just in case, something with your address on it
Takes about 10 mins
Around £10
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@ster, Cheers
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