 Poster: A snowHead
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Hi,
Just thought I'd ask a few questions about skiing in Japan!
I've heard storys of super deep powder and seen it for myself in many ski films, tanner halls "believe" had an epic scene which was shot in Japan.
Has anyone here actually been to Japan? Any advice?
Considering it for next seasons trip as I've done a lot of Europe and some of the big powder resorts in North America, start saving early 
Cheers
George
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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nozawaonsen, Out of interest is the snow super light fluff compared to Europe or is it all about ridiculous amounts of snow?
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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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but never fancied going that far outside my comfort zone for some reason
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Well it is a long way away and even above and beyond the travel costs it is likely to be more expensive than Europe, English speakers are not that common... and there are plenty of cheaper, closer places where they speak English or at least a language you might have a little of...
But the snow in Japan is great, the experience will be unforgettable and in many ways quite different (Japanese food, sake, onsen etc)... 
One option for moving kit is Takyyubin
http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/english/services/takkyu.html
Relatively inexpensive and very fast and would mean you didn't have to concern yourself with lugging gear around.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Gsyfreerider, bit of both really, large amounts of snow, and large amounts of dry snow 
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nozawaonsen, Mint! I've got three friends going on a Freeride camp there next month and they are literally counting down the seconds, I am gutted not to be going but actually really excited for them (said through gritted teeth)
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Japan Ski Experience priced me the best deal I could find.
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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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Gsyfreerider, check out the reports & descriptions of dumpage here http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/niseko-now.php
For instance - today's report +70cm
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It was obvious from the pure tones of the alpenhorns this morning that the alpine overlord himself, Henrich von Dumpenhausen, was back in town ushering in some of the heaviest snowfalls of the season so far
.....the snow there, little affected by the wind, was incredibly light and deep. ...etc etc |
I'm counting down the seconds too.... 
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nozawaonsen, Thanks for all your tips, hopefully be able to put them all to good use!
Gsyfreerider, Do you know what the freeride camp is called?
Cheers
George
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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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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I have been skiing in Niseko, Japan, the last couple seasons and can tell you that the champagne powder is as legendary as you have heard and seen on DVD's - truly awesome! Literally, everyday is a powder day. The place is freak of nature as the resort and mountain is very low but yet the snow is incredible!
Yes, it is expensive but, bloody hell, is it worth it everytime!! 
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Every time
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You know it makes sense.
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Glad its not just the magic of the movies would you say its worth going as a large group or are there some English speaking skiers of which you can ski with? Problem is, out of our group of skiing friends there's only two of us who are up for spending a lot to travel to Japan, the others just want to stay cheap in Europe. So are we likely to be the only two English speakers on the mountain?
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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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Poster: A snowHead
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I don't think the language is really a problem and as Mike Pow, says especially in some places (probably the ones you are more likely to visit!) there are increasingly large amounts of English speakers and hence an increasing number of services offered in English too (hotels, guides etc)
The tricky bit is that whereas if you went to France you or your friends might have a little schoolboy French (apologies if you are fluent - this is just meant as an example!) and the French guide you are speaking to might have some schoolboy English and between the two you would manage this can sometimes e much rarer in Japan - and when you get to the written language even if it is not in kanji (characters) you will find there is very little that is familiar.
But that should not be a problem when it does occur, be polite and smile and expect things to sometimes require a bit of patience and you'll get through no problems (indeed it is part of the fun, as is negotiating and learning about some of the Japanese etiquette and customs).
If you get out to Hokkaido or Hakuba I'm sure you'll be able to hook up with English speakers!
Have a look at the Nimbus En Route Japan footage at http://www.nimbusindependent.com/videos/webisodes#top or the Sweetgrass productions trailer http://sweetgrass-productions.com/index_en.html to encourage your mates!
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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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milnerhome, I got a quote from Japan Ski Experience c£1500 for 10 days inc flights/accommodation/transfers (from Scotland).
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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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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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milnerhome, I'll dig out the quote.
HOLIDAY SERVICE(S) TO BE INCLUDED IN QUOTE:
Flight (UK only),
Resort Accommodation,
Transfers,
Lift pass
''Price for 9 nights from January 21st (depart London 20th) with return international and domestic flights, 8/10 days All Mountain lift passes, return airport transfers and ground service support: £1495 per person based on 2 people sharing.''
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FAQ
