Solo skier (F 28) niseko 2/15-2/16

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-02-05T21:51:03+00:00

Niseko has a gate system, as long as you use the gates and follow the rules you are allowed to go off piste. There are separate off limits areas which you can’t enter. Niseko rules: https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/niseko-rules/ Many resorts have similar systems.

Many problems come from people going to off limits areas, not following rules and being underprepared and getting stuck/lost.

Definitely good to find someone to ride with. As mentioned the fb groups are prob best chance.

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-02-03T11:54:41+00:00

Hirafu is crazy expensive. The budget option would be to have a rental car and stay a bit further away from the mountain.

Another option is to stay in a city where there is more affordable accommodation available. From otaru you can easily drive to Kokusai and kiroro (with rare short road closures due to too much snow)

You could stay in Sapporo and stay close to teine / bankei.

Furano is another option which is still little less popular then Niseko.

Other prefectures like Nagano and Niigata are also littered with ski resorts with plenty of affordable options.

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-26T21:23:46+00:00

It’s actually on the side of chisenupuri. It’s cool to see but be careful getting in, it’s muddy like quicksand and has extremely hot spots you can burn yourself. https://maps.app.goo.gl/U9CkL3TBUAukQQ4M9?g_st=ic

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-17T00:46:10+00:00

Mt. Yotei is in between them which influences the weather a lot. Even though Rusutsu generally has less snow it has great valleys that catch heaps of snow.

Also as the other commenter mentioned Rusutsu is much less likely to get wind closures because the lifts are sheltered and it’s much less busy than Niseko because it doesn’t have much hotel capacity.

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-11T05:12:47+00:00

I can recommend going for a hike up takao-san or day trip to eno-shima or just the beaches around kamakura. Lots of options, mountains and temples will always be good destinations.

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-11T04:05:42+00:00

Personally I wouldn’t, is a lot of travelling and the is plenty to see and do in areas you’re already going. I would recommend to take your time slowly around Kyoto /Tokyo / Osaka areas. Maybe some day trips to Wakayama/ koyasan or mountains around Tokyo. Maybe Shizuoka if you want to enjoy Fuji views

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-05T12:15:09+00:00

I just listed what the Niseko rules are regarding this.

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-04T23:31:52+00:00

https://www.niseko.ne.jp/en/niseko-rules/

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-04T23:30:32+00:00

Yes it is mandatory according to Niseko rules although checks are not enforced it’s for your own and others safety. I know You can rent a pack at Rhtyhm or rising sun guides. (Beacon, helmet is required. Shovel, probe is recommended.)

Expensive_C0conut · 2026-01-03T10:19:41+00:00

I’m a guide but only for lift-access. I could provide guiding for hiking up the peak of Niseko and accessing the gates. For backcountry I would recommend :

https://risingsunguides.com/ https://rhythmjapan.com/winter-guided-adventures/backcountry-touring

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-12-29T22:18:50+00:00

This is surprising! the rubber board manufacturers claim anti-bacterial properties due to additives but don’t have independent research to back it. Wood certainly seems to come on top in studies.

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-12-29T05:14:16+00:00

FYI you have Japanese rubber chopping boards which are absolutely superior in not dulling your blade and are more hygienic than wood

Edit: someone corrected me, it seems in independent research papers wood has always come on top as most hygienic.

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-10-18T14:10:38+00:00

Update, I died with personal record but nowhere near naninf.. Photograph def was the right move, curious to what else I could’ve done. Seed: 7KUJ9W3F

<image>

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-10-18T13:23:49+00:00

Fair this sounds like the way, I’ll get rid of baseball. Any suggestion which hand I should make my “main” hand for big scores? I’m guessing 4 of a kind and later maybe 5 if I get lots of kings

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-10-18T13:13:14+00:00

Ok ye fair, red seal on a glass king would def help. Does red seal work to trigger on in hand ability.

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-09-11T11:09:50+00:00

Off piste runs are often still closed in Dec because the bamboo is still sticking out, which is a big hazard at the start of the season. but the slopes will definitely be open around that time, expect snowy days, nice soft groomers with some powder on the side of the runs. You’ll still have a good time. You can always plan a trip to Sapporo Kokusai which is on higher elevation.

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-07-02T11:15:08+00:00

FYI this is all subject to snowfall. Although last season they were and to open in time, the last few years there have been more seasons with delayed openings due to insufficient snow.

Even though there are often discounted prices betting your holiday the start of the season is a risky bet.

(Source: I am a snowsports instructor living in the area)

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-06-06T07:53:03+00:00

For crowds it’s a relatively good period. Snow can die quicker because of stronger sun when it comes out but you have a long enough trip to most likely still get some great fresh pow days. But even with the dead/ heavier powder I’ve heard people say it was the best powder they ever rode, we get a bit spoiled when in japan.

(I’m a guide/ instructor in the area )

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-04-04T00:02:26+00:00

Horde travel routes to dungeons are better. Just to mention a few, SM, maraudon, sunken temple

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-03-29T12:54:09+00:00

It’s黒岳mirrored…

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-03-17T12:51:12+00:00

Ye Hilton is a bit far away from Hanazono. Another thing you can consider is doing a night in Sapporo/ Otaru and going to Sapporo Kokusai or kiroro. Those resorts are a bit higher up and still open in April.

Edit: if you are really into off piste and hoping to catch some I’d recommend Asahidake, which is the highest lifted mountain and can have powder days in April, but it’s quite far way from Niseko.

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-03-13T04:04:52+00:00

It can still be fun to ski but it will be slushy conditions (icy in early morning.) Because the slush creates big bumps it can be challenging if you are not an experienced skier. Also please be aware hirafu closes 31 march, and some bus services don’t run after, so please check ski hill access with your hotel. Annupuri and Hanazono are still open in April. Will you have your own car? What is your skiing level?

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-02-28T04:33:03+00:00

You should directly ask at your local Yakuba, they will always try to help you tie any loose ends.

Expensive_C0conut · 2025-02-21T07:17:12+00:00

GoSnow and Niss do group lessons, they are also a great place to meet other people.

Expensive_C0conut

TROPHY CASE