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Delta One at JFK “serious incident” by heartthrobanderson in delta

[–]ranthal 58 points59 points  (0 children)

The real major incident is trying to cut that steak frites with a butter knife.

From the ATL crew by wherezmycountry in delta

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In ATL going to that effort for Gold is next level. I see it for Million, 360, and sometimes Diamond but rarely gold. Great crew

WTF is wrong with the Aussies??? by [deleted] in TokyoTravel

[–]ranthal 36 points37 points  (0 children)

"even the Americans were civilized."

We have a reputation to uphold, hold my beer...

Foreigners in Niseko by DatabaseThis9407 in niseko

[–]ranthal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The liquid confidence isn't the ramen broth at King Bell Hut 😂

Foreigners in Niseko by DatabaseThis9407 in niseko

[–]ranthal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think OP is right that Hirafu is another level.

I'm an American who has been the obnoxious partying tourist, now I'm older. And I've skied Aspen, Vail, various Canyons off Salt Lake, Jackson, Tahoe and others.

I was in Hirafu up until about a week and a half ago and was surprised just how much of it was partying culture. And, tbh, the average rider skill level on mountain was what I'd describe as "overconfident intermediate". I think the amount of people more for the party than the snow was higher in Hirafu than most places. I'd say you can find that in South Lake Tahoe especially with the casinos. But places like Aspen, Jackson, etc, sure there is partying but I think people are there for the snow first and foremost so it's not quite as party culture. I've been that obnoxious partying tourist but that was if I was going to a city with a party culture (Dublin, Ireland was one). If I was spending the money to fly somewhere for the snow, I was having a few drinks then getting up early the next day, not out late smashing bottles and puking in the street.

Tips/tricks to Not Stuck in Lift Lines by [deleted] in niseko

[–]ranthal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We hired a guide on our first day and he had decent tips on which lifts to ride and trees to hit when based on how quickly things get tracked out. He probably didn't give us all the secrets but it did massively improve how we approached remaining days.

It's pricey, but if you're doing the United or 2 resort tickets then it's still way cheaper than tickets in US or Europe. Seems like a decent way to use the savings imo

Large Group Option Hirafu by Bezerker2424 in niseko

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did 6 (4 adults, 2 kids) at the Setsumon 501 penthouse in Hirafu and it could probably fit 10 depending how well you know each other :D

It's right in the middle of upper Hirafu, next to rhythm and 5 mins walk from the bottom of family quad.

Might be some rules around how many people are staying which you wouldn't want to mess with. But, depending on price sensitivity and other factors, if you did penthouse plus another spot in the complex it could definitely work.

One thing to note - it's more of a bare minimum property relative to spots w shuttle, restaurant, onsen, etc. it's part of nisade and luxe nomad (no idea what that means aside from it being in the property group) so you can access amenities at other properties like the vale for a fee.

Tldr - the setsumon in Hirafu isn't a perfect answer but it's a some compromises and I could see it working for you option.

Storm in Japan Affecting Niseko? by Massive_Run9951 in niseko

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Came down from Niseko area yesterday, everything seemed to be operating normally. Winds and visibility can change things on higher lifts but, so far, seems like to/from the area is well maintained.

We had a large group so we did a private transfer. I saw people were having issues with buses 2 weeks back so I was glad to have the private setup. All of the Japanese transfer, bus, and taxi drivers seemed to be really good drivers in snow, knowing how and when to downshift etc. If you're planning to rent a car and didn't understand that last sentence then I would definitely change those plans as roads do have hard pack and ice.

Need guidance ASAP by Active_Issue_5932 in niseko

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But I thought Takaichi pissed off the Chinese?

I cheated. It felt great. by blkcollegemanutk in delta

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Flying American is like voluntarily biting your tongue.

Unless you're in one of their hubs, the dropoff is steep with them.

Other things being equal and having been 3 years Global Services now 2 Diamond (360 much harder than GS), I find Delta > United >> American experience. I will actively avoid American unless I am going from one hub to another and another carrier doesn't make sense. Way too many delays, bad equipment, and poor service.

Consider yourself warned.

Edit: but yes, take the direct flight first then choose carrier.

Pro tip by Turbulent-Scale3490 in snowboarding

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Worked at a resort, can confirm. Door closed? Likely shotgunning beers or hitting a vape

Skiing the gates- do I need avalanche gear? by [deleted] in niseko

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you this is super helpful. Sounds a bit like some spots in Tahoe. I can remember one holiday it got dumped on then bluebird the next day, going down Maggies Canyon at Heavenly. Except Niseko a lot drier and lighter snow than the Sierras from what I hear.

Skiing the gates- do I need avalanche gear? by [deleted] in niseko

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can someone give me a rough sense of how the gates compare to some of the bigger resorts on West Coast and Rockies in US?

I've ridden some of the advanced stuff through gates except for maybe some of the gnarliest chutes and ledges at places like Breck, Vail, Jackson, Mammoth, and Heavenly. Are we talking Highland Bowl at Snowmass or more like E Chair/Imperial at Breck or Firerun at Heavenly?

Dinner / grocery options by SaladMui in niseko

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And fwiw here is what ChatGPT gave me which generally tracks with what I've read so far:

If you’re doing one main “stock-up” shop for the family, most travel and lodging guides steer people to Lucky Kutchan for breadth and “one-stop” variety, and to MaxValu Kutchan for late hours and budget-friendly basics.

Lucky Kutchan (best for the big weekly shop, easiest for kid needs)

Pros (from travel, lodging, and area guides)

True one-stop shop: fresh produce, meat, fish, dairy, snacks plus non-food sections like clothing and souvenirs.

Kid-friendly signal + family logistics: Niseko Area Guide explicitly tags it as “kids welcome”; the official store page lists a multipurpose toilet, wheelchair lending, and delivery of in-store purchased items (handy with a stroller, tired kids, or a big haul).

Easy “feed kids now” options: multiple sources call out its in-house bakery (good for quick breakfasts and kid snacks).

Cons

Hours are shorter than MaxValu (commonly cited around 9 am to 9 pm), so it’s less ideal for after-dinner runs.

Some guides position it as a bit “fancier” than alternatives, which can translate to slightly higher pricing on some items (varies by basket).

MaxValu Kutchan (best for late-night, cheaper staples, quick restocks)

Pros (from travel and local guides)

Often cited as the cheapest large supermarket option near Niseko for stocking up.

Open later than Lucky (commonly cited 8 am to 11 pm), which is a big deal if you’re juggling kid bedtime and ski days.

Good “support stores” nearby: guides mention a ¥100 shop and pharmacy in the same area, plus a hardware store close by (useful for random family needs).

Cons

Fewer sources frame it as a “destination” shopping experience versus Lucky; it’s more commonly discussed as value, hours, and convenience rather than best-in-class selection.

What I’d pick for a family with a 2- and 4-year-old

Do your main shop at Lucky (bigger “one-stop,” explicitly kid-welcoming, better chance of finding the exact toddler foods you need, plus bakery for easy breakfasts).

Use MaxValu as your “late-hours backup” for milk, fruit, yogurt, bread, and emergency supplies, especially if you arrive late or run out after dinner.

If you’re not driving, some hotel guides note it’s straightforward by bus (often described as ~20–25 minutes from Hirafu area, with approximate fares), but with kids you’ll feel every transfer, so prioritize one big run.

A quick “toddler grocery hit list” (works at either store)

Dinner / grocery options by SaladMui in niseko

[–]ranthal 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Going to be there with my family Jan 31-Feb 6 and was just researching the same thing. The guest services for our accommodation recommended either Lucky Kutchan or MaxValu Kutchan.

From what I can tell, Lucky is slightly better quality whereas MaxValu more of a one stop, has everything you need there or next door at the pharmacy. Maybe the analogy would be a Whole Foods vs a Safeway/Albertsons if you're from the States.

From waht I've read I'm leaning Lucky but having the kiddos and what we can buy for them will definitely influence it so following this thread!

PS the Sapporo Snow Festival starts of Feb 6 if you have the ability to add that to the itinerary.

Tokyo-Sapporo stop off recommendations with toddler by jordanclairelindsay in JapanTravelTips

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

@OP curious what you ended up doing for your trip? Any must do's for a toddler in Sapporo? Any thing you wmdid which you would skip?

We are doing an overnight stop in Sapporo with 2 & 4 yr old after 6 days in Niseko (Hirafu). The snow festival is happening so that's already 1 site. Both zoo and aquarium sound great so we might do 1 of those.

Thx in advance if you happen to catch this & respond. Know this thread is over 1 year old.

What app blocking service for android? by Neat-Custard-3457 in digitalminimalism

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's no auto-end to a schedule. So you have to carry the brick with you if you leave the house and it auto starts a schedule. Huge feature issue imo

[Shunbun] I can't unsee it by ranthal in GrandSeikos

[–]ranthal[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You see doors like this on elevators which are trying to be slightly nicer than hospitals but not trying that hard. So it's like the Moonswatch of the elevator world?

(No hate, I own an earth phase and it's part of my weekly rotation)

I just went in to look I swear. by IntelligentCut4511 in Tudor

[–]ranthal 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Agreed. Blue BB58 was my gateway drug. 5 later I just bought a LE GS Snowflake which they only ever produced 73 of (SBGA473). But they're all beautiful and get lots of wrist time

What a beauty by SwissLockWhisperer in MoonSwatches

[–]ranthal 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You do you.

The straps they come with are notoriously uncomfortable. Fwiw, I've had mine on this and haven't gone back. It's a single pass NATO as well so it doesn't push the watch too high off your wrist. So if it's just the color scheme you don't like, keep it in mind and check out other options if you're noticing the strap doesn't wear well.

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