Finish no, Japanese

The scenery if fantastic

The locals are friendly

Foreigners abound

I'd sum up my first ski trip to Japan by saying that I will be returning and that will probably be in 2004. Why? As I stated on page 1: great powder, great food, great people and the whole cultural thing. Yes, I do expect good accommodation. No, I don't think I would use Deep Powder Tours again. I was not impressed by their organisation, no schedules or timetables posted and I with the exception of BAB pension which I would rate about 3 and a half star I was very disappointed with the accommodation we were placed in by DPT.

The wildlife is not so wild

Watch out for claims like "Microwave and Television" in your apartment. Our microwave was in full Japanese (as you would expect in Japan) but that doesn't help you use it. Our television was coin slot operated. No radio or CD player. The most unusual thing (to me anyway) in all 3 places I stayed was there were no towel rails either in the bathrooms or bedrooms. And for those who want to be close - double beds are extremely rare.

Skis of choice K2 Axis XP

I advise against buying extra tour add-ons prior to arriving in Niseko. On advice from DPT I purchased extra lift passes for "all mountain" use and Rusutsu (a neighbouring resort some 45 minutes away). One day on the "all mountain" pass was enough for me. The other resorts on the mountain were only worth a look-see, nothing more. Rusutsu on the other hand is worth the trips if you can get them in. I had several add-on passes refunded in Yen because they were supplied. It would have been easier to have bought these extras once I had arrived as and when I needed them.

Another day dawns over Niseko

Other things to watch for when booking  accommodation is that some places have squat toilets and curfews where they lock the doors at night. Most do not have a common area. Even the large hotels do not have "lounges" as such. After dining everyone is expected to either go out to a bar or go to their room. Thank you BAB pension for a great common area. Till Thredbo kicks in for 2003 ... keep fit, Richard

Finally, I'll let Peter have the last say as to how good a month in Niseko was...
 

 

Ahhhhh ... just petered out.

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