2006 - Something New

Following many months of research, discussions, translations, planning and bookings we (a small group of skiers and boarders with some experience in Japanese snow) came up with a plan of discovery.

But why return to Japan? Was it to meet up with friends?

Our main objective was to see if we could find a ski resort in Japan that offered everything Niseko offered without the hordes of Australians.

Was it the accommodation or the scenery?

Each subsequent trip to Niseko left us more dissillusioned. The publicity and prices have resulted in the invasion of “ugly Australians”. It hurts and embarrasses me to say this but it is true. I remember when people used to complain about the ”loud Texans” on vacation. They are not a patch on those who have introduced crime to Niseko, disrespect the local and national customs and generally annoy the locals, other Japanese and all the other Australians with their loud, drunken anti-social behaviour.

Was it the food?

On top of this, the increase of Australians travelling to Niseko has meant less and less untracked powder, as it has to be shared with ever increasing numbers.

Was it the unusual sights?

As a result of these changes, many Australians, including us, have gone in search of the perfect resort. Did we find it? To be perfectly honest, no, we did not. However, in honouring a pledge we all made to each other last year, I cannot tell you the names of the resorts we visited.

Was it the powder?

Definitely ...

The powder