Ski-in/out resort
Sep 15, 2018, 4:29 pm
#91
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
@shuigao
One other thing I should add regarding ski boots... Someone told me that it's important to have your ski boots custom-fitted at a ski shop where you're dealing with someone who's a ski specialist or an experienced boot fitter. I bought my ski boots at a sporting goods store that sells different things, and I could've had the store do the fitting for free. Instead, on the aforementioned advice, I decided to pay the xtra US $50 to go to a local ski shop and have them do the fitting/molding. I'm not sure how valid this advice was... maybe someone with more experience can chime in. I don't have any other experiences to compare with. I'm not sure if Singapore would have a place that's good at doing boot fitting. If not, I'm not sure what your best options would be or whether you can buy your boots in Singapore and then get the fitting done in Jpn.
One other thing I should add regarding ski boots... Someone told me that it's important to have your ski boots custom-fitted at a ski shop where you're dealing with someone who's a ski specialist or an experienced boot fitter. I bought my ski boots at a sporting goods store that sells different things, and I could've had the store do the fitting for free. Instead, on the aforementioned advice, I decided to pay the xtra US $50 to go to a local ski shop and have them do the fitting/molding. I'm not sure how valid this advice was... maybe someone with more experience can chime in. I don't have any other experiences to compare with. I'm not sure if Singapore would have a place that's good at doing boot fitting. If not, I'm not sure what your best options would be or whether you can buy your boots in Singapore and then get the fitting done in Jpn.
Sep 15, 2018, 10:47 pm
#92
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
Fitting of ski boots is important and it's worthwhile to pay for it. I'd potentially get it done in Melbourne or Sydney/Jindabyne over Japan if you ever go to east AU. Similarly with anywhere English speaking. Only reason being that the English speaker at the shop in Japan is as likely to be an 18YO Aussie who knows nothing, compared to the local guy who might not speak English.
Sep 16, 2018, 7:38 am
#93
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: HH Diamond, GHA Titanium
Posts: 1,961
I'd potentially get it done in Melbourne or Sydney/Jindabyne over Japan if you ever go to east AU. Similarly with anywhere English speaking. Only reason being that the English speaker at the shop in Japan is as likely to be an 18YO Aussie who knows nothing, compared to the local guy who might not speak English.
Singapore = absolutely nobody sells winter sports gear (other than Decathlon), so if I do buy it'll have to be in Japan ... 日本語はあまり上手でわないけど。。。Maybe slog through another rental this time and then plan for Mt Buller or Lake Mountain or something in mid 2019.
Sep 16, 2018, 11:41 am
#94
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
Do a thorough search for boot fitting places in Jpn managed by Westerners (ie, those who speak English) who are true ski pros.
While most Westerners staffing ski resort areas are extremely young (and probably not very knowledgeable) as Cynicor says, I think places like Niseko might have a place or two with true ski equipment professionals from Australia/Canada.
While most Westerners staffing ski resort areas are extremely young (and probably not very knowledgeable) as Cynicor says, I think places like Niseko might have a place or two with true ski equipment professionals from Australia/Canada.
Sep 16, 2018, 12:09 pm
#95
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
I agree that Niseko and Hakuba are likely to have 1 or 2 who speak English and are good bootfitters. But choose wisely and be ready to pay.
The area of Tokyo with about 100 ski shops in 2-3 blocks on the same street would be the cheapest place to buy, but it might take an afternoon to find the right place. They'd have some great bootfitters I reckon.
The area of Tokyo with about 100 ski shops in 2-3 blocks on the same street would be the cheapest place to buy, but it might take an afternoon to find the right place. They'd have some great bootfitters I reckon.
Sep 30, 2018, 7:07 pm
#96
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
Niseko Hilton for Hirafu/Hanazono
Contemplating a stay at Niseko Hilton next spring (vs Westin Rusutsu).
We want to do Hilton since we're Diamond members. But I anticipate spending a bulk of our ski time on Hirafu/Hanazono area, due to not liking the terrain and lift layout according to the trail map.
I understand that the mountains are connected at the top. So I don't understand why there are many internet bloggers/reviewers staying at Hilton but choosing to take the bus to Hirafu. If I have to take the bus, it wouldn't be ski-in/out anymore! The trail map (attached) is a bit confusing, and I'd appreciate someone (Cynicor?) providing some clarifications.
From the top of Niseko Village Gondola, can one simply get off and ski down Hirafu area? And after a day of skiing Hirafu/Hanazono, can you simply ski down to Hilton from the top of Ace Pair Lift #3 ? Can you go seamlessly between the top of Niseko Village Gondola, Hirafu area, and top of Hanazono, without having to walk or use advanced trails?
We want to do Hilton since we're Diamond members. But I anticipate spending a bulk of our ski time on Hirafu/Hanazono area, due to not liking the terrain and lift layout according to the trail map.
I understand that the mountains are connected at the top. So I don't understand why there are many internet bloggers/reviewers staying at Hilton but choosing to take the bus to Hirafu. If I have to take the bus, it wouldn't be ski-in/out anymore! The trail map (attached) is a bit confusing, and I'd appreciate someone (Cynicor?) providing some clarifications.
From the top of Niseko Village Gondola, can one simply get off and ski down Hirafu area? And after a day of skiing Hirafu/Hanazono, can you simply ski down to Hilton from the top of Ace Pair Lift #3 ? Can you go seamlessly between the top of Niseko Village Gondola, Hirafu area, and top of Hanazono, without having to walk or use advanced trails?
Sep 30, 2018, 11:13 pm
#97
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,485
A few reasons:
Many people who go are absolute beginners and it's too hard to get down on the blacks and reds, or to navigate to only take green.
i went for a whole week before I realised the other mountains/resorts were "just there"- fog can be really bad.
Weather frequently closes the top lifts making it a walk over, possibly in fog, from the gondola.
Gondola closes on occasion.
if you get over, you need to get back in time, otherwise you end up on really crowded busses back.
a few simple reasons all add up. It's easy to do and almost the only way I get over each way (I hate the busses).
Many people who go are absolute beginners and it's too hard to get down on the blacks and reds, or to navigate to only take green.
i went for a whole week before I realised the other mountains/resorts were "just there"- fog can be really bad.
Weather frequently closes the top lifts making it a walk over, possibly in fog, from the gondola.
Gondola closes on occasion.
if you get over, you need to get back in time, otherwise you end up on really crowded busses back.
a few simple reasons all add up. It's easy to do and almost the only way I get over each way (I hate the busses).
Sep 30, 2018, 11:51 pm
#98
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
i went for a whole week before I realised the other mountains/resorts were "just there"- fog can be really bad.
Weather frequently closes the top lifts making it a walk over, possibly in fog, from the gondola.
Gondola closes on occasion.
if you get over, you need to get back in time, otherwise you end up on really crowded busses back.
Weather frequently closes the top lifts making it a walk over, possibly in fog, from the gondola.
Gondola closes on occasion.
if you get over, you need to get back in time, otherwise you end up on really crowded busses back.
How far is the walk? Is it flat? Are you allowed to keep your skis on, or is everyone required to walk?
We wouldn't be able to take the top lifts to migrate over from one area to another... no way my wife/kids could tackle advanced runs. I'd also hate to take the bus over everyday.
Oct 1, 2018, 12:24 am
#99
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, UA Gold
Posts: 609
So where it says "passageway between Niseko Village and Hirafu," do you literally walk over?
How far is the walk? Is it flat? Are you allowed to keep your skis on, or is everyone required to walk?
We wouldn't be able to take the top lifts to migrate over from one area to another... no way my wife/kids could tackle advanced runs. I'd also hate to take the bus over everyday.
How far is the walk? Is it flat? Are you allowed to keep your skis on, or is everyone required to walk?
We wouldn't be able to take the top lifts to migrate over from one area to another... no way my wife/kids could tackle advanced runs. I'd also hate to take the bus over everyday.
Oct 1, 2018, 9:38 am
#101
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
Thanks a lot, guys! Traversing the mountain between NV and Hirafu with zero visibility sounds like an excellent challenge I'd be up for if I were alone, but I don't know how it's going to be for my wife and little kids.
If the visibility is so bad up there that it's hard to even walk, then skiing must almost be dangerous.
Anyways, it's time to start looking up rates again at Tokyu Hirafu Alpen Hotel (base of Hirafu slopes) vs Westin Rusutsu. Last time I checked, though, both options were going to be a lot more expensive than Hilton. Maybe I might have to consider doing the bus from Hilton, as well.
If the visibility is so bad up there that it's hard to even walk, then skiing must almost be dangerous.
Anyways, it's time to start looking up rates again at Tokyu Hirafu Alpen Hotel (base of Hirafu slopes) vs Westin Rusutsu. Last time I checked, though, both options were going to be a lot more expensive than Hilton. Maybe I might have to consider doing the bus from Hilton, as well.
Oct 5, 2018, 4:51 pm
#102
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Frensham, Lincolnshire
Programs: RFC
Posts: 5,096
I agree that Niseko and Hakuba are likely to have 1 or 2 who speak English and are good bootfitters. But choose wisely and be ready to pay.
The area of Tokyo with about 100 ski shops in 2-3 blocks on the same street would be the cheapest place to buy, but it might take an afternoon to find the right place. They'd have some great bootfitters I reckon.
The area of Tokyo with about 100 ski shops in 2-3 blocks on the same street would be the cheapest place to buy, but it might take an afternoon to find the right place. They'd have some great bootfitters I reckon.
Personally, I wouldn't trust anyone non-Japanese in or around Hakuba. The place is a cesspool.
Nov 10, 2018, 7:17 pm
#103
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
GRANDECO anyone?
For our Christmas trip, we're still torn between NASPA, Grandeco, Kiroro. 3 mountains with ski-in/out of course, excellent lift system (ie, mostly high-speed lifts).
I'm strictly intermediate, rest of the family is now high-beginner / low-intermediate.
If anyone's been to Grandeco, please tell me more. It's the only one of the 3 we've not been to. I need to make a decision soon!
-- Kiroro: Terrain is just right for us, will not be bored being there 3days. But food/hotel not as good as NASPA. Much more expensive than the other 2 options.
-- NASPA: Mountain packs more punch than its size suggests, but it may be an overkill spending another 3 days here after spending 3 days last year. 20% chance there's not enough snow. Easiest to get to. Nice hotel/dining.
-- Grandeco: I like the highly-rated hotel, excellent lift infrastructure, high altitude (more snow!) and it being 2x the size of NASPA. But the terrain seems weird. Seems like an excellent place for beginners. But the trailmap suggests that there is no single isolated intermediate course. Every intermediate course seems to intertwine repeatedly with beginner trails, and a bulk of the intermediate runs are actually in the lower mountain which requires you to ski all the way down to the base each time. Am I right about this?
I'm strictly intermediate, rest of the family is now high-beginner / low-intermediate.
If anyone's been to Grandeco, please tell me more. It's the only one of the 3 we've not been to. I need to make a decision soon!
-- Kiroro: Terrain is just right for us, will not be bored being there 3days. But food/hotel not as good as NASPA. Much more expensive than the other 2 options.
-- NASPA: Mountain packs more punch than its size suggests, but it may be an overkill spending another 3 days here after spending 3 days last year. 20% chance there's not enough snow. Easiest to get to. Nice hotel/dining.
-- Grandeco: I like the highly-rated hotel, excellent lift infrastructure, high altitude (more snow!) and it being 2x the size of NASPA. But the terrain seems weird. Seems like an excellent place for beginners. But the trailmap suggests that there is no single isolated intermediate course. Every intermediate course seems to intertwine repeatedly with beginner trails, and a bulk of the intermediate runs are actually in the lower mountain which requires you to ski all the way down to the base each time. Am I right about this?
Nov 25, 2018, 5:57 pm
#104
Join Date: Mar 2015
Programs: HH Diamond, GHA Titanium
Posts: 1,961
Tentative accommodation Kotobukiro; „24,000/night (2pax) half board; Not ski-in/ski-out but close enough to the slopes and the ski rental place has overnight valet. If any of you have other recommendations for accommodations do let me know!
Also signed up for Myoko Snowsports' group lessons, which at „38,700 for four 2½hr sessions seems a little on the pricey side but I figure some sort of professional help to correct my technique would be good for long term improvement (I'm entirely self taught so I'm probably doing everything all wrong).
Last edited by shuigao; Nov 25, 2018 at 6:03 pm
Nov 25, 2018, 6:18 pm
#105
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
Akakura Kanko has been on my list all along, but their hotel was unavailable for the longest time for Dec. When I finally saw availability one day, I think it indicated that there was only 1 room left and that one room was stupendously expensive. Weird place.
For this Dec, I've decided to head back to Kiroro. Leaning towards Niseko in spring.
For this Dec, I've decided to head back to Kiroro. Leaning towards Niseko in spring.