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 #1 Niseko - Japan Posted 02/08/2010 @ 12:24 |
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Hey All,
Planning on a three week trip to Niseko in late Jan/Early Feb next year (2011)
Need some advice on best places to base ourselves, Hirafu looks the busiest but have heard that it gets a bit overrun with Aussie tourists and as such the lift queue's etc suffer. It obviously has the best nightlife etc but I'm not particularily interested in that.
Annupuri looks like a good area of the mountain but am after opinions from anyone who has been on their experiences etc.
Thanks all,
Ste |
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| #2 Re: Niseko - Japan Posted 04/08/2010 @ 03:11 |
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Revision #1 (Last edited: 04/08/2010 @ 03:15) |
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Howdy Stedaley
To be honest it's like any other massively popular ski resort, during peak season you'll probably have to queue up. As for the aussie's well, to the Aussies, Japan is like France for the brits. If your worried about queues and aussies i suggest checking out some other less popular resorts.
My advice is to base yourself in Hirafu. Specifically above the main street(above seico mart). There are plenty of quality apartments to stay in, mostly close to the shops and restaurants and importantly 5-10mins from the lifts. A lot of cheaper places with those rowdy people you want to avoid exist below the main street a strong walk or bus ride to the lifts.
Hirafu is home to the greatest range of accommodation, lifts, bars, shops and restaurants. It's the hub of the reort and has easy access to all other places. If you want to avoid queues, there's a bus service to Annupuri and Hanazono or just like anywhere else be the first up.
Annupuri is quiet and only has a handful of accommodations and restaurants and perhaps the best ski area. Most of which are serviced homes for rent except the Niseko Northern Resort which is quite nice but expensive. It only has two lifts accessible from it's base but access to some fantastic backcountry and gated areas. Afternoons the queues start to form as people make their way over from Hirafu etc but mornings are quiet. You'll find yourself getting taxi's etc to hirafu for dinner etc i imagine.
Niseko Village is home to the Hilton and not a lot else. I'd avoid this area.
For 3 weeks it would be worth your while to check out the surrounding areas like Rusutsu.
EDIT: Forgot to say, if you want to avoid crowds have you considered March instead of the peak season? Still penty of snow and some fantastic blue bird days.
Hope that helps and enjoy the strawberry fields
Hutchy  |
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