Japan - Niseko (Hokkaido): Worth Skiing over Christmas?? What are "normal" snow conditions?

Quote: Originally Posted by Cats Meow?

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1) ?How likely am I to get skunked with poor snow over Christmas and New Years?

2) ? I assume Niseko Grand Hirafu is the best resort in Japan in terms of the most challenging terrain and best conditions?

3) ?Any experience with the kid's ski school?

4) ?How crowded should we expect it to be over Christmas and New Years?

5) ?What is the best lodge/hotel/condo to stay for 7-10 days with a family?

6) ?How does the "expert" terrain at Niseko compare to Colorado/Utah/Squaw Valley expert terrain? ?If it snows a metre, can I find steep enough pitches to have fun?

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Thanks for all the help!

I have been to Hokkaido (Niseko and Rusutsu) at Christmas time couples of times. To answer some of your questions:

1/. Generally the snow inn Hokkaido should be OK by Christmas time, powder everywhere.

2/. For Niseko, you have Annupuri, Niseko Village and Grand Hirafu, You will find more hotels, restaurants, bars, Aussie in Grand Hirafu. In terms of challenging terrain, you better off go somewhere else. On a calm day when the chait lift to the top is running, you can ski from Grand Hirafu to Annupuri.

4/. As expected, crowded at Christmas and New Year. You will need to book hotel accommodation very early - this summer.

5/. There is a Hilton at Niseko Village (nothing else in Niseko Village). In Grand Hirafu, the best located hotel is the Alpen.

6/. No comparison at all. Utah/Colorado/Tahoe have mountains, Niseko have small hills, but the powder is light and fluffy.

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Personally, I prefer Rusutsu to Niseko.

Advantage of going skiing in Niseko (or Rusutsu) from Hong Kong is the short flight time (5 hours) and only 2 hours of land transfer from the airport.

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