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Did you know that Kyoto is on the Lonely Planet Top 10 Cities to visit in 2010?
You can stopover in Kyoto before or after your ski holiday in Japan. 

….Kyoto is the most beautiful city in Japan and, arguably, the most beautiful city in Asia….quote from Lonely Planet - Best Travel in 2010.

www.skitraveller.co.nz/japan
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From Chitose Airport a 2.5 transfer will bring you to the powdery slopes of Furano.  For those who overnight in Tokyo there are flights directly to Asahikawa Airport, which is only an hour from the resort.

Similar to its fellow ski resort Niseko, the light dry powder of Furano makes for a memorable ski holiday.   The lack of wind makes this a family and beginners delight and the lifts are open from 8.30am until 9pm.  There are stunning views of steaming volcanoes and the rural countryside making this one of the few resorts where you will see a blue sky day.

Furano boasts Japan’s only Ski Host Programme which is staffed by English speaking locals.  Playing host to 12 FIS ski and snowboard world cup events has honed the credentials of Furano Resort.

There are two base areas with the Prince Hotel located on one side in a ski-in-ski-out location and the Kitanomine base that has pensions, some apartments and hotel style accommodation.

Families will enjoy kid zone activities and there are plenty of day trips.  They include dog sledding, ice fishing, kimono wearing, cheese making classes and ice village tours.

In the evening there is a secluded adult hideaway, Soh’s Bar where you can wine and dine hidden the forest and a short walk from the new Furano Prince Hotel, otherwise it is just ten minutes by taxi or bus to the local town.

Talk to Sarah she was in Furano last season.
sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
www.skitraveller.co.nz

A quick 90 minute train ride on the Shikansen Bullet train from Tokyo will deliver you to Nagano Station, only an hour’s drive from Hakuba.

The Hakuba Valley is spread across 30 kms of mountainous terrain.  Here the mighty ski jumps from the 1998 Winter Olympics still sit at the base of Goryu Toomi , one of eight ski resorts.   The area is well suited to all levels, with a variety of terrain from wide open groomed slopes, tree lined bowls, steeps and backcountry skiing & boarding and with one interchangeable lift and shuttle bus pass, what could be easier.

The Evergreen Ski School, owned and operated by a Canadian/Japanese couple provides expert tuition for all levels, from children to adults.

The nice thing about Hakuba is it retains a Japanese charm yet has over 100 bars and restaurants.  The Lodge at the Tokyu Hotel is a great place to enjoy an après ski drink.  For lovers of food and wine, The Phoenix Hotel Bar and Restaurant is run by the team from Falls Creek’s award winning Summit Ridge Lodge. 

Accommodation is located at the base of Happo One with hotels and pensions (bed and breakfast) and a few apartments scattered through the woodlands.

Talk to Sarah about Hakuba she was in Hakuba last season.
sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
www.skitraveller.co.nz