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Hi Lianne,
The skiing is excellent at Nozawa with heaps of runs for all abilities – mainly gondolas and covered chairs. It was 3 minutes walk from the hotel to a free travellator which takes you 500m up to the ski area (maybe 20-30 different runs) and hire shop (where you can store your gear), reasonably priced restaurants (~$15 for hot lunch and coffee), bars, cafes etc. There is even a ski jump ramp which makes you realise how courageous those people are in the Olympics!Cheers Bruce

Would you like to ski Japan this coming season? 
Not sure if Japan is for you? 

Talk to Sarah, she has skied on the mainland at Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen.  Sarah has also skied in Hokkaido at Niseko, Furano, Tomamu and Rusutsu.

Email Sarah at: sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
NZ Toll Free: 0800 11 22 99
AU Toll Free: 1800 15 95 25
Visit: http://www.skitraveller.co.nz/japan
Sarah is still working on the website to add more resorts in Japan, so call her for a chat about your ski holiday plans to Japan.

Wanting to experince somewhere new - have you thought about Niseko,Japan?. Highlights of my recent visit here were amazing light powder, fabulous modern accommodation, unbelievable food,warm sake that puts you in the mood for karoke, efficient lifts and welcoming hospitality.  Even at the top of the mountain the toliets had warm seats a plesant surprise for us boarders whom may spend some time sitting down.  Niseko resort is Western enough to make your first visit to a Japanese Ski resort an easy transitition but still retains enough Japanese culture to not be completely spoilt.

I had no problem with the language, I did’nt speak a word of Japanese before I went to Japan.  Even in the middle of Tokyo station there was always someone who could speak English or wanted to pratice their English.  If that failed the use of hand signals never fails and is always a source of entertainment. I have spent many seasons at ski resorts around the world.  If you are thinking about skiing Japan talk to me, there is a not to be missed 25% discount being offered for accommodation in Niseko, this makes Japan a great value ski holiday!

There is something for everyone in Niseko from ski in ski out, 5 bedroom town homes, studios in the heart of the villlage to penthouses with stunning views.  The properties are modern yet with a good blend of Japanese and Western architecture.

Learn more about Niseko: http://www.skitraveller.co.nz/japan/Niseko

Sarah - Ski Traveller

On the 9th December 2008 join me on my adventures around Hakuba,Shiga Kogen,Nozawa Onsen,Furano,Tomamu,Niseko and Rutsutu Ski Resorts.For most of my life i have grown up in ski resorts in North America and to be honest i thought it couldn’t get better than what i have experinced so far.However earlier this year we were lucky enough to be the New Zealand Travel Agent sponsor for the Warren Miller movies and it was here on the Playground Movie that i saw a glimpse of what Japan has to offer.It was not only this but the large number of enquires from friends,clients and fellow staff asking “what is skiing/boarding in Japan like compared to North American Resorts. All will be revealed on my trip around Japan watch for my updates on our blog in December 2008!!!