Frequently Asked Questions

Costs | Weather | Night life | Eating | Phone | Avalanches | Local Transport

Flying | Compare Prices

Cost

Is Niseko expensive?
Staying in the village is not as expensive as staying in Australian or American ski resorts. In fact Restaurant prices are very similar to your average Australian city prices – not resort prices. You can spend Aus$10.00 at one of the local noodle bars or $15 – $30 at one of the many fine Restaurants in the area. If you want to cook your own meals then buying at the local supermarket is definitely an option.

Tips - Although credit cards are becoming more widely accepted we recommend that you bring plenty of cash (Japanese Yen) The smaller shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards.

Medical Questions

Do I need to take medical precautions?
We recommend that all travellers to Japan view the healthhokkaido web page - fill in and print out a copy of the Health Sheet and take a copy with you when you travel. If you become ill or have an accident it will help medical personnel to provide the appropriate treatment. As an added precaution, we rcommend that you carry a mobile phone with you if you intend driving or leaving the resort/village.

Weather

How’s the Weather?
Average daytime temperatures in winter rarely get warmer than minus 10C. A neck-warmer and good thermals are essential articles of clothing. The upside of all this cold weather is good quality snow which doesn't melt... Good quality goggles are essential – maybe even bring a spare pair.

Does the resort ever close?
Rarely… Occasionally you will get half a day of strong winds which blow themselves out quickly and lifts will begin to open soon after. In strong winds it’s best to ride the covered chairlifts and ski in the trees. No refunds are given for lift closures. In Niseko, the lifts are open 8.30am to 8.50pm with the mountain lit up each night – your ski pass is good for day and night.

Night life

What do I do at night?
Niseko is renowned for its restaurants and small cozy bars - most with open fires. Make sure you sample the local draught beers. They are the bomb. or you can always night ski if you’re up to it...

Eating Out

What about the food?
Hokkaido is famous for two things – potatoes and seafood. It’s always fresh and will not dissappoint. Aside from truly spectacular Japanese food you’ll find Italian, Thai, Mexican, Nepalese Korean and other culinary delights to satisfy your pallet. Check out the Restaurant guide at Niseko-Links

Phone

Will my Mobile Phone work in Japan?
Aussi CDMA or GSM Digital phones will not work. Vodafone and Telstra 3G Phones will work fine. Other 3G networks are gradually coming online so best check with you carrier. We can supply Japanese mobile phones if required - the big advantage here is that you are not paying exorbitant rates to have calls transferred to or from Japan.

Avalanches

Avalanches?
The last avalanche-related fatality in Niseko was in 1998 in an out-of-bounds area called "Harunotaki" between Alpen and Higashiyama. If you disobey warning signs (also written in English) and duck under ropes you are taking your life into your own hands. The best policy is to ski within the resort boundaries as much as possible. If you want to head off the beaten track and “go bush” go with experienced people and take the right gear.

Local Transport

Getting around the Village?
The village itself can pose a challenge at times. Roads become very icy and people slip over and hurt themselves just walking down the street. Steps become treacherous and huge slabs of snow fall off buildings with regularity. There is almost nothing that can be done to avoid this – it is a fact of life in an alpine environment. Even if you have shoes with good traction, walk slowly and use caution at all times. Walk on the footpath, not the road. Roads are more slippery and they are for cars. Avoid standing under the eaves of buildings, large slabs of snow have been known to maim or injure. Take care when walking up or down steps especially when wearing ski or snowboard boots.

Flying

Which Airlines travel to Saporro?
A number of major airlines fly direct to Saporro. Alternatively you can fly via Tokyo or Osaka- a great idea if you want to do the tourist thing...

 

Qantas flies from all Australian capital cities to Tokyo, thru connect to Saporro. There are also direct flights from Cairns to Saporro or Jetstar flies into Osaka with transfer to Saporro. Perth customers can aslo fly Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong.

 

Airline baggage limits?
Airlines have become stricter on excess baggage in recent years. Most of us travel cattle class and the downside for skiers and boarders is the 20kg limit. It’s unrealistic but airlines (especially Japanese) like to interpret these rules literally.

Tips - If you can't get under 20kg try not to take more than say 25kg as they will probably allow this without charging (No Guarantees) They will usually waive 5kg excess but not much more. Take thermals, fleeces and shells so you can layer clothing. If traveling for more than a week, take a week's clothes and use the laundry. Niseko Star Chalet and Green house both have a fully automatic washer / dryer. Don't take extra boards or skis. If in doubt take a powder board or fat skis.

Baggage Check in - Where possible, check your Baggage through to Australia from Sapporo. You don't want to check in your bags at Narita airport if you can help it. Last resort - If you are stuck at check in and they refuse to waive the fees, repack your bags and wear your heaviest clothes on to the plane. Recently a couple of our friends were ambushed at Narita airport. They were told they had to pay $900 for 15kg excess. A lot of stress there… In the end they unpacked a couple of bottles of wine, which they took as carry on baggage, and donned an extra jacket. The things we do...

Airport Transfers

How do I get to Niseko?
You can travel by private coach, public bus or train. We can arrange all transfers as well as "Meet & Greet" at New Chitose Airport or in central Saporro if you have decided to spend some time in the city.

Compare Prices

Australia vs Japan - Whats Best?

We are often asked the question - "How does the cost of skiing in Niseko compare to skiing in Australia?" It's actually very hard to compare...

For example, the 2006 ski season in Australia has seen most resorts with numerous lifts closed, hardly any natural snow fall and man-made snow measured in centimetres... In Niseko last December we had 5 metres of dry powder and the season overall produced over 15 metres .

What about cost? Most people are of the opinion that Japan is expensive but not true. For example we have compared a luxury package for 8 people in Falls Creek (Australia) with one of our luxury packages in Niseko.

Falls Creek Luxury Apartment - Peak Season - 7 Nights (Australian Dollars)

• 3 Bedroom / 8 Bed Apartment: $ 6,930.00
• 6 Day Ski Pass: $470.00
• Bus Transfers from Melbourne: $130.00

Niseko Luxury Package - Powder Season - 7 Nights (Australian Dollars)

• 3 Bedroom / 6 Bed Chalet: $4,830.00
• 6 Day Ski Pass: $300.00
• Bus Transfers from Airport: $80.00

Food and drink in Niseko are generally less expensive provided you don't go crazy. There are plenty of noodle bars and other small restaurants where you can get a meal for about $10.00 - The general rule is eat where the locals eat if you're on a budget. If you are not on a budget there are also a number of up market restaurants that specialise in Japanese, Nepalese and Italian cuisine and they are typically no more expensive than Australian restaurants.

Add to that the cultural experience you will enjoy in Japan - and you'll love it...