15 replies to this topic

[IIIII]

Anyone encountered any business at resorts yet this season? The photos I have seen seem to be showing a general distinct lack of overcrowding. almost the opposite.

Friday will be the first day of the season for me.

[SirJibAlot]

It depend on the location/day. I like to go up on Sundays - seems less crowded than Saturdays - of course, weekdays are the best. Although I couldn't head up today - looking out the window here in Yuzawa, Iwappara had what looked like 8 people on the lower part of the mountain and 3 up top. Gala gets pretty crowded on Saturdays and Hakuba is PACKED on holiday weekends.

[IIIII]

Bit confused there - you mean, looking at a webcam today or are you staying in Iwappara?

[Motherhucker]

Where are you gonna ride Fri.?

I'm prolly going out too.

[number9]

Less people on the slopes makes a nicer picture, or is that just me? :p

But I haven't encountered huge crowds since mid-Dec when only Kagura was open in the area and everyone flocked there.

[dale#1]

Nicer picture definitely. Sometimes they look a bit tooo empty though.

[SirJibAlot]

IIIII, I live in Tokyo, but I came up to Iwappara on Sunday and am leaving tomorrow. I can see the resort from my hotel If you want to see what Iwappara looked like yesterday (Sunday) - check out my pics:

http://www.snowjapan.com/e/insider/photo_section.php?userid=SirJibAlot

Mutherhuker, I'm heading to Niseko this weekend...sorry;( I jacked up my knee so I gotta get it checked out this week before I head to Nisseko...hope it's not serious.

[ttuchin]

Not crowded at all by Aussie standards in Hakuba. No lift queues and only time we played dodgems on the slopes was Sat and Sun middle part of day

[SkyHigh]

I hear stories over nightmare queueing but I have never experienced any. I usually go mid-week so thats probably one reason.

[aromaticfeet]

I was at Ishiuchi Maruyama in the yuzawa area last week, weekday, and I almost had the place to myself. Very few people there. Not complaining, though it did feel a little lonely.

[r45]

In general now weekdays are sweet in Japan with no waiting for lifts and uncrowded slopes.

[timcraig]

Noone at 47. Have been up the last few days and haven't waited for a lift yet.

[Sappolo]

Hokkaido so I hear has never had that bad overcrowding problems. Niseko is more popular now than it ever was of course, but apart from that.

[IIIII]

Bit late, but good photos SirJib. How was the Niseko trip?

[SirJibAlot]

IIIII,
It was great, although there were no storms while I was there, the groomers were sweet and it was blue sky's on both days. Never hit a lift line there, even on Sunday. You thinking about heading up that way soon?

[IIIII]

Good to hear.
Maybe 2nd week of February is what I'm thinking.