Hi All,

First of all I'd like to say a big thanks to everyone here for all the helpful info. I've been lurking in the shadows, reading and learning, and the info and vibe in these forums has been top shelf. You've got a great community here, without the usual whingers, flamers and pessimists.

Now, enough about you - let's talk about me. I'm living in Sapporo, raiding the Co-op every night when the half-price sushi stickers go on, sitting on the edge of my seat trying to guess the calories in that wacky food game show on TV, and swimming at Ishikari and Zenibako on the weekends, because I'm tough as nails. I'm having a ball, and while my wife works like a slave as an ALT, I tend the houseplants and preen my shitsu in my velour dressing gown by the window.

I could live like this forever, however I must stay true to my mission - to point it straight and shred the gnar in the Hokkaido powder that I've heard so much about. So in late December, I shall return the 8000 styrofoam trays to the Co-op, pack the trunks, and board the Furano Flyer.

Why Furano? Well, firstly, I far prefer small resorts to big ones and whilst Furano sounds like it's growing swiftly, it also sounds like it's retained some character. I've had fantastic seasons on small hills in Switzerland (Villars/Barboleuese - anyone know it?) and Canada (midweek Cypress), and I will easily forsake area and facilities for a laidback hill. Whilst I have heard convincing arguments made very eloquently for Niseko, and whilst I'm sure the Aussies aren't as out of control as the popular myth suggests, I've only been away from Perth for five weeks, and I'm loving it. Put simply, I could live in Wanaka, but I couldn't get out of Queenstown quick enough.

Secondly, there's plenty of cheap accommodation (3000 per night) within a few minutes' walk of the gondola in Furano. And being a decent-sized town, I should be able to keep hoovering down half-price sushi from supermarkets.

Thirdly, there are other ski hills nearby that allow you to go under the ropes, like Kamui Ski Links. By the way, thanks to the poster who pointed out that Furano is in a national park, and that the company's lease only extends to the edge of the pistes. Makes sense.

So my questions are:

1. Whilst I respect Furano's respect of national parks, I also love trees and a couple of posters have suggested that they have relaxed their out-of-bounds policy in recent seasons. Does anyone know this for sure? I realize I'm being a hypocrite, but I promise I'll be careful.

2. If I'm in Furano for three months and up early each day for first lift, will I get enough powder on the runs that they leave ungroomed anyway, without pining for the pines?

3. The backpacker rates look great, but does anyone know if it would be worth trying to hook up a three month short stay lease in an apartment in Kitanomine or town? All of the fully-furnished stuff I've seen looks too pricey.

4. Even though I fully expect to make plenty of trips to other hills throughout the region, is three months too long in Furano? Can anyone suggest another town that has cheap accom/food close to the lifts?

Any info appreciated.

Thanks

Hi Greenroome

Can't help you specifically but just wanted to say hi and welcome

Thanks Grungy, for the welcome and for the massive laugh when I first saw your avatar.

H-a-k-u-b-a

Im sorry I cant give any advice - I have no interest in Furano just because of their patrol. Though, if they chilled out a bit, then I would like to go. If I was going to do another season in Hokkaido, I would probably go to Asahidake, much more terrain, and patrol dont care where you ride (just like Niseko, Rusutsu, Teine). I would like to hear more about the area, so if you do go, please post info as it is lacking here on the forums. Hope you have a great season.

Thanks Creek Boy,

Asahidake is definitely one of the day trips I'm planning on making regularly. It's a bit further than Kamui, but looks well worth it judging by the reviews on this site.

Will file full reports.

I think I'd be bore titless if it was more than 2 weeks.

No. 1 week in Furano would be enough for me I reckon.

If I could loaf for the winter on Hokkaido, then it would be the K's for me - Kamui Ski Links, Kokusai (Sapporo), Kiroro, Kurodake and Kitataisetsu.

Early season up around Kurodake and then when it and Kitataisetsu close until spring head down to Yoichi area. Could also easily do a few day trips to the Niseko area.

Thanks Mike. The closest accommodation to Kamui is Asahikawa, yeah? I wish Kamui had a village next to it. Asahikawa's a bit big for me.

Would the trip between Furano and Kamui become annoying? It's a bit over an hour, I think.

>Will file full reports.

really look forward to them GR.

Mike, doesnt Kamui have Catskiing? Do they have heli? I forgot my own thread I started last year

it's just so easy to find. It took me like 5 seconds and very little motivation

http://www.snowjapanforums.com/ubbthread...html#Post249932

yeah, well, I dont care ...thanks

Greenroome,

I was thinking bin the Furano idea.

Any tips on towns to stay in for Kurodake and Kitataisetsu? I want to stick to backpackers and cheapies if possible.

Kurodake info here

http://www.sounkyo.net/english/index.html

greeto greenbroome^ can`t help to much with the question but sounds like you are on to a gd thing up there-
interested as to why you say Wanaka is better living than QT though fromn a kiwi perspective
have fun up there

Thanks for the link, Mike. Looks nice and remote.

Boardbaka - Wanaka was laid-back, relaxed, and stunning. QT scenery was stunning too, but the traffic was nuts, the hotels were over-priced, and the centre of town was full of multi-national chains. I went crazy at Wanaka's organic store, but I glazed over when I saw designer beanies in QT's granite & glass Cabbage Patch store,

I was impressed, however, that pilots need a special accreditation to land planes in QT. Come to think of it, watching air traffic was a highlight.

Welcome Greenroome! Good to hear from other Sapporo peeps on here! Have you wintered in Sapporo yet? If not, you might just consider staying put and exhausting the local powder opportunities at Kokusai, Teine, Asari, Onze, and Kiroro before than relocating.

Furano is really far from most other resorts. Sahoro and Tomamu are much closer than Kamui. Kamui = Asahikawa for the most part. There are few rapid trains out that way, and because of terrain and weather constraints, bus service is generally not particularly fast, so commuting between Furano and Kamui on a day-trip basis would be impractical to say the least.

I dunno, Ez.
We did the trip from Furano to Kamui for a day. Took a couple hours by bus to get there (early departure and lateish return) but the trip was ablolutely worth it! Organised through the tourist people at Furano, and we had a ball.

Very relaxed approach to roped off areas at Kamui - as compared with Furano and Niseko (the only reference points I have as yet!)

Ez - Thanks for the welcome. I've definitely considered staying in Sapporo for winter but as much as I love this city, the allure of boarding through fresh snowfields for 30 bucks a day with stuff like hot volcanic gas holes and fresh tracks all day is just too strong. I'll definitely do a few days here before I go, but I'm not a city guy. And without a car, I reckon I'd be flailing like a drunk monkey trying to get my board and my wife's ski gear on and off two Chuo buses and a subway.

JA - the more I hear about Kamui, the more excited I get.

Anyone got any late mail on Furano's out-of-bounds policy being relaxed? And are the pistes they leave ungroomed on powder days anything to get excited about? If I can get a reasonable amount of fresh at Furano on average days, and go to Kamui/Asahidake after it dumps, I might be in business...?