keba,

As you say - each to his own - but Niseko is an awesome place for families. Particularly western families where kids might be fussier eaters.

If you compare Niseko to any of the resorts in Aus and it is no wonder the hoardes keep coming back. I would go back in a heartbeat. But I am also keen to try a few other j-ski-jo's now that we have been eased into the experience.

We are not all hardcore ya know... And some of us travel with short fussy grumpy inconvenient people!

I forgot to say earlier, Niseko.

I had such a terrible time...

Watch it JM You'll be setting off the Hakuba dogs! Bark bark.

I can't believe how easy it is to set off a Niseko vs. Anywhere but Niseko stoush...

I apologise for any offence, but JM, for me, it's not ALL about the powder.

Mamabear, I now have two little ones who ripen to ski-school age in a couple of years, and I bet our next family trip will be to Niseko, for all the reasons you say.

It's not Niseko vs. Anywhere but Niseko, keba. It's Niseko vs. Hakuba, and it's pretty much a one-sided laughable 'argument' (if that's the correct word) pushed by the southerners.

Sugadaira. Pretty tame but the snow was awesome

Washigatake in Gifu

First one was some small place in Biwako. Not much snow wasn't the best first impression. A bit further afield and things started to look much better.

Geihoku. It could only get better! (Perhaps slightly harsh!)

same - how long where the lines for you then? 30-45mins?

Kusatsu. A skiing-only place (well it was then I went). I skied back then, but it is a fair while ago now.

Not been yet but we are planning on a trip to Hokkaido and I imagine it will be Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano that is first.

First time was a place in Fukushima called Inawashiro and then Alts Bandai. I go back there every year, like them and friends around there.

Biwako! What a great introduction. My eyes opened much more when I made the journey to Nagano!

Appi Kogen.
Fine place.

First one I went to was Kuruamayama in Nagano. Not a well known one but it was pretty decent actually, the snow was really good. Surprising as there was hardly any 20 minutes out at the bottom of the mountain.

Niseko

Niseko

Iwapparra. It was also my first time to snowboard which was great since it's good resort for beginners. My first powder experience was in Niseko. That's when I thought, hey now this is different.

Iwappara!