Japan

[Vanni]

is this a widespread thing related to everything opening up to tourists again there, or just one poorly run access spot?

I remember I was checked once or twice in Niseko, few years ago

[Triple8Sol]

Cultural differences.
(Which also touch legal differences.)

The expectation of being actively policed (rules, laws, enforcement) for one's own safety is a very Western mentality.
It just does not exist here.

It's not that they don't care—the Japanese are humanists—it's that they respect individual freedom in a different way.
"Do what you want, we will not stop you. If you fuck up, we'll help if we can, but the responsibility (shame, guilt, cost) for taking the risk is on you."

Also, because it plays into this: the highest principle in Japanese society is "never create an awkward moment." No one will ever tell you not do something (because that would be awkward). You are expected to know what you are getting yourself into the and your risk of "creating an awkward moment." If you proceed, they accept that you will bear full responsibility.
For most westerners, the burden of responsibility has been abstracted away into the state and other constructs, so this is unimaginable.

Is Japan different? Yes.
Is it "wrong"? Who are we to judge?

I have stories. I can tell them from a Western perspective, with utter disbelief of the actions/inactions of "authorities" (wrong word here as there is no such legal construct). I can also tell the same stories from the Japanese perspective, with utter disbelief of the actions/inactions of the foreigners involved.
(The difference in the above is the western expectation of "someone with authority will save me from myself"… odd thing for a culture that values freedom…)

Heh, I am repeating myself. Hope my point came across.

Well said. Also, great to meet you and get some turns together! See you next year!

[bksdds]

2-3 family members mentioned interest in a Japan trip. I myself am interested as well. 6 adults and one 11 year old would make up this family trip. Any suggestions for resorts? 11 days give or take. Nothing bc. Just looking for the next chill family vacation with some fresh deep days. A few of us have travelled abroad, but none of us have been to Japan.

[casjcade]

is this a widespread thing related to everything opening up to tourists again there, or just one poorly run access spot?

That was way dramatic. They are used to alot of snowfall there, and will close off the mountain top in some cases, but else it’s open from that side almost like a staircase, and some of the gates too. Poster has clearly never been to Europe either. Some areas in Niseko have gates that are restricted and only open at a certain time. There’s lotsa information about what not to do. Some areas in between the resorts are completely closed off. Common sense usually seems to work in Japan.

[JU87G]

No stoke this year? I'm looking forward to Hokkaido in late Jan

[peruna]

Seems like a slower start than normal? We're undecided about where to go, and being a bigger group this year makes it feel tougher to do everything last minute based on snow reports/forecasts, like I've tended to do in the past.

[JU87G]

Pretty slow start overall, worse in Honshu. The classic winter pattern is struggling to kick in due to el nino. There was a big dump the last few days which has helped.

[yukinori]

hit hakuba few days ago and it was glorious with a late season dumpage

[bboytommy]

Planning a 2-week central hokkaido trip in Feb 2025 with a crew of 6. Would love any suggestions on group lodging, cat tours, or general input.

Draft Itinerary:

• Flying into Asahikawa and riding Pippu or Kamui Ski Links depending on snow

• Rolling down to Furano for a few nights before going further to...

• Tomamu where we'll ride resort and do a cat tour. Possibly drive the 35 mins over to Sahoro one of the days too

• Make our way past Sapporo (maybe stop to check out snow festival) before ending up at a ski in/out at Kiroro

• Ride Kiroro for a few days with a possible day trip out to Kokusai, maybe Rusutsu if that's where it's dumping

• Fly outta Sapporo

I'd love to play it a few days at a time and chase the snow, but lodging seems hard with a group of 6 so I think we gotta map things out beforehand. Maybe I'm wrong?

Other considerations

• day trip out to Asahidake at the start of the trip, but heard wind can make that area a little unpredictable.

• One of the homies wanted to do the Iwanai or Shimamaki cat trip, but prices are 2-3x in that Niseko region compared to a cat tour in the Furano/Tomamu area.

• Skipping Niseko altogether bc we've been before and would like to explore elsewhere

• We'd prefer to stay as close to the resort (if not ski in/out). This does make lodging options for 6 tough.

Any beta from this group would be stellar!

[g3greg]

Actually it is pretty unregulated there. If you go just know that the US and Canada are so far ahead when it comes to avalanche safety that it isn’t even comparable. Also many places will hire guides with just some basic Avalanche training.

Something to keep in mind when doing your trip planning.

is this a widespread thing related to everything opening up to tourists again there, or just one poorly run access spot?

That was way dramatic. They are used to alot of snowfall there, and will close off the mountain top in some cases, but else it’s open from that side almost like a staircase, and some of the gates too. Poster has clearly never been to Europe either. Some areas in Niseko have gates that are restricted and only open at a certain time. There’s lotsa information about what not to do. Some areas in between the resorts are completely closed off. Common sense usually seems to work in Japan.