[NoirX252]

Japan or Europe? I generally plan to live there for a month or two.
Cheaper is better obviously. But YOLO.

 

[NoirX252]

Do you want powder and awesome tree riding or longer vertical runs with less fresh snow?

I love both. Is Feb 1st the ideal time to arrive in Japan?

If it's better than the 50 or so inches that fell within 3 days at Wolf Creek, CO this past season; hell yes.

 

[NoirX252]

Any list of areas to hit? I have both the Epic/Ikon/Loveland pass (Powder Alliance partner, Kiroro). I'd be open to anything off this list if it's worth it. Generally looking for areas with enjoyable riding + others (onsen, beer, monkeys that steel your wallet while at the onsen, etc...). Sushi. And more sushi. Followed by a trip to Kyoto + Tokyo even.

Maybe. I tend to change my mind a lot. Just want a guaranteed nice time for what I pay for; I'm not strapped for cash but not willing to unload on single trip when there's Europe and cheese/wine/beer!

It seems by reading here, the best times to go are either:
1. mid-feb+
2. mid-jan+ (or even early Jan+)?

 

[NoirX252]

If you are chasing powder specifically then mid Jan to mid Feb is peak storm season. The most popular destinations are Niseko and Hakuba. I would personally avoid Niseko as it sounds like you want a more authentic Japanese experience, Hakuba is a good option with some westernised areas but still some taste of Japan especially if you venture away from the bigger resorts in the valley.

Being from Australia I don't know much about which specific resorts those passes give you access too but if you drop a link or some names of resorts I can give some feedback.

Niseko United (7 days, IKON)
Lotte Arai (7 days, IKON)
Rusutsu (5 consecutive days Epic).
Kiroro ski resort (3 days)

Hakuba Valley (various resorts (5 consecutive days Epic)

• Hakuba47 Winter Sports Park
• Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field
• Jiigatake Snow Resort
• Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort
• Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort
• Hakuba Norikura Onsen Snow Resort
• Kashimayari Snow Resort
• Hakuba Sanosaka Snow Resort

Is Niseko that overrated? You're right I want good riding and perhaps authenticity as well. I can speak some Japanese (quit 4th year classes and was preparing to take JLPT 2-kyu at one point); probably would be talking like a toddler now if I tried (language won't be an issue, just want a good experience).

Thank you.

 

[NoirX252]

^ Myoko and Madarao are also in my selection since you mentioned it.
Maybe lodging logistics for 1-2 months. Time to look.

 

[NoirX252]

I forgot to say thanks @JDA
Been doing some more research on my own and it seems like Hakuba/near is the place to camp out for a bit. Just need to finalize some things; plans will go out the window if I switch jobs. (1-2 weeks vs month+).

 

[NoirX252]

Am I screwed if I book December-ish (flights and lodging)? Only because of job timing.

 

[NoirX252]

Plans solidified, my schedule is wide open. Plane tickets look reasonable, I'm likely going to book last minute unless that is a bad idea with lodging.

Any recommended must-do lodging in/around Hakuba Valley? I am basically hitting every resort I can with my Loveland/Ikon/epic pass + more with day tickets.