Eli Orzessek finds the answers to your travel questions.
I've been mad about skiing since I went on my first snow holiday to Queenstown as a teenager, around 15 years ago. Since then I've tried to get in an overseas ski trip whenever I get the chance. One destination that's been on my bucket list for a while is Northern Japan — how would you recommend I go about planning a trip there and what should I know before I leave?
Eddy P
The skifields of Japan are famous for deep, dry powder and as such, it's on the bucket list for many ski bunnies. With more than 500 resorts on offer, you'll want to choose one that suits you. Rusutsu is particularly popular with families, and suits skiers of all ability levels. Niseko is the largest, most developed of the resorts (with a lively apres-ski scene) and also receives the most snowfall. For experts, Kiriro is known for its back country skiing. There's not much of a village, so most visitors come for the day.
In general, Japanese resorts are quite small compared to the US and Canada and are more akin to the ones we have at home. As a result, more advanced riders often opt to hop between ski areas.
Once you've decided where to go, it's all about preparation. If you're hoping to rent a car and drive between resorts, you'll need to sort out an international driver's licence before you leave — this can be arranged through the AA. Otherwise, bus travel is the way to go in Hokkaido — but they can be popular, so book in advance. You can also pick up an Inter City Bus Pass, which gives you unlimited rides to more than 100 spots.
The weather can be unpredictable in Hokkaido, so pack plenty of layers and bring along a change of clothes when you head out. As the area is well-regarded for night skiing, you'll want to bring a pair of clear goggles along to enhance the experience. Fat skis are best for the deep snow, but if you don't have the appropriate gear — or just don't want to lug it along — the resorts offer high-quality rental equipment.
