Let the games begin. Beautiful morning today in central Hokkaido with Asahi Dake almost looking like there may be some skiing too be had. Tokachi pretty much missed out so a very localized snowfall with the main Taisetsu range getting the goods. Taisetsu Range from Kami Furano, Asahi Dake high peak to the right. Asahi Dake Biei Dake in the Tokachi range above Kami Furano
Wahoo looking good already. Getting excited. We’ll be there 5th Feb-15 Feb a few days in tomamu and the rest in Furano with some trips.
Asahi-dake last week. Edit : Ah, sorry, It was filmed on September 21st, so not last week, but nearly 2 weeks ago.
Anybody know when Kurodake announces its operating calendar for the season? They shut one of the ropeways down at some point for maintenance, yeah?
Asahi Dake today, the last day of our Hokkaido cycling season. Snow pretty much all gone now and amazing dry and warm weather, with great autumn colors.
It's because Kuro-dake is more popular as spring - autumn time destination than as wintertime destination?.
@Ramenman that is my understanding for both Kuro Dake and Asahi Dake ropeways. The winter business for both is a fraction of their summer/autumn business. Asahi Dake, for example, opens about 6:00 am in summer, and often has lift lines out into the car park, and runs every 10 minutes, compared to winter, where rarely are there lift lines and it runs every 20 minutes. 5-10 years ago in winter Asahi Dake had only ever a handful skiers on any given day, and even though that has changed with lift lines on some days, it is still far less than the summer lift lines and wait times. The other issue for Kuro Dake, believe it or not, is that it is considered too cold mid winter and I think the Kuro Dake ropeway is usually on hold till later in Feb so opening Jan 31 I think is a nod to foreign skiers wanting to ski there.
Will be going to Kamui and Tomamu with the family around the New Year, looking forward to see some pics here re their snow condition
Have locked in 8th-14th Feb in Furano. Looking at 5th-8th Feb was going to Tomamu but can't get accommodation I want/value/don't like onsen being far away/very busy etc etc. Looking at doing Sahoro now for 3 days in the Resort Hotel. How is skiing Sahoro vs Tomamu (Side country/off piste mainly with some piste). Also brains trust any ideas of how to get from Sahoro to Furano on a late Saturday. Train looks like 2hrs (Plus getting to train stations) is this best option? Is there a bus? We arrive really late into CTS on 5th and don't want to drive after long flight at night so will jump train to Sahoro. My dad will already be at Sahoro so don't want to stay over at CTS and drive next day so no car this trip.
That's great re Kurodake Ropeway opening on 1 Feb. We did a late Feb day trip up there this year, we had a clear sunny day (although a bit windy) but overall spectacular! That big bowl from the summit down was incredible! Only two of us braved the run down from the gondola station to the village, some gnarly bits but a great run. Looking forward to heading back up there this winter...
I can't seem to find anything to book this building. Some mentioned that there are AirBnB but I didn't find any. Are you able to shed some light ?
Try Tomamux, it was mentioned to me by @Born2ski , we booked our over the new year period on this site. Price very reasonable. Go to their Facebook page to look for a 10% off code.
