Skiing in Hokkaido

[slinky]

Anyone done a ski trip to Hokkaido? We're looking at late Dec this year and I need to know general snow conditions like is it powdery or wet and icy, etc.? I ask mainly to figure out what kind of gear we will need. From what I can tell, annual average temps for that time of year don't look too awfully cold, but obviously cold enough for snow.

[baloo]

I've been a couple of times but it was in Jan or Feb.

Powder, powder and more powder. No slush,no ice. Some of the best snow I've ever skiied on.

[slinky]

Thanks, baloo! Looking at what type of coats, etc. to buy while they are currently on sale in the US.

[Fat Bob]

Aren't most of the Japanese ski fields on the bottom end of Siberian winds/weather? Hence: good snow, cold temperatures, not many blue sky days?

However, only have been told that, not sure if it's true. I may be going next CNY as it's close to Shanghai!:D

[Calatrava]

Try Jan. If you go in Dec, you might not get good powder. The temperatures are about -3 avg? I think thermal wear should be sufficient.

[jessang]

agreed, my bro went in Jan to niseko and said it was really good then, nice cover of powder. would love to go but need to save up $$, haiz..