RUN ANNUALLY

EXPLORE, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN 2008

Mt Tomamu, Rusutsu & Niseko, JAPAN

Departing 1st February 2008
for 2 weeks

Inski Newcastle in conjunction with Travelplan Australia bring you the 2008 Inski Explore Hokkaido Powder Tour visiting 3 powder stashes at Mt Tomamu, Rusutsu and Niseko, on the northern island of Hokkaido, Japan departing Feb 1st for two weeks. Hokkaido has some of the best powder skiing anywhere in the world. This will be my 7th trip to Japan and I can't wait to blast through some of Hokkaido's awesome powder. If you would rather ski the groomed runs, these are manicured every night.

The Inski Tour concept is to have a great bunch of people, for social and on snow fun. Everyone finds someone at their level to ski or board with or to go with some higher level skiers to be challenged that little bit extra.

The tour departs on Friday 1st Feb. via Tokyo with Qantas, then transfer to Mt Tomamu in Central Hokkaido. Mt Tomamu is a little known ski area in Central Hokkaido , with one gondola, 2 quads, 6 doubles and 2 single chairlifts. Top elevation 1239m. The resort features an ice village and a huge wave pool/Spa complex. Very few westerners visit this resort, they have a sensible off piste policy (sign out, wear a bib and a helmet) and lots of powder. Rusutsu is another powder gem, easy access to some great powder and again not many westerners. It is a major theme park in summer. One gondola and lots of quad chairs to move you around the mountain quickly, Top elevation 1000m. and lots of snow. Niseko Ski Area is made up of five smaller areas. There are 38 lifts, 2 Gondolas and many chairs have weather covers. There are 17 restaurants within the ski area, serving excellent food, though the menu is a little hard to read (there are pictures). The area is open from 8.30am to 8.30pm with some excellent night skiing, a great experience.

A Few tips on skiing in Japan.

Cash is King , only a few bigger shops take credit cards, though each year they are changing to accommodate all the Aussie visitors. Travellers cheques can only be changed at the Bank downtown and there are debit card facilities in Kutchan Post Office. Buy Yen cash before you leave, the Japanese are very honest though beware tourists. Beer is excellent, cheap at the pension and SeicoMart but expensive at the bars and restaurants, BYO is non-existent – a few Asahi Super Dry's and an open air ONSEN (traditional Hot Springs ) is a perfect end to a hard days skiing or boarding. Guys make sure you bring a hand towel for modesty (the towel will keep your head warm if its snowing). Ladies bring a normal plain towel that is used in the onsen. Swimming costumes are not acceptable in an onsen. There is a large swimming pool at the Alpen Hotel, Niseko.

Manners in Japan-ALWAYS take off your shoes when entering a house or pension, only socks allowed on a tatami mat, slippers are usually supplied at the door although they are usually tiny so for those with bigger feet bring your own. Blow your nose quietly in public and in the restroom when dining. Tipping is not necessary, most Japanese will refuse.

Vending machines are everywhere and sell almost everything, even your hot chocolate, so have a supply of 100 Yen coins at all times. Blue line items are cold, red line items are hot.

To save carrying skis and possibly excess baggage charges, Wider Skis can be pre booked through Inski Niseko, contact Alan for details..

It is cold in Japan , you won't see too much sun. Make sure you have plenty of layers and a helmet is an excellent way to stay warm and safe. Neck gaitors, thermals and mittens are essential, boot heaters a pleasant luxury.

Guaranteed powder – most days you will find some fluffy stuff!

Japanese people are very friendly with some English skills, a smile works very well and we have Japanese speakers available.

If you want some city shopping the adventurous can catch a train or coach into Sapporo for the day.

Tree skiing is excellent, not too tight trees and they give good definition on powder days or flat light.

Niseko is only two hours time difference from East Coast Australia .

Learn a few words in Japanese

• domo arigato = thank you
• domo arigato gozaimas = thank you very much
• kudasai = please
• koinichiwa = daytime greeting
• konbanwa = evening greeting
• sayonara = bye
• doitashimasite = if you please
• Sumimasen = excuse me

Accommodation

We have selected Alpine Central Lodge in Niseko.

A typical Japanese style pension, simple warm rooms, a communal lounge and dining area, breakfasts and most rooms have en-suites, Japanese style facilities also. Other accommodation is available on request from budget to 5 star Hotels and apartments, tour pricing will differ though. To ensure getting the best accommodation it is necessary to book as soon as possible, places at Alpine Central are limited.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

• Return airfares with Qantas Airlines ex-Sydney to Sapporo.
• All transfers.
• 3 nights twin share accommodation at Villa Sport at Mt Tomamu, includes breakfasts . 3 day lift pass.
• 3 nights at Rusutsu Ski Area staying at Rusutsu Resort Hotel includes breakfasts and 3 day lift pass.
• 8 nights at Niseko staying at Alpine Central includes Breakfasts. 8 day all mountain lift pass. Alan McVie is your escort, if you want to venture into the powder, he can show you the way.
• All terms and conditions of Travelplan Australia Pty Ltd apply.

TOTAL PRICE - $3885.00 (per person) (departure Taxes not included)

For further information call Alan
Phone: (02) 49265177
Email: newcastle@inski.com.au

For booking enquiries and quotes call Natalie at Travelplan
Phone: (02) 99589721
Email: Natalie@travelplan.com.au