| Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
You can either bring your own equipment or you can hire it in once
you have arrived in Niseko. The luggage limit flying Japan Airlines
is quite restricted. You are only able to take 20kg of luggage,
so once you include you ski/snowboard gear it makes it quite hard
to stay under the limit.
We deal with a ski/snowboard hire company that provides only the
latest gear and has plenty of top of the range current season demo gear.
For more information on hire gear, feel free to give us a call or
drop us an email.
Where do most of your participants
come from?
As the Japan Powder Tours are based and promoted in Australia, nearly
all of our participants are from Australia or New Zealand. However,
we have had many international participants in the past and welcome
more in the future.
What happens if everyone is better
than I am?
As long as you have chosen a program to suit your ability level,
there isn't any need to worry about the rest of the riders and skiers.
Everyone on all of the programs are there to learn –
no matter what their ability. Everyone will progress at different
levels and our attentive coaches and guides are there to help everyone get
the most out of their stay, regardless of ability levels. In the
past, the less experienced skiers and riders have been the most improved.
How cold is it in Hokkaido?
There is only one way to describe the weather in Hokkaido - “COLD”
- a lot colder than some other skiing areas in the world. Most gondolas
and lifts provide protection from the weather – but very warm
ski gear is highly recommended as the Temperature on the mountain
rarely reaches above –10C during the time when we
are there.
What do I need to take?
While you may be going away for a long time you do not need to pack
EVERYTHING you own. Make sure you pack all your normal snow gear
i.e gloves, goggles, helmet etc and plenty of warm clothes (see
above) and your usual waterproof snow gear. For walking around the
village, it might be a good idea to pack waterproof shoes, or hiking
boots if you have them.
What do I do for insurance?
Our partners at Global Snow Travel can arrange comprehensive travel
insurance at highly competitive prices.
We recommend that you read the product disclosure statement for
this product before making the decision to purchase this insurance,
and to ensure that it is suitable to your needs. We also recommend
that you take out your insurance policy as soon as you have made
any payments, to cover you in the event of any unforseen cancellations.
Alternatively, if you are looking to seek insurance independently,
it is a requirement by Japan Powder Tours that your insurance includes
coverage for all snow related activities - including backcountry
travel and terrain park usage - Note that most standard insurance
policies do not cover these circumstances. Please read our conditions page for more information regarding insurance.
What happens if there is an accident?
At all resorts we visit, the ski patrol are able to deal with any
incident that occurs on snow. Any major accidents are referred by
ski patrol to any of the local medical facilities. All program staff
are well versed in our medical response plan.
In the event of an emergency, your emergency contact will be contacted
immediately by a member of Japan Powder Tours staff.
How much money should I take?
Ensure you have enough Japanese YEN in cash before you leave Sapporo airport. This is CRUCIAL,
as there are limited cash dispensing machines in the area and very
few places in Niseko accept credit cards or travelers cheques. The
airport has an ATM that you may get cash from before jumping on
the bus. Ask the airport staff or guide about it.
Very few places in Niseko accept Credit cards. No one takes American
Express or Diners Club. Visa and Master Card are not widely accepted
– some of the larger hotels will accept these cards. There are no money exchange
facilities or ATMs in Niseko.
The closest ATM and currency exchange when staying in Niseko is
in Kutchen – about 10km from Niseko. There is a public bus
that does run regularly. A taxi will cost around 2500-3000yen one
way.
What if I don't know anyone on the program? Will I be uncomfortable?
Approximately 75% of program and tour participants will not know each other prior
to the programs, so if you don't know anyone who's going, there
is no need to worry. You will quickly make friends, and you will
find that most participants are of similar age and have the same interests.
How can I obtain a registration
pack?
Registration packs will be sent to you after payment of your program
deposit. The pack contains information about the Japan Powder Tours,
including liability waiver and medical forms. Also enclosed are
details regarding transfer details, what to expect, accommodation
details, etc.
What if I get injured before
I leave?
Please refer to the cancellation policy located on the conditions page for more information.
When do I need to register?
For full details on registration for each program, visit the conditions page.
What if I still want to know
more?
Contact the Japan Powder Tours office on 1300 765 649. Alternatively
you can email us at info@japanpowdertours.com.au
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