Skiing in Hakuba

[twen_88]

anyone went skiing in Hakuba before? i'm planning to go Haboone http://www.happo-one.jp/english/ for 2D1N in Feb. any recommendation for accommodation?

this is also my first time skiing, do i need to take ski lessons? or can i just go rent and ski on my own?

(the group ski lessons are in Japanese, private ski lessons are too expensive)

 

[deodorant]

You don't *need* ski lessons but you need someone to teach you the basics. Otherwise all u will end up doing is fall left right center and it will be a frustrating experience.

Maybe one thing you can consider is do indoor skiing in SG first? Google urban ski millennia walk. I haven't tried before so I dunno how accurate it is compared to real slopes though.

 

[twen_88]

thank for the quick reply. i've checked the urban ski at MW more expensive. they charge $77/hr while Hakuba only charges approx. $58 for 2 hours. the only problem is the language barrier, but somehow i think no need much talking one right? just hand sign or use body language to learn

 

[weixiang80]

u definitely need ski lessons...
1) It will shorten the time to pick up
2) Safety
3) Do you know the gears needed?

Must find english speaking coaches... , they have to explain to you abt weight shifting, movement controls , braking, turning etc...

For first timer, not so easy. Psycho your friends who can ski there and guide you if you dun wan ski lessons

 

[slowcoach]

You most definitely need ski lessons if you have never done it before

If you try and save money by not having them you will not get much out of your ski holiday except memories about what a painful experience it is

Learn in a safe environment to avoid injury to yourself. Worse if you crash into someone else and cause them injury because you didnt know how to stop

Im an experienced skier and saw many people trying to learn on their own. The funniest thing was watching a tourist ski headlong into the steps of the hotel, and she landed face first on the concrete steps. Thankfully for her she was un hurt but thats the type of experience that can end up with broken teeth and dont expect dentist in the mountains...

It wouldnt have been so funny if she hit one of the many children standing there though.

Stay safe and enjoy your holiday

 

[deodorant]

t
... but somehow i think no need much talking one right? just hand sign or use body language to learn

My opinion, either convince a friend who can ski to come along with you and teach you, or find some sort of group english lessons, or try to learn on the fake ski'ing slope in millenia walk. If all 3 also can't then don't bother going.

Since you are first timer, AND you are only allocating 2D1N. I can say that unless you got natural talent you will just fall left fall right, can't turn, go down can't stop, and then you will come back saying "ski'ing sucks, damn overrated, not fun at all."