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Niseko FAQ

Question

Answer

  • Can I pay for my stay at NFP with credit card?
  • Certainly, we do accept credit card payments. However, all final payments incur an additional 5% charge to cover the large fees charged by credit card agencies in Japan. For your convenience, we take deposit payments by credit card with no surcharge. Back to Top
  • Will I receive any information about Niseko prior to my arrival?
  • We have a welcome pack that is emailed to our direct booking guests approximately 60 days before arrival, detailing the many services we provide and providing all the information you need for your stay. Back to Top
  • How do I get from Sapporo or Sapporo Airport (Chitose) to your apartments?

  • Please peruse our "how to get to Niseko" travel section on our website for detailed information. The links on the page detail travel to Niseko by either Bus or Train. In winter we advise guests to travel by Bus as it is a quicker and more convenient option. However the train does take the coastal route and it is spectacular. The most popular option is travel by airport ski shuttle buses. These buses require reservations and only operate during the ski season. They provide direct connections between the airport and the Hirafu resort, with no need to change buses or modes of transport. All buses arrive at the Hirafu #1 Parking Lot "Welcome Center". The Access Network "Resort Liner" bus has convenient online booking available here.  Good Sports Whiteliner (sometimes known as Big Runs Whiteliner) is also another reliable operator offering a very convenient timetable and on line bookings. Skybus offers a door-to-door service, picking up passengers from the airport and dropping them directly to the front door of our apartments. Once you have finalized your booking please advise info@freshpowder.com your exact bus number and arrival details and he will arrange our manager to meet you upon arrival. Make sure you get off the bus at Niseko Hirafu #1 Car Park / Welcome Center. Our manager will collect you there if you have told us your arrival time. If the bus is a charter bus then they will drop you off at the apartments.Back to Top

  • Should I get the bus or Train?

  • Buses operate from late November to early April. At other times of the year the train is the only option to Niseko.
    In our experience the bus is a more convenient and direct option. It is best to book the bus well in advance as they often fill very quickly and in low season they may combine several bus services if only a few bookings have been received.
    Expect the journey to be a pleasant two and a half to three hours. Back to Top

  • How do I get from the Bus or Train Stop to the apartments?

  • If you have informed our staff via e-mail (info@freshpowder.com) of you arrival details (Bus/ train number and arrival date and time) then our manager will be waiting for you. Our manager will also drop you back to the bus stop or train station upon check out. All pick up and drop off services are complimentary.Back to Top

  • What is the cost of the journey? Can Children travel for free?

  • The price will vary between companies. Generally all guests including children are charged and the cost varies between 2500 yen to 3500 yen per person. Back to Top

  • How do I pay for the bus?
  • The respective bus company will have details on their website for their conditions for payment and travel.
    If you wish us to book to book the bus for you we will send you an invoice with an additional 1000 yen administration fee per person with our welcome pack 60 days before arrival. Once the 1000 yen fee is received we will book and pay for the bus on your behalf. Back to Top
  • We would prefer a private transfer, can you arrange this on our behalf?
  • We have an exclusive deal with a taxi company in Niseko that can transport you to and from the airport. 4 seat sedans and 8 seat vans are available. We can also organise charter buses for large groups. As an indicative cost a one way fare from Chitose to Niseko in the private taxi will cost about 28,000 yen for 4 people. We do not recommend hiring a car during the winter, as the roads can be dangerous for novice drivers in heavy snow and we do not have parking spaces available at the apartment in winter due to the huge snowfalls. If you wish to organise a private taxi or charter bus please contact info@freshpowder.com. Back to Top
  • What breakfast options are available?
  • Our apartments are completely self-contained with a modern kitchen boasting western cooking facilities enabling our guests to cater for all their dietary needs. The SeicoMart and Lawsons convenience stores are located a short walk away. Both sell a great selection of breakfast foods such as cereal, whole-grain bread, eggs, bacon, milk, juice, and even Vegemite! Starting in 2007, the Landmark Deli across the road also offers daily convenience shopping, from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm every day during the main ski season.Back to Top
  • Do you clean the apartments daily?
  • Our apartments are thoroughly cleaned before your arrival and once again upon your departure. We do not normally offer a daily cleaning service with your accommodation booking however if you wish to utilize this service our manager can additional cleaning service. Rates are from 5000 yen per day. Advance notice is required. For bookings of 10 days or longer, we offer a fresh change of linen during your stay. Please speak to the manager to arrange.Back to Top
  • How far are the lifts from where we are staying?

  • The main Kogen Gondola is less than two minutes walk from the apartments. After returning from your day skiing/boarding you can ski to the front door of the apartments. However part of the trip home is along a village road and we strongly discourage it. It is very dangerous. Instead we recommend skiing to about fifty metres from the door and walking for the last half-block. There is a small trail which leads from the gondola parking area to the street corner by Niseko Fresh Powder. For further information please refer to the locality map on our website.Back to Top

  • Are the apartments ski in and ski out?
  • Niseko Fresh Powder Apartments are located in the ideal location just a few minutes’ walk to the main Kogen Gondola. This area is considered to be the best for self-contained apartment ski access in the village. Although you can ski out in the afternoon we recommend you do not (please see above). The only completely ski in and ski out accommodation in the village are the 1980's Japanese-style Kogen Hotel and Alpen Hotel. Please note that many other luxury accommodations are located lower in the village, and will require use of the Grand Hirafu shuttle bus for access. Our apartments are within very easy walking distance of the High Speed Gondola. Back to Top
  • What kind of adapter do I need for Japan?

  • Japan runs on 110v amp electricity. You will need to bring an adaptor in order to use your personal computer or appliances from overseas. Low-draw electronics (such as battery chargers) may function on just a simple plug converter, however they will likely charge much more slowly due to the lower current in Japan.Back to Top

  • How can I make an international phone call?
  • The local Seicomart convenient store sells international calling cards, which can be used, from all land lines and payphones. Calling cards brought from your own country may or may not work. There are a number of places in the village that have international payphones. Our apartments also feature free wireless internet access. Guests may make free use of programs such as Skype to place international calls over internet lines.Back to Top
  • Can I hire Ski and Snowboard Gear in Niseko?
  • Yes, definitely! Niseko is a major ski resort, and many companies offer rentals. All the companies stock an abundance of both ski and snow board gear and accessories. If you are a direct booking guest you need only advise that you require rental gear upon arrival and we will arrange with our manager to ensure your needs are met upon arrival. We do not prearrange hire equipment prior to your arrival. If you wish to prearrange your rental equipment we recommend you contact the list of service providers found on our welcome letter directly.Back to Top
  • How much will ski hire cost?
  • The cost of rental equipment ranges from lower prices for beginner skis/boards to more expensive for top end skis/boards. Prices generally get cheaper per day for longer rentals. As a rough guide Carving and Powder skis (including boots and poles) & Snowboards (including boots) will cost 5000yen for 1 day, 8000yen for 2 days, 10,000yen for 3 days and 24,000yen for a week.Back to Top
  •  I am an advanced/expert skier or snowboarder can I hire the best gear?

  • Yes some hire shops stock advanced models of gear as well as offering latest Equipment for trial periods at a reasonable rate.
    If you would like more advanced equipment our manager can assist you in arranging hire gear upon arrival.Back to Top

  • Do the Rental Companies stock larger sizes?
  • Yes generally any equipment up to a foot size U.S 11 is stocked. If you do have a larger foot than this it is the one time we do recommend you inform us so we can prearrange with the rental companies.Back to Top
  • Can I hire winter Clothes for Skiing and Snowboarding?

  • We do not recommend renting winter clothes in Niseko. It is an expensive option and the quality of clothing is not ideal for cold climates. In addition the shops do not tend to stock a large variety of sizes. We strongly advise you to purchase warm clothing specifically suited for cold climate skiing prior to coming to Niseko. One important point to note is we also recommend you purchase a quality set of goggles, as the huge amount of powder snow on offer in Niseko is not conducive to sunglasses.
    If you do forget anything or need a replacement there are retail shops in Niseko Hirafu, but the prices are generally higher than in Australia, the USA and Canada.Back to Top

  • Can I pay by credit Card?
  • Yes many companies in Niseko now accept credit cards. However if you do choose to pay with credit card then you will generally incur an additional fee of 5% due to the high credit card fees incurred by businesses in Japan. To ensure you receive discounts we advocate payment by cash.Back to Top
  • Will your Manager take us to the hire shop?
  • Our manager will assist you where possible to organise your hire gear but generally the hire company will come and collect you from the apartments and take you to their shop and then return you to the apartments.Back to Top
  • My partner loves skiing but I would prefer to do other activities. What is on offer in Niseko?
  • Perhaps the simplest of pleasures in Niseko is to sit in our apartments on one of our luxury couches, relax with a hot drink and book and marvel at the view. All our apartments are equipped with DVD players and Play Stations. We stock a large variety of movies and games for complimentary use. Niseko is a cultural oasis offering local tours of the town, onsen trips and beautiful restaurants. It also boasts many activities including snow shoeing, climbing wall, snowmobiling, horse riding, and our apartments have information booklets detailing contact numbers and further details. We also have a toboggan available for our guests use if you have young children.Back to Top
  • Where is the nearest Onsen? Do I have to be Naked or may I wear my swim suit?
  • Niseko has five Onsens located in the actual township and numerous more in the surrounding areas. It is one of the most famous onsen destinations for the Japanese in Japan. The nearest onsen is located only five minutes away in the Prince Hirafutei hotel. There are also a number of great onsen resorts within a 10 minute walk, such as Yamada Onsen, Scott Hotel Onsen, Alpen Hotel Onsen, and Yukoro Public Bath House. Unfortunately all the Onsens require guests completely de-clothe. However the Onsens are not shared. Male and Female guests are required to bath in separate areas. The onsen normally provides a small "modesty towel", which you may use in the bathing area. (Please do not put the modesty towel into the bath water, however.) We do highly recommend giving the onsen a try, as it is a perfect way to relax and refresh yourself after a hard day. For further information please see our guide on onsen etiquette.Back to Top
  • Do the apartments have internet Access?
  • Each apartment offers wireless high-speed Internet access. To log onto the network your lap top computer will require a wireless LAN card. We do not have fixed line LAN for connections. We do offer a lap-top for hire but we cannot guarantee availability so we recommend you bring your own laptop. Please see your computer dealer/expert prior to visiting Niseko if you are unsure.Back to Top
  • Do your Apartments have Balconies?
  • Yes all second floor apartments feature balconies. However the two three bedroom apartments are located on the first floor and as such do not have balconies. The balconies, whilst covered, are still exposed to the elements and can get very cold.Back to Top
  • Is Smoking allowed within the apartments?
  • Under no circumstances are guests allowed to smoke anywhere inside the building. This includes the front entrance hall.
    All our apartments are fitted with sensitive smoke detectors and if the fire system is activated guests will be liable for any damage. Please note that we reserve the right to evict you or your travel group without warning if this policy is broken.Back to Top
  • Can we buy Western food in Japan?
  • Absolutely. The local convenience store located five minute walk from the apartments. This store is well equipped with basic foods such as milk, eggs, bread, fruit, alcohol and fast food snacks. For a more extensive range of groceries the local town of Kutchan is located fifteen minutes away. It is on par with the majority of super markets in Australia, Hong Kong or Singapore.
    We do run grocery shopping trips twice a week for our guests. Days and times are posted on the notice board in the hall way of the apartments. If you wish to visit the supermarket at another time a local bus operates throughout the day. The bus stop is located five minutes’ walk away.Back to Top
  • I have heard that Niseko gets very cold in winter!
  • You heard correct. Most days are generally minus five to minus fifteen degrees Celsius. The temperature can plummet further with wind chill. Hence we recommend that you arrive with high quality clothing, neck warmers and goggles. The huge snowfalls that occur in Niseko are the result of condensation in the sky; in other words clouds. It logically follows that there are more cloudy days than there are days with sunshine. On a clear day in Niseko the view is spectacular. If you are lucky enough to have a huge powder dump the night before followed by a beautiful blue sky then you will experience one of the most incredible days of skiing/boarding in your life. Later in the season offers more clear skies and warmer overall temperatures, but of course this comes at the cost of powder quality. For beginner skiers, we recommend the early spring as the easiest and most hospitable conditions for learning.Back to Top
  • Do you have Dish Washers and Washing Machines?
  • Our two bedroom and three bedroom apartments are fitted with Washing Machine/dryers and Dishwashers. In our studio and one bedroom apartments we have incorporated a washing machine/dryer however they are not fitted with dishwashers. The drying function of our washer/dryers works well for everyday clothes. We do not allow outer wear ski gear into the apartments. You will find a well appointed drying room in our basement for this purpose.Back to Top
  • Do you have a ski storage area and drying room?
  • The apartments are designed so that you can enter and go directly into the basement for ski storage and placement of your ski wear in the drying room. We are fortunate enough to have a high-powered drying system that incorporates both ducted and radiant heating and humidity control. The temperature is more than ample to ensure your clothes are toasty warm and dry every morning.Back to Top
  • Are there any English Speaking Ski Schools?
  • Absolutely! Please check our website under Mountain Info-Lessons for more information.Back to Top
  • Do you supply discounted lift passes?
  • We can pre-purchase your lift tickets from the mountain so they are waiting at the apartments when you arrive. The price of the tickets is the same as what you purchase them from the mountain for. If you wish to arrange the tickets when you arrive our can direct you to the lift ticket office, which is located only one hundred and fifty metres from our apartments, adjacent to the high speed Gondola. The lift ticket office opens prior to the first lifts at 0830. Please visit the lift pass section on our website for information on prices. Credit cards can be used.Back to Top
  • Once I have booked and paid for my stay can I get a full refund in case of an emergency?
  • Unfortunately it is very difficult for us to re-book your apartment at short notice, so we cannot offer a refund. For this reason we strongly advise you to take out travel insurance.Back to Top
  • Where are your apartments located and is it easy to get around?
  • The apartments are ideally located just one hundred and fifty metres from the main gondola servicing the entire mountain. Most restaurants are within five to ten minutes walk. Please visit the locality map on our website.Back to Top
  • Is your manager on hand twenty four hours a day?
  • Only in the case of emergency and for prearranged late check-ins. Otherwise our manager will be able to assist you between 0830 and 1800 each day if you have any general enquiries, for prearranged days for DVD changeovers and shopping trips. At other times we ask that you only call the manager for emergencies relating to your health or to the apartments.
    The manager can assist you in organising transport for you but will not be available to drive you around apart from picking you up or dropping you off for you arrival and departure day along with shopping trips as per the board within the entrance way.Back to Top
  • Who do I contact if I have any comments or complaints?
  • We appreciate all feedback. Any feedback comments etc can be sent to info@freshpowder.com and we will endeavour to respond in a timely fashion.Back to Top
  • How many people can I have in the apartments? And does the price change with extra people? My friends want to join us for a few nights can they stay on the floor?
  • To maintain a high standard of luxury in our apartments and to comply with local fire regulations we will only accept the following bookings:

    Three bedrooms

    6 People

    (An absolute maximum of 8, with 2 people on a pull out)

    Two bedrooms

    4 People

    (An absolute maximum of 6, with 2 people on a pull out)

    One Bedroom

    2 people

    (An absolute maximum of 4, with 2 people on a pull out)

    Studio

    2 People

    (An absolute maximum of 4, with 2 people on a pull out)
    We actively discourage the use of the pullout couch as we feel it overcrowds the apartments. If you do elect to place guests on the pull out bed, a charge of 6000 yen per person per night is levied for its use. Due to insurance and fire code restrictions this is the maximum allowed for each apartment, including children and under no circumstances can these limits be waived. Therefore no people will be allowed to sleep on the floor.Back to Top
  • I want to go off into the back Country for the best powder... what do you suggest?
  • We suggest that you enquire with one of the ski schools or Pro Powder for a guided tour. Please also be aware of possible problems with your insurance company if you are injured whilst skiing out of bounds. Do make sure you have up to date insurance prior to traveling to Niseko.Back to Top
  • If I am injured on the mountain what should I do?
  • Please contact the nearest Ski Patroller by asking someone to ski to the nearest lift station for help. It is important to understand that the patroller will most likely be Japanese with limited English skills so be patient, speak clearly and slowly. It may pay to carry a small language book if you are concerned. Japanese doctors and nurses are extremely well trained and very professional. The medical care in Japan is on par with anywhere else in the western world. Have your insurance details in a convenient place either on you or in your apartment. If you have booked direct with us please also contact our manager for assistance. If you have booked through a travel company please contact them directly.
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  • What time are the first and last lifts?
  • The first lift opens at 0830 and the last lift finishes at 2100. These times will vary depending on the location of the lift and the weather conditions at the time. Please take note of the closing time of the lift you are skiing or boarding so that you do not miss the last lift. It is important to note that towards the end of the season (usually mid to late April) night skiing usually stops and the operating hours of the Gondola may be reduced.Back to Top
  • Winter is great, but what about summer in Niseko?
  • Summer activities abound in Niseko. It is a very popular tourist destination for the domestic Japanese market. Not least of all the excellent rafting, hiking, tennis, golf and mountain biking on offer.Back to Top
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Furano Office Furano Apartments & Chalet Direct Phone No:
Address: 14-26 Kitanomine, Furano, Apt #1: 1 BR Japanese Bath +81 (0) 167 23 6481
  Hokkaido, Japan, 076-0034 Apt #2: 2 BR Mid Floor (Kitanomine) +81 (0) 167 23 6482
Telephone: +81 (0) 167 23 4738 Apt #3: Studio Mid Floor +81 (0) 167 23 6483
Fax: +81 (0) 167 22 1089 Apt #4: Studio Fire Place +81 (0) 167 23 6484
Email: furano@freshpowder.com Apt #6: 2 BR Top Floor (Tokachidake) +81 (0) 167 23 6486
Web: www.furanofreshpowder.com Chalet: 5 BR Parkside +81 (0) 167 23 5624
 
Niseko Office Niseko Apartments Direct Phone No:
Address: 183-38, Aza Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Apt #1: 3 BR Creek Side +81 (0) 136 22 3687
  Niseko Hirafu, Hokkaido, Japan 044-0081 Apt #2: 3 BR Mountain view +81 (0) 136 22 3707
Telephone: +81 (0) 136 22 3807 Apt #3: 2 BR Top Floor +81 (0) 136 22 3763
Fax: +81 (0) 167 22 1089 Apt #4: Studio Top Floor +81 (0) 136 22 3801
Email: bookings@freshpowder.com Apt #5: 1 BR Top Floor +81 (0) 136 22 3806
Web: www.nisekofreshpowder.com Office: Downstairs +81 (0) 136 22 3807
 
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Web: www.nisekofreshpowder.com