Job Discussion Forums

[Deckard]

Hi,

I've never posted before but I have been using these forumns for awhile now to learn what I could. I have accepted a position at a school in the Meito-ku ward of Nagoya, and though I have used the search engine and researched both my school and Nagoya in general, I was hoping somebody might have some specific info for me about my specific ward.

But the big reason I decided to post is that I am deliberating on whether or not to bring my snowboard and equipment with me when I come. I am pretty sure I will, as I do realize that Japan is accessible enough that I'm confident I can get away to a mountain for a weekend, or vacation, when I want. But what I wanted to know was whether or not there were any ski-hills close to Nagoya (if not does anyone know how far away the closest one is). And in general what are the best mountains in Japan to ski at, and any other relevant information.

Thank you to anyone who can give me any advice. If my questions have been answered in other postings I apologize, but I have not seen them.

[JimDunlop2]

Hey! Welcome to the forum!

I did a search for ya and came up with some links....

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=17170

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=45091

(among others -- you may want to do a search of your own)...

But the definitive source for all ski-related info in Japan is here:

http://www.skijapanguide.com/index.php

It will tell you which prefectures you can ski in as well as prices, snow conditions, etc, etc. But in short, yeah -- if you know you're going to be doing it, bring your gear.

[canuck]

I'm sorry, I don't know much about Nagoya. However, I've been snowboarding in Japan, with my own gear, and it's been convenient. Depending on how often you want to go, and can go, should weigh on you decision to bring your equipment. If you don't have accommodation sorted, it can be a hassle to drag your equipment around.

If you already have accommodation set up, it shouldn't be too much of a hassle. Just bring it. To rent a snowboard, boots and bindings, you're looking at around 4000 to 7000 or a little more with a lift ticket, but cr*ppy gear to use.

Also, you should research Niseko, as that is some of the best boarding in Japan.

I have friends that have stayed in Japan for a few years, and when they made a trip back to Canada or the States, they brought their gear with them and haven't regretted it. During the winter, many of my friends go almost every week to Gifu and have a blast. There are some nice powder days to be had in Japan!

[Deckard]

Thank you for the info Jim and Canuck, I found it very helpful in making my decision. The web-sites and postings you provided were very useful Jim. And Canuck your advice was perfect. I do have accomodation set up, as I took a positiion with one of the big lang. schools, that subsidise housing and have teacher apartments that they turnover with each new teacher. I realize there is a lot of big "type-schools" that this might sound like but for the life of me I can't remember what category it falls under at the moment.

Anyway there's a week of training in another city before I move to Nagoya and my apartment, but I'm told they will help me to ship my luggage from the airport to my school/apartment in Nagoya.

I taught in Korea a few years back and didn't bring my stuff with me, but went snowboarding with rentals, lol, I have to admit I ran into the same problems you mentioned Canuck. The first time I went the korean guy interpreting for me got me a board that was at least 160-165 (I'm about 6ft2 but I like a small board, mine is 156). The next time I went I tried to take things more into my own hands told them I wanted a short board, they gave me what had to be a child's board, both the front and back of my feet stuck out over the edges lol. Strangely, both times we went they claimed that they had no other boards for me, hard to believe but who knows what the young korean guy was saying to them (both of these times I went with the teenage son of my school's owner). He was a good kid but truthfully I think he just wanted to get out of there as fast as pssible and hit the hills. Can't really blame him lol

[canuck]

You're welcome. Have a good time snowboarding in Japan. You might have to adjust your expectations though. That said, it's still pretty good. It can be an expensive day, but maybe you can meet some people with a car and share the costs.