Skied the mountain at Hilton in Niseko. That's where we were when covid started to hit. Got a text from Qantas telling us our flight was cancelled. We thought yeah yeah. 10 days left to ski. Got the message border was closing and get home. Was absolute chaos. We had no idea just how bad it was. Loved Niseko more than Sun Peaks in Canada.
And, I love Sun Peaks...so that is saying something. Niseko is on the ICON pass this year... Wondering how expensive the hotels & condos are in Niseko??
Thanks Kym for working even when you are not working. Your delivery and banter is so natural it is really pleasant to watch you speak, and your family is gracious to let the public inside your lives. Love how you called your younger son a wussy before you realized he was really hurt!
Hello Kym, fantastic video with an insight on how to move around ski slopes in Japan. You certainly are a man of many talent's. Thanks so much for sharing your family holiday but continue to stay safe 😷
Wonderful. What an education for me. Eeeer, what amazes me is why you remain trim. With the amount of food/alcohol we see you consume, you should be the size of a mountain! x
My elder sister, brother in law and 2 nephews go there every year to ski on their holidays. They enjoy it every time they go. I’ve heard of this town myself, never been there, but have been to Sapporo a long time ago.
I was there in February 2020 right before Covid. I had a great time but getting there from the US was a lot of traveling. Flight to LAX, Tokyo, then Sapporo and then the bus from Sapporo to Niseko. If you can fly direct to Sapporo that would save a lot of time, which I'm assuming from Australia you can. There are plenty of good places to Ski in the US that are much easier to get to but the snow conditions in Niseko were unmatched, as well as the food.
This place is definitely going on my bucket list for Japan! I'm scared shitless of heights so maybe I'll stick to the kiddy slopes but whatever 😅 hope to be here some day soon.
Outstanding insight - thank you for sharing. I am inspired by your experiences over these resorts and wonderful unique Japanese culture.... so well filmed, edited and narrated. Stay well and of course - passionate ! Hello from London : - )
Thanks for the video. Heading there in December this year, same time period as yourself by the looks. Biggest concern is lack of snow at start of December but it appears you had plenty just recently!! Looks like an amazing area for a family holiday
Kym love your ski outfit. That was a beautiful day on that resort. Loved all the different resorts look like a lovely place to go skiing. And what a good price for seniors 28 dollars US. It's so expensive here in the states. I used to go quite a bit but now it's getting a bit too expensive. Looks like your boy came awfully close to one of those lift poles again on that first run. However he did make a successful little jump without breaking a wrist. Looks like an overall fabulous visit so far. How is the language barrier?, enough English speaking people to get by. Cheers mate.
Yeah I’m always wondering that too. Especially since it’s known to not pay that much. I think I read that he owned and sold a business before becoming an f1 photographer which explains a lot.
Kym has a business in Australia (something to do with audio) that he built, and is now run for him. He still owns the business, and I guess he makes enough money from it to afford being an F1 photographer. He made several wildlife photo books before getting into F1, also travelling across continents for them. He may also have had other businesses and sold those but I'm not sure about that. But remembering the watch collection video, he bought his first Rolex a long time ago. He's had money for years and years now.
Looks interesting...Im on the fence whether to go to Niseko or stay hear Hakuba. From this video, the snow doesn't look like powder snow which is what I got at Hakuba.
Love your post Kim, Not sure your so much better value than Europe rings true. Off to 3 valley for 3k a head for for a Week vs 5k for Niseko - flights - accom and passes
Looks fantastic! Heading up there early feb for "work" which is just testing out the ski slopes and taking photos. Cant wait. Would love to find an Aussie/Brittish pub! Great vid, cheers mate!
The ski prices are very reasonable compared to here in California where you’ll be paying $100 and you’ll deal with a crowded ski resort. Also great information on how to get the most from exchanging currency.
Cost even more than $100 nowadays to go to the ski resorts I did when I was younger. I also skied regular in the 70s 80s and 90s. And then when prices started to get two outrageous I pretty much gave up on it. The rates were so much reasonable then. But I was younger and had less money so it worked out.
When I went we booked a 2 bedroom, 2 bath and full kitchen and for the week we were there it was about $500 USD a person (4 people) for the week and was really nice and walking distance to the chair.
@@KymIllman nice I was afraid you would say that! haha I dont think I quite have the balance to pull that off without breaking my phone :D well done at 60 as well!😄
Hi Kym...Are you sure it wasn't a stuntman who went down the mountain in your place? jajajajaja I'm kidding... I would like to be in your place with your physical form. As usual Huuuuuuge hugs from Colombia and Merry Christmas.
Kym do you bring your own skis and equipment or do you rent equipment at the resort? So nice that you stayed at the resort so you didn't have to worry about driving or parking. Skiing in the states here they tend to gouge you for the day pass and then now they charge you for parking. And I was younger and used to go skiing prices were very reasonable and parking was free. And food was fairly reasonable. Could always find a room for a cheap rate. Seems inflation has leaked into every facet of life. Stay passionate. Cheers mate.
We have a trip booked from 30th April-17th May.. if we were to head up to Niseko in the first few days of May, would there still be good skiing/snowboarding conditions?
Hi Kym if you're interested in a card that has no foreign transaction fees including at ATM's, I believe the Bankwest Platinum Debit card doesn't have any fees. Alternatively I've also used an upbank debit card overseas which was great and had no fees including at ATM's (unless the ATM provider charged a fee), although you don't get frequent flyer points like with credit cards.
Next you'll have to go to a Diaso ¥100 store and find a bunch of wacky stuff. 😁 You're definitely living the good life. I wouldn't last 1 day on those slopes.
All four sections are connected at the top, so don't understand why you planned to take a bus from Grand Hirafu to Niseko Village And also the best of Niseko is all the off piste stuff
Kym you gotta check out the ING debit card when you get back to Australia. Draw cash at the live rate minus a tiny amount, similar to Bankwest card. You just gotta increase your balance every month (1c will do), do 5 transactions with the card and you qualify for 5 fee free withdrawals overseas. It can save some money when ATMs charge $10AUD
Hi loved the video. Just quick question about the pricing chart of 1 to 11 day pass, was it the non peak pricing based on the date you posted the video? Also, what's the use day(effective day) mean? I am guessing it means the first 7 day pass has to be in a row and the last two options can be used with a day or two in break? Thank you in advance.
Why didn't you just ski across the top to Village and Annupuri instead of driving a car? Also could you tell me how to ski back up the mountain like that? Very impressive :P
Yes you can, only at the top though. Depending on conditions the top chairs might be closed but on a day like the day he was there they all should have been open.
I quit Niseko 12 years ago. Joint is way too expensive, over crowded, overated, overrun with drunks and yuppies. Best years were early 2000's. You can keep it !
Skied the mountain at Hilton in Niseko. That's where we were when covid started to hit. Got a text from Qantas telling us our flight was cancelled. We thought yeah yeah. 10 days left to ski. Got the message border was closing and get home. Was absolute chaos. We had no idea just how bad it was. Loved Niseko more than Sun Peaks in Canada.
How bad what was?
covid lockdown stuff@@JL4315AA
And, I love Sun Peaks...so that is saying something. Niseko is on the ICON pass this year... Wondering how expensive the hotels & condos are in Niseko??
The smooth snow is irresistible!😉
Delicious food and hot springs are also the best!
Japan seems another leave o qualify snow. Organisation, and cleanness.
Used to Ski in Niseko all the time. I recognise all the places in the video so it's funny seeing you there now.
Thanks Kym for working even when you are not working. Your delivery and banter is so natural it is really pleasant to watch you speak, and your family is gracious to let the public inside your lives. Love how you called your younger son a wussy before you realized he was really hurt!
Ok, I’ll join the other - 28th like! Great video as always, Kym. Thank you for letting me stop by and enjoy your family holiday 🌞
Well, that was fun! I lived and worked at a ski resort in California's Sierra Nevada mountains back in the 70's. 🙂
Hello!
Arisa and Papa enjoyed your videos.
As a Japanese, it was a happy video.
Thank you very much.
We hope you have a happy new year!
Hello Kym, fantastic video with an insight on how to move around ski slopes in Japan. You certainly are a man of many talent's. Thanks so much for sharing your family holiday but continue to stay safe 😷
Cheers. Will do
Skiing looks pretty tame,but scenery is lovely.
I love niseko so so so much. I'm so excited to be returning in February! this was a great taster of whats to come :D
i work here in niseko as an instructor. snow is 20% more than average this year. enjoy your skiing and stay safe!
Loved this Kym! Going to Niseko soon (and then to the Aus GP in March!) so will use your guidance for both :)
Awesome bumping into ya in Niseko !
Wonderful. What an education for me. Eeeer, what amazes me is why you remain trim. With the amount of food/alcohol we see you consume, you should be the size of a mountain! x
You’re amazing thanks so much for all your info. Mum with toddlers trying to organise a trip in Feb next year from Newcastle Australia. 🎿 ❄️ 🇯🇵
You and your family will absolutely love the place!
My elder sister, brother in law and 2 nephews go there every year to ski on their holidays. They enjoy it every time they go. I’ve heard of this town myself, never been there, but have been to Sapporo a long time ago.
Go there.
@@KymIllman one day
I was there in February 2020 right before Covid. I had a great time but getting there from the US was a lot of traveling. Flight to LAX, Tokyo, then Sapporo and then the bus from Sapporo to Niseko. If you can fly direct to Sapporo that would save a lot of time, which I'm assuming from Australia you can. There are plenty of good places to Ski in the US that are much easier to get to but the snow conditions in Niseko were unmatched, as well as the food.
This place is definitely going on my bucket list for Japan! I'm scared shitless of heights so maybe I'll stick to the kiddy slopes but whatever 😅 hope to be here some day soon.
They cater for everyone
i work as an instructor here in niseko. it really is a dream job in a dream place. any questions lmk
Outstanding insight - thank you for sharing. I am inspired by your experiences over these resorts and wonderful unique Japanese culture.... so well filmed, edited and narrated. Stay well and of course - passionate ! Hello from London : - )
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for coming to Japan. Really appreciate your video.
being a professional photographer, I bet ur family vaca picture albums are epic
Mostly iPhone pics though
That looks amazing! Thanks for sharing all this valuable information!
My pleasure
Great video Kym, love skiing in Japan.
Another one of your very well done Videos this time on a Holiday for Skiing you can be the new Age Holiday Planner keep up the tempo Cheers.Gowra
Thanks for the video. Heading there in December this year, same time period as yourself by the looks. Biggest concern is lack of snow at start of December but it appears you had plenty just recently!! Looks like an amazing area for a family holiday
Had plenty
I know you buy a lot of Alfort(アルフォート). The best chocolate snacks I've had in my life in Japan.
Come back to Niseko!
Kym love your ski outfit. That was a beautiful day on that resort. Loved all the different resorts look like a lovely place to go skiing. And what a good price for seniors 28 dollars US. It's so expensive here in the states. I used to go quite a bit but now it's getting a bit too expensive. Looks like your boy came awfully close to one of those lift poles again on that first run. However he did make a successful little jump without breaking a wrist. Looks like an overall fabulous visit so far. How is the language barrier?, enough English speaking people to get by. Cheers mate.
Everyone speaks English here. So many Aussies and New Zealanders. And the jacket is Bogner, super comfortable Man Mtn
Loved the Video Kym
Thx Kym very informative!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Looks like you’ve got considerably more snow than we go in Shiga Kogen last week!
Bro how much does a F1 photographer make? 😅
Yeah I’m always wondering that too. Especially since it’s known to not pay that much.
I think I read that he owned and sold a business before becoming an f1 photographer which explains a lot.
Kym has a business in Australia (something to do with audio) that he built, and is now run for him. He still owns the business, and I guess he makes enough money from it to afford being an F1 photographer. He made several wildlife photo books before getting into F1, also travelling across continents for them. He may also have had other businesses and sold those but I'm not sure about that. But remembering the watch collection video, he bought his first Rolex a long time ago. He's had money for years and years now.
As well as earning every time you watch one of these UA-cam videos
Mr Illman is doing quite well.
The pay must be good as he doesn’t travel coach
First class pretty much everywhere
Kym rocking some dope Anon goggles! Fingers crossed to meet you in Austin!
New this trip
snow looks decent! Going to Rusutu in end of Jan cant wait. Looks like ING everyday card with no transaction fee is the best option for me.
Best ski resort in Asia
Japow wow!
every time I watch one of these videos I can't help but think Kym has completed life and is just doing side quests for fun now
Got to keep busy
Looks interesting...Im on the fence whether to go to Niseko or stay hear Hakuba. From this video, the snow doesn't look like powder snow which is what I got at Hakuba.
30年ニセコに行っていないから、ニセコのパウダースノーが恋しい
Love your post Kim, Not sure your so much better value than Europe rings true. Off to 3 valley for 3k a head for for a Week vs 5k for Niseko - flights - accom and passes
Looks fantastic! Heading up there early feb for "work" which is just testing out the ski slopes and taking photos. Cant wait. Would love to find an Aussie/Brittish pub! Great vid, cheers mate!
Great video! Which hotel in niseko would you recommend for a beginner to ski to stay?
The ski prices are very reasonable compared to here in California where you’ll be paying $100 and you’ll deal with a crowded ski resort. Also great information on how to get the most from exchanging currency.
Cost even more than $100 nowadays to go to the ski resorts I did when I was younger. I also skied regular in the 70s 80s and 90s. And then when prices started to get two outrageous I pretty much gave up on it. The rates were so much reasonable then. But I was younger and had less money so it worked out.
Where are you going that is only $100? Prices from this holiday weekend are well over $200 at most resorts.
hi, does anyone know how bad parking is? Especially if I plan on going over new years scared of renting a car if parking is impossible
アルフトート買いすぎてわろたw😊
Hi..heading to Japan GP in April . Skiing before hand..any tips on where would have the best snow in late March early April.
I’m skiing in Niseko again in February Its the only place I know.
@@KymIllman Thanks heaps..looking forward to the race in April.. any suggestions re grandstands .
Can you share which accommodation you stayed ?
The vale
Great vid! Which resort did you stay at, we’re looking for hotels to stay in Feb but they’re so bloody expensive for a 1 persons stay 🥲
When I went we booked a 2 bedroom, 2 bath and full kitchen and for the week we were there it was about $500 USD a person (4 people) for the week and was really nice and walking distance to the chair.
if you are looking for something budget friendly try owashi lodge or midtown.
How long does it take to ski down one area? Roughly?
oh wow this was great what did you film this video on??? the imagery is so crisp and smooth
All the stuff on the mountain was filmed on an iPhone 13
@@KymIllman nice I was afraid you would say that! haha I dont think I quite have the balance to pull that off without breaking my phone :D well done at 60 as well!😄
Hi Kym...Are you sure it wasn't a stuntman who went down the mountain in your place? jajajajaja I'm kidding... I would like to be in your place with your physical form. As usual Huuuuuuge hugs from Colombia and Merry Christmas.
Thanks Nick.
Love your videos Kym! (Third)
Kym do you bring your own skis and equipment or do you rent equipment at the resort? So nice that you stayed at the resort so you didn't have to worry about driving or parking. Skiing in the states here they tend to gouge you for the day pass and then now they charge you for parking. And I was younger and used to go skiing prices were very reasonable and parking was free. And food was fairly reasonable. Could always find a room for a cheap rate. Seems inflation has leaked into every facet of life. Stay passionate. Cheers mate.
We all rent skis and boards.
We have a trip booked from 30th April-17th May.. if we were to head up to Niseko in the first few days of May, would there still be good skiing/snowboarding conditions?
I'll be there 29th Dec till 2nd, another choco at Hanazono?
Hi Kym if you're interested in a card that has no foreign transaction fees including at ATM's, I believe the Bankwest Platinum Debit card doesn't have any fees. Alternatively I've also used an upbank debit card overseas which was great and had no fees including at ATM's (unless the ATM provider charged a fee), although you don't get frequent flyer points like with credit cards.
Will investigate
Hey. What mic setup do you have ?
How to get to Niseko from Sapporo? Also, is there a daily transport service?
Next you'll have to go to a Diaso ¥100 store and find a bunch of wacky stuff. 😁 You're definitely living the good life. I wouldn't last 1 day on those slopes.
I did consider that. They have some amazing stuff.
All four sections are connected at the top, so don't understand why you planned to take a bus from Grand Hirafu to Niseko Village
And also the best of Niseko is all the off piste stuff
at some points early in the season (early dec) the top lifts arent open but there is a free shuttle
I want to visit Niseko...but I keep going to Hakuba instead....
Kym you gotta check out the ING debit card when you get back to Australia. Draw cash at the live rate minus a tiny amount, similar to Bankwest card. You just gotta increase your balance every month (1c will do), do 5 transactions with the card and you qualify for 5 fee free withdrawals overseas. It can save some money when ATMs charge $10AUD
Will do. Thanks
Have you ever skied Utah? I live here but I would love to ski Japan one day
Many years ago.
Hi loved the video. Just quick question about the pricing chart of 1 to 11 day pass, was it the non peak pricing based on the date you posted the video? Also, what's the use day(effective day) mean? I am guessing it means the first 7 day pass has to be in a row and the last two options can be used with a day or two in break? Thank you in advance.
Great video..... what your hotel?
Kyo
Thanks for the cash tips :)
Cheers
Why didn't you just ski across the top to Village and Annupuri instead of driving a car?
Also could you tell me how to ski back up the mountain like that? Very impressive :P
That’s a great price for skiing. Sometimes it does pay to be older. 😀
No moiwa mention 😢
What is the name of
The hotel??
The vale
Can you ski all 4 resorts without having to drive? In other words are they all interconnected via lifts?
Yeah im wondering the same thing. Im going to niseko in feb
@@ethanhinze1534 yes they are all connected
Yes you can, only at the top though. Depending on conditions the top chairs might be closed but on a day like the day he was there they all should have been open.
KNEESAYCO BRO
Woah, slow it down Bri
I quit Niseko 12 years ago. Joint is way too expensive, over crowded, overated, overrun with drunks and yuppies. Best years were early 2000's. You can keep it !
Get a snowboard dude 😉
Holy F. Insanity here as Whistler Canada now charges dynamic pricing and upto $194 for 1 day adult lift ticket.
It’d want to be good for that.
1st comment
Hope they have fixed the unruly Aussies in Japan situation...
Wdym? Are Aussie’s not allowed to go to Japan now?
i think if u show ur passport at checkout, u pay the untaxed amount
I discovered that tonight. Have to spend ¥50,000 or more.
10年以上前の映像を使った動画？
2011年の東日本大震災や2020年から始まったコロナの影響で現在のニセコには外国人はほとんどいません。
@@user-vg1cl1xp2s
今度行ってみるわ。
外国人と言ってもほとんど台湾人か香港人ばかりでしょ？w
たまにタイ人とか
Too flat and uninspiring terrain. I guess when you get a big dump of snow it’s great though.
*You Love Japan? 🏮 So I'm sure that you will love my MUSIC too! My music is Beautiful Instrumentals! 😊*
It is embarrasing that you go all the way to Japan for a ham and cheese toastie.
adopt me Kym
Thanks god. Coke is minimal in Japan. What a junk drink. I hope they keep that way.
To die? Today..
Looks great. Where did you stay Mr. Illman?
The Vale
@@KymIllman Thanks mate!
JAPOW!!👍