The Lodge At Annupuri

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.

Before an escape like this, there is normally a thousand questions running through your mind. We hope to cover the main ones and help you be best prepared to enjoy your trip in the snow, but if there is ANYTHING you need to know feel free to contact the managers, who will be more than happy to address any questions you might have.

Q. How do I get to Annupuri?

A. Simple. Fly from Australia to Tokyo or Osaka then connect to the short flight to Sapporo. When you exit from the gate at Sapporo, we will be waiting to meet you and start the hour-and-a-half drive up to The Lodge at Annupuri.

Q. I don't have all my own gear can I hire equipment when I get there?

A. No problem. We have an in-house hire service that covers everything from outerwear to skis and boards at very reasonable rates. Just let us know your sizes and requirements before you depart and it will be waiting when you arrive.

Q. I don't want to ride with a guide all the time. Can I go explore on my own.

A. Guests are more than welcome to ride alone, but please bear in mind it's a big mountain and there are a few dangers. Our package is structured to give you more than enough time to explore alone.

Q. I have been riding for a while and really want to get into the deep backcountry for some more extreme stuff. Can I do that?

A. Totally. We are hooked up with the best backcountry guides in the region and offer a number of deep backcountry options again at very reasonable rates and chances are we will be coming with you!

Q. I would really like to hook my mate, his family together with my family and come up to the lodge is that possible?

A. Of course the lodge would make the perfect end of year holiday for two or three families. Mum gets a break from the regular duties, the kids have a blast and with terrain suited to all levels of riders, the options are endless.

Q. I am in the process of some pretty important business. Will I still be contactable at the lodge?

A. Totally! Japan is a high-tech country with amazing communication systems and the lodge features free high speed broadband Wi-Fi for your own laptop or an in-house terminal for you to use.

Q. I have never ridden before. Am I able to get lessons?

A. Whether you are a total beginner or an expert wanting to brush up on technique with a private instructor, we can provide lessons for everyone at more than reasonable rates.

Q. What if there is NO snow?

A. We guarantee that there will be snow for your trip!

Q. I have heard the snow is insanely deep in Japan. Do I need different equipment than Australia?

A. It's up to you. The normal equipment you use in Australia will work fine but if you really want to have the best time in the steep and deep, we would recommend powder specific skis, and for snowboarders a board 3-5 cms longer than what you would ride at home if you are riding a regular cambered board, or the same length as home if you are riding one of the new rockered designs.

Q. I have heard it's cold over there, but how cold is it and what sort of outerwear do I need?

A. Yes it is cold. At times the temperature gets as low as -15'C. Throw in the wind-chill and it can be the full "Ice Station Zebra". We recommend very good thermal base layers and a perhaps a long sleeved tee under your normal jacket. We also recommend a backpack and a additional layer in reserve.

Q. I am a bit fussy on the food front what will I be eating?

A. The food at the lodge will be a combination of Japan's and Indonesia's best and there will be plenty of it with snacks and hot drinks available at all times. Should you have ANY special dietary requirements, just let us know and we will be happy to cater specifically to them.

Q. I have never ridden deep powder before am I going to be able to handle it?

A. Totally. With a few adjustments to equipment and subtle changes in technique, powder snow is actually a lot easier to ride than more compact snow. If powder is not to your liking, there are hundreds of groomed trails to ride (often with a foot of powder on them as well) as well.

Q. I was looking at the map and Annupuri seems like a small area will there be enough to keep me busy.

A. Annupuri links to a network of resorts and trails that is MASSIVE. We have been riding 30-50 days a year there for the best part of the last decade and still have not seen it all ... and then there is the backcountry!

Q. With all this snow, is there high avalanche danger?

A. Avalanches are a constant threat outside of the patrolled areas and any guests riding in those areas do so at their own risk. Backcountry guides are the experts in this terrain and we recommend you use one at all times in the deep backcountry.

Q. What happens if I get hurt, do I need travel insurance?

A. There are full medical services close by. We have all the relevant contacts for doctors and have a full translation service. Travel insurance is MANDATORY for all guests and we recommend you check that your policy includes snow sports.

Q. What type of power do you have can I charge my computer and camera.

A. Japan's electricity supply is 110V and uses the same plug connections as the USA. The lodge has numerous converter plugs available on request.

Q. If I need cash, how do I get it?

A. We have a number of vehicles on standby, so it's just a matter of driving to the ATM in a nearby town, the lodge also has full credit card facilities.

Q. Do I need to bring towels or linen?

A. No. All towels and linen are provided by the lodge.

Q. Can I go riding at night?

A. Yes! We have some of the world's best night riding available till 9:00 pm each night.

Q. Can I buy condoms in Japan?

A. You certainly can, though they are difficult to find in the supermarket and they only seem to come in very small sizes.

What do I bring?

- Two pairs of goggles, one with a clear lens for night riding and one with a tint for low visibility (we ride with three pairs so you always have a fresh pair after that total blow out in the deep pow)

- Your favorite board or skis from Australia and a set of skis or board suited to the deep pow.

- A helmet for those fast runs through the trees.

- Two sets of thermals and socks.

- Two good beanies.

- Lip Balm.

- Voltaren, Celebrex, Naprosin, Panadol and any other medicines required to ease those sore backs and legs.

- A good jacket and pants rated for -15'C conditions.

- Two neck warmers.

- Powder leashes for ski's as it's no fun spending an hour trying to find an errant ski after a tumble in the pow.

- Laptop to connect to the free Wi-Fi.

- A good backpack for riding.

- Spare set of gloves.

- Goggle-defogging spray if you can get it. If not, it is available on the mountain.