Question about ski resorts and such...

[Kanchou]

Since I have absolutely nothing to do and need to think of an excuse to go somewhere besides Akihabara/Jimbocho (the world's capitals of cartoon and live-action porn, respectively), I'm wondering if I could go to a ski resort or something. I've wanted to snow ski for a long time, but I've never had a chance to try in the states.

Anyway, does anyone know of any good ski resorts in Gunma?

I'm hoping for two days, including some non-ski related sightseeing.

Any suggestions or estimates of cost?

I'm hoping for like... 20,000 yen or less... hah.

What all would I need to do ahead of time?

Costwise, I can only think of train fare, one night in a hotel, food, bus fares, resport pass, ski/board rental. Is there anything else I should factor into it?

[Skankster]

cannot vouch for this organizer myself but

Kokusaika Christmas Ski Trip to Katsushina Gunma Dec. 24 (Fri.) - Dec. 26
(Sun.) Good chance to make nice international friends with dinner party on
Saturday night at the resort. Depart Tokyo at 8:00pm by chartered bus.
Saturday-Sunday: Ski/snowboard skiing. Sunday evening: Arrive back in Tokyo at
7:30pm. Ski sets, snowboards, their wears provided with no charge.
Y25,000/person. (Two nights lodging with two breakfasts and one dinner and
Saturday party included; lift tickets (Y2500-Y5000), lunches(Y500-Y1000) and
Onsen(Y400) extra. For application, send the following items. Name, Age,
Gender, nationality, address, telephone number, mobile phone number and your
physical data if you need equipment. Contact ski(at)kokusaika.org

give ita try

[Kanchou]

Thanks. I emailed them to see if it wasn't too late to apply.

Either way, the resort they seem to be aiming for looks like a good choice whether or not I go with them.

(But who goes from Tokyo to Gunma by bus?...)

[Blah Pete]

(But who goes from Tokyo to Gunma by bus?...)

Think of it this way:

Your group of friends, a few cases of beer, JD or whatever. Not having to worry about train transfers and hauling all your gear around.
The bus pulls up at the resort, slide out and you are there.

Ski trips, the memories
Wish thye body could function like it used to

[Kanchou]

Yeah, but I guess they might as well since they're leaving at 8PM, and not skiing till the next day.

If I go myself I'll probably leave at 6AM and hope to get there by 9-10 or so.

Besides... I want to ride on the Shinkansen anyway

[Skankster]

-
-
I would go... but I just dont want to go for X'mas.
the lord wouldnt like it.

[Kanchou]

Bought my Shinkansen tickets, so I guess I'm going by myself Saturday, or I'm out 5000 yen

Now I've gotta cross my fingers when I get there that there's a shuttle bus to the resort, which I heard there is, but I wonder...

[Blah Pete]

Which Shink station are you going to?
Echigo Yuzawa?

[Kanchou]

Tachisaki, then Namuta... or something...

Yuzawa's resorts aren't open yet, I think... maybe they are... eh.