[sydneyswans]

Hi there
1) I was planning to do some skiing in Hokkaido in late March this year
Any comments on that ? Is it too late in season ? Is Niseko good for skiing?

2) Also, can anyone recommend any other things to do in Hokkaido in late March - or does the snow mean i would be better off heading south to catch the beginning of spring (im keen to hike). If the snow is heavy and everywhere, what are the options (sorry, im from a hot country)

3) Any recommendations on hiking to make the most of spring ? I would like to hike from hut to hut if possible in a natural area - koyasan, or instance
I understand the Japanese alps would be under snow and therefore no good for hiking

4) Any recommendations on getting from osaka to sapporo in late march. Flying seems expensive.

5) I was thinking train would be best. Should i use a japan rail pass - i was thinking getting a 3 week pass - then using it to get from osaka to sapporo, then it would be unused (with the time ticking) for 7 days, then i would use it again to head south for 2 weeks, with some hiking at the end
It seems like this is the cheapest option - does that sound right ?

thanks for any advice