New Chitose Airport to Niseko ALPEN - Bus or Train?

[Twisties]

Pls advise

1. We'll be staying in Niseko Alpen Hotel with kids, is it better to take bus or train to the hotel from New Chitose Airport?

2. How far is the bus stop at Hirafu parking lot from Alpen Hotel?

Thanks

[freeskier]

bus of course, no one take train in winter
2 minute on foot

[Will]

Take the bus.

1) No need to change trains, it is a hassle when you're carrying your own skis/SB. If you take the bus, you can just store all your bags/equipment in the storage compartment and enjoy 2 hrs sleep without worrying.

2) Train only takes you to Kutchan, you still need to take taxi to Hirafu. Bus drops you off at the Hirafu Welcome Centre. It is very close to your hotel.

[kary]

Why no one take train?
I will be staying in Hilton, and i am considering taking the Niseko Ski Express. Is it because of the price or the limited train schedule?

bus of course, no one take train in winter
2 minute on foot

[happy_mum]

As Will said, the train will only take you to Kutchan and you still need to get to Hirafu by other means of transport. So why not take the bus and go direct to Hirafu.

[freeskier]

Why no one take train?
I will be staying in Hilton, and i am considering taking the Niseko Ski Express. Is it because of the price or the limited train schedule?

Price + limited schedule + need to change train if you start from Chitose + takes longer time + train station far away from where you stay.

If you stay in Hilton, the bus will take you to the entrance of the hotel. All you need to do is to walk inside. Do you really want to look for a taxi after you arrive in Kutchan and take another 20 minutes ride to your hotel?

The only advantage of taking a train is that it is probably safer, at least theoretically....

[Shiu]

If you really want ot take JR train to Kutchan, you better send your gear / luggage by express deliver to Hilton first in order to prevent carrying so much stuff when changing JR trains.
Hilton has its own free shuttle bus running between Kutchan and Hilton. However, I do not have the schedule on hand.
You can ask Hilton and see whether the shuttle bus schedule can suit your schedule.

[carver_hk-ski]

taking train have its merit dispite of all the trouble. Well, tourist have no fear for trouble anyway? you can stay or stop by a beautiful port town where you can find romantic atmosphere and great japs seafood(more expensive then sapporo though) not to be miss. :)

[Derek]

If you really want ot take JR train to Kutchan, you better send your gear / luggage by express deliver to Hilton first in order to prevent carrying so much stuff when changing JR trains.
Hilton has its own free shuttle bus running between Kutchan and Hilton. However, I do not have the schedule on hand.
You can ask Hilton and see whether the shuttle bus schedule can suit your schedule.

You can find the bus schedule in the following link:

http://www.hilton.co.jp/assets/HI/cms/live/meap/japan_micronesia/hilton_niseko_village/pdfs/JP/ShuttleBus_Dec2008.pdf