Thanks for the info. We ended up not going to Seki as had plenty to keep us busy - a few days at Akakura Kanko, one at Suginohara and one at Ikentoria. The skiers enjoyed going to different areas, the variety of runs, good snow.....The non-skier (me) found plenty to do - Nagano, Joetsu (port, Sea of Japan and Jusco!), Takada, morning tea at the Akakura Kanko Hotel, onsens ..... We all had a great time - helped by your advice and the assistance of Amy from Myoko Tourism. Soon on our way home, thanks again.