Jimmer
SnowJapan Member-
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Everything posted by Jimmer
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Niseko bubble about to burst?
Jimmer replied to tripler's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
If people from Sapporo don't like coming here, why is it a Japanese punter frenzy here at the weekends? I'd be fine if they all went to Teine, or Kiroro or wherever, it's too busy here already. I'd love it if there was a few less Aussies too, but I just can't see it happening, people keep on coming here and keep on loving it, so it's only going to grow. If you don't like it, that's cool, go ride your 'real' Japanese resorts where you can't get cash out, go in the trees/bc, or go out at night! -
Originally Posted By: Go Native I've also been having a debate on another forum with people who would like to see the carrying of avi gear compulsory for those skiing out through the gates at Niseko. Despite Niseko not experiencing even one avi death since the inception of the Niseko Rules back in I think '02? Regardless of this incredibly good safety record those that want us to have gear keep pointing to the potential risk and the inevitability that one day someone will die. What I don't understand is why people are so concerned about the safety of others? People they don't even know? One
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Bottomless powder - definition
Jimmer replied to Go Native's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
What else would it be!? -
I need some new skis, prices are horrible here and the selection mediocre, I figure there must be a website where I can get a better range at better prices, but I can't find it due to my lack of Japanese. Any ideas?
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Crazy week ahead
Jimmer replied to Go Native's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
It was busy out there today, but didn't seem quite as packed as some days around Christmas. Ski school is packed though, 8 hours for the first time in ages. -
Originally Posted By: Go Native One example I would use from up here was more an incredible missed opportunity than anything else. When the foreign skier market started growing exponentially year by year the need for ski lessons in english also grew exponentially. The ski school run by the resort though did not hire any foreign ski instructors to meet this growing demand. As a result we now have two foreign run ski schools in Hirafu meeting this growth market. One is owned by the same foreign company who owns Hanazono and the other is run by one of the foreign tour operators in town. I have no
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I'm NZ qualified and got job offers in quite a few different Japanese resorts, so if you are interested in actually working, it'd be a good one to do. If you just want to improve your skiing it'd be a good course as well. I know the guys who'll be examining, and they are awesome skiers and teachers.
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Grand Hirafu Club
Jimmer replied to Jimmer's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
God that was good! Bluebird and 40-50cms, straight down the edge of super, 2 laps before 8.30. so sick!! -
Anyone else pay for the upgrade on their pass? Going to be good this morning! For those that don't know, you can pay an extra 1000 yen to get first tracks at 8.
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09/10 Niseko Checkin Register
Jimmer replied to thursday's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
MB, was it you that I saw finishing up a lesson with Pete at the bottom of family today? -
Fantastic, thanks for info, hopefully will go in the next few days!
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So, everyone at home seems to be talking about Avatar, I want to see it. But obviously can't in Niseko. I know there is a cinema in Otaru, but can't understand the site. Does snyone know if a) they are showing Avatar, if it is dubbed or subtitled. Thanks
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Cash & Credit card in Niseko area
Jimmer replied to brynski's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Mastercards aren't accepted at the Hokkaido Tracks machine in Hirafu, but Visa is fine. Cards are accepted at most western shops, but rarely (not that I have tried that much) in restaurants. -
Err, night skiing in Hirafu is fantastic, often the vis is better than the day, it's quieter and you can access a lot of stuff if you don't mind the dark. People who haven't ski instructed think you don't get enough time to ski, but I get quite enough. I'm pretty sure I have skied more vert this season than any other gaijin in Niseko (or at least the ones that have the hirafu club extension that monitors such things).
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Originally Posted By: JA Originally Posted By: Jimmer You'd think so, but you'd be amazed how hard some people find it!! It depends a little on previous experience. As a Motorcycle rider, it took me a while to get used to turning. I tended to lean the body to (and hence put weight onto the ski on) the inside of the turn. Once I accepted that the instructor (who is my partner) actually knew what she was talking about and tried it, everything else has fallen into place! I have heard that water skiers tend to fund skiing on snow difficult. I don't know, just what I've been told by a fe
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I have lent people goggles and gloves this season, and also borrowed some gloves as well. I see absolutely no problem with that. I have also given friends old outerwear/goggles/boots in the past, I can't carry old gear all around the world, better someone else uses it. If you don't want to lend them some stuff, are they really your friend?
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09/10 Niseko Checkin Register
Jimmer replied to thursday's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Got the first turns off the peak today, was so sick. Then a lot of gate 4 fun. -
The Snowtrainers course is run by a guy who examined me in NZ. he's a great instructor and it looks like a great course. If you want to actually work as an instructor, skiing is the way to go, I am dual qualified and very rarely teach snowboarding. And regarding the JSBA/Whatever the ski one is called, a friend did the level 1 and there is no examined teaching element at all. The teaching style that was taught would also be considered slightly questionable by either of the systems I've worked in (NZSIA/PSIA).
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Mizuno no Sawa - Niseko
Jimmer replied to deanrobi's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
It's open, a friend was in there yesterday, said it was wicked, but very closely guided by the patrol.