Jimmer

Originally Posted By: Go Native At resorts I never have a pack, only when I go backcountry. Same.

My boots have a layer of foamy insulation that works great for me, no cleats, just wide stance, short steps when I see the ice!

1. Not sure about ski rentals, most places seem pretty good, the only gear I've seen in lessons that was shoddy was from Inski. If you are here during a busy period (ie Chinese New year) then pre-booking would definitely be advisable. 2. No, it's expensive here, online from the states will give you a bigger selection for less cash. 3. If you're here in Feb, the ice festival in Sapporo and the Lantern festival in Otaru are both on. Not sure on exact dates. 4. The nicest place I have eaten in town is J.Sekka, I hear Kamimura is amazing. For a cheaper meal/lunch I like Abucha (1+2)

Man I am so glad I went to Kiroro istead of Hirafu today! That's insane! Their lifts were so much better than ours, I don't understand why if we are busier Tokyu can't buy some decent detachable quads!!

Jishipi, I think we saw you taking that picture as we were driving to Kiroro, it was a beautiful morning, the mountain looked so good I almost felt bad to be leaving it!!

3-man for a night is still pretty pricey! I pay that per month! I'm sure your place is a lot nicer, but still...

I think it's going to be Kiroro, as I've skied Rusutsu before and will be working over there for a week in a fornight or so (you remember meeting me over there last year mike? ), plus Kiroro gives Hirafu pass holders a cheap pass so it's a no brainer really. Will try and get some of my roadtrip mates to take some photos. Anyone night ski tonight? Lifts opened up around seven, I broke the traverse into Miharashi, fresh turns straight down the middle, then some awesome pillows the next few runs, it was gooood!

So I'm Hirafu, the storm is forecast to break tomorrow and it's my first day off of the season. My housemate and I want to go on a roadtrip.. I've skied Rusutsu before and liked it a lot, but am keen to try somewhere new. Bit worried Kiroro will be too flat though. Any ideas?

It got pretty deep last week, I'm in there somewhere, this was whilst teaching as well.

Watched Car Danchi 4 and Signatures the other week at NV, Car Danchi was a bit samey, lots and lots of pow slashes on snowboards, some nice shots but nothing too exciting. Signatures had a really cool feel to it, and some of the best cinematography I've ever seen in a snow movie. Again not the fastest paced movie, lots of pow, but enough variety to keep me entertained. Saw the Nimbus guys filming here a few times last season, amazing skiers and Contrast is a great movie.

The south island of NZ really doesn't compare well to Japan in terms of snow, occasional good days but it's just not the same. Better parks than Niseko though. Queenstown is a fantastic town with loads of stuff to do apart from skiing. Also it's skiing in the summer so you can't really complain! I thought I'd be spoilt heading back there after last season in Hirafu but I still loved it.

In case anyone is still wondering, the Vale is now open, and it's also finally started snowing here