Mick Rich

Not silly at all, considering the money and time you're investing. Yes, Niseko is popular and does get get tracked out quicker than other resorts BUT it is a big resort, so some areas get tracked out more quickly than others - you just have to choose your spot well and get up early! Plus the other resorts mentioned get far less traffic than Niseko so you'll have a better chance of finding untracked pow there. I'm sure that you'll get plenty of decent lines in your 10 days.

I can definitely vouch for the stiffness, narrowness and longevity of the Malamutes, having worn the same pair for 5 seasons - just make sure that they fit you like a glove because your feet will change shape before they do!!

So what did you do to upset the in-laws - apart from being Canadian???

Hey goz, how's it going? What resorts are you planning to hit up in Honshu?

I've spent a couple of seasons in Furano and love the place but sentiment aside, I'd have to agree with the last few posts and say that the inbounds riding (there's not much in the way of "legal" off-piste) very much depends on decent snowfall and it simply can't compete with the western Hokkaido resorts in that regard.

Is it too late for me to throw my Prior Khyber hat into the ring? I'm more slackcountry than backcountry but it was a blast in the trees!

All things considered, I'd agree with Tubby and base yourself in Niseko since that's likely to give you the best conditions and options to ride other resorts if you fancy a change of scene. Am planning to be up there around the same time so might bump into you in the trees!

Agreed - this was definitely one of my favourite posts of the season! When and where are you thinking of going KD?

See you there! Yeah, still got it, though didn't ride it at all this season as I wanted to get to grips with the Khyber. I did miss it on the groomers but not in the pow, where the Khyber rocks! Full review to follow.

ganbarimashita! A couple of questions, with apologies if the answers are elsewhere, but do you want us to start using the new site/stop using the old (this) one from now on, and do you want us to report any problems to you?? Cheers guys (and Bob)!

Nice one TB! I look forward to receiving a free, guided tour of the place next season! Ah, I just remembered your place of origin so I guess I'd better forget the free bit and/or replace it with an offer of a wee dram!!

No worries! Good luck with it all!!

Ski Jo fare at its finest!

and a whopping great big ACTIVE volcano that periodically throws a volcanic tantrum, the next one being due around about......now!

Entertaining to the end ippster! I hope it's not your last season (here or elsewhere) because how will we survive without those resort and board reviews!?

ay, ay, calm down, calm down! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9S5UskxHrg

Good job!

How is it TB?

Once a Scouser, always a Scouser!

I used to suffer with hayfever every summer back in England but never when visiting other countries, including living here in Japan. I therefore thought it was something to do with local pollen but that doesn't seem to be the case for others. It's a mystery!!

You and me also!

Same here!

You should take up snowboarding KD! So where are you now, anyway?

Yeah, I like checking out new places. If I had a car I'd do a lot more but so far this season (I'm not ruling out another foray), new resorts for me have been:- Niseko Moiwa, Hokkaido; Ichiuchi Maruyama, Niigata; Inawashiro, Fukushima.