idreamofpow

Not that I'm fishing for it specifically, but if anyone has a floor/corner/closet/tub in a condo, I'd pitch in cash and beer. And, I'd advise anyone traveling to Canada NOT to go to Banff. It's beautiful, but the skiing is sub-par compared to so many other resorts in British Columbia. Too much exposed terrain and it just doesn't snow as much as resorts closer to the ocean. And Banff is cold. Most resorts in BC aren't nearly as cold. Of course, it does cater to tourists well.

I use MSR Denali Classics. Most snowboarders I've come across use these or the Ascents (which add a heel lift I believe). They are super light and simple and work well with snowboard boots. And you need collapsible poles too. I've never used a split board. I'm sure they work great, but snowshoes aren't bad. DaKine packs are tried and true. The Burton AK packs are nice too. I've always used a pack that held the board vertically, but I've always wanted to try a pack that has a horizontal option too. It would be nice to get the weight lower.

I know I've left this late already. I'll get on it right now. I'm planning to be there from around the 24th of Dec to about the 2nd of Jan.

I'm doing a year in Korea and I want to go to Hokkaido over my Christmas holiday. I did 90 days on snow last season in BC and I'm super excited for this trip. I've always wanted to board in Japan. Hopefully mother nature is kind to me. I'm just hoping for some recommendations on accommodations. I was thinking about booking a bed at Niseko Annupuri Youth Hostel. Being Christmas holidays, I'm assuming that I need to book something? Do you think I'm going to be happy staying in Niseko for the week or should I be moving around a bit and trying different towns? Thanks for any help guys.

Some beautiful pictures. Absolute torture to be looking pictures like this in July.