[Early Jan snow in Hakuba]

What about Hakuba last year? Kanto conditions were pretty terrible if I remember correctly. When I went to Hakuba last year it was icy and there was hardly any off-piste powder.

 

Hope it's different this year.

 

 

 

edit: I guess I should add that I know Hakuba can be pretty great as I went there 3 times the year before and I was up to my chest in snow sometimes.

[Where to buy gear in Tokyo or Kansai]

Yes, go to the store for fitting. Then buy on Rakuten. Prices on Rakuten are easily 30% cheaper than what you get in the stores.

 

If you're lucky the prices can be almost in line with US prices!

[This weekend, where to go in Hokkaido?]

Welp, I made gamble a month ago hoping there'd be some heavy snowfalls in Hokkaido and I could capitalize on all that sweet Hokkaido for myself but it appears I was wrong and there's not much going on up there.

 

I bought I non-refundable airplane ticket to Sapporo so I can't call it off. Where in Hokkaido near Sapporo can I go where I can maximize my riding? I was initially set for Rusutsu, but there's only half a course open and it's not looking likely for any more to open up in this coming week.

 

Or am I screwed and will just have to settle for riding the same 600 meter course for the entire weekend?