mitchpee

Yup, they can't re-sell it and to give it away would make a potential client disappear. This isn't to say all outdoor companies or even most do this. It's the practice of some.

Funny enough that canyon is about 2 miles from where that incident happened. Good times!

Mostly what companies do is destroy items that sent back. Specialized bike company will often times trash bike frames, wheels, rimsets, etc for purely cosmetic reasons. If there's a scratch and people send it back then instead of undercutting their own prices, they destroy it or give it away to employees. That type of thing. We could easily see a HUGE drop in ski/bike/action/outdoor gear but because of maximization of profit, we will continue to see expensive prices for the gear that allows us to pursue healthy, outdoor activities.

Hey guys, hope everyone is having a great summer! The summer job search is on for me but I have managed to sneak some adventures. Went to southern Utah to play around in the desert, jumped off some tall stuff, and did some hiking. http://www.dermandar...ThQR/mt-olympus There's a panorama shot of a 1,400 vertical sunset/night hike we did last night. (click and drag to scroll) I'll have a video of the ski season in Japan soon too! Goats at 3,500 meters Hanging on Sunset over Salt Lake City, Utah The good ole desert Don't look down Me grabbing t

I never saw this! Thanks a lot snowjunky! JA we owe each other some drinks!

Definitely not enough. I'd say it averages out to around 6 or so.

Jynxx I didn't know you skydived. If you come to the US we should make some jumps. As for me: Participating: Jumping off high objects, skiing, biking, football, and curling (just kidding) Watch: ehhh sometimes I go to minor league baseball games and drink, same with soccer (football).

If there's anything that hasn't been answered that you want help with just send me a pm and I will answer what I can for you!

It's unfortunate because a capitalist system or anything that involves money as a medium of exchange will always need a growing population. Growing population + inflation = growing economy. Without a growing population, you will inevitably have deflation. Deflation is great in the long run because it "evens out" economies. Unfortunately for the people that have to live during the period of deflation, life gets very hard. You quickly lose the ability to purchase anything that you used to be able to as a lack of income comes with this. I admire Japan for having a declining population. The wo

I'm not quite sure why people can't just enjoy the snow and be happy for others who are trying to do so. What does it matter if Honshu or Hokkaido is better? There are undoubtedly positives to both places. With that said, there's almost always somewhere in Hokkaido you can get really good snow at from December to March/April. There's been maybe a total of 7 days all season where I haven't been able to get "powder snow" somewhere. Most of the time when it's grim at Niseko, it requires a lot of hiking or a snowmobile, but nonetheless possible. Hokkaido is a great place with great snow and th

Hey man, If I am up there and not adventuring somewhere with sleds I would love to show ya some spots. There's plenty to do up there and the snow is the best at the moment!

Bahahahaha Why yes it is indeed. A highlight of a day at Rusutsu!

It seems to me that there was quite a bit more snow this year in the Niseko area than last year. However, the Sapporo area has been under average. Pretty crazy winter! It's all good though.

I'm in Hokkaido it looks like until about March 27

Figured I would add some pictures since I have been pretty stagnant on the forums! Went North and did a lot of stuff around here. I'll add photos/videos as they come to me! Hope everyone is having/had a great winter. Enjoying some of Hokkaido's most famous pillows Trip up to Tokachidake/Asahidake in central Hokkaido.

niceee I really enjoyed that

Let me know when you are in town MB. Would love to meet the family again for a bit longer conversation!

You don't want to get in between Stu and his powder. Kiwis are very peaceful people, but you take away their powder and all hell breaks loose!

Drink a beer for every hour we're gone Chris!

its over 12,000 feet!! Its gonna be COLD up there. It ain't no walk in the park I think it's proximity to the ocean is probably more of a factor. 12,000 isn't too too bad. Yeah it's pretty much mountaineering at that point though. BM you think the rapid changing weather is the most dangerous part? Do you think if it's an exceptionally nice day it may be possible? I realize those days are few and far between living in Japan . Either way, just a thought.

I'm sure some crampons and boots will be fine for the job. The temperature can't be all that bad and no crowds either! If I am wrong in any way please let me know

Hey guys would anyone be down to do a SnowJapan meet up/hike up Mt Fuji? If anyone has any tips for doing it I am thinking about very beginning of April (2nd 3rd or 4th). Just post in here or let me know if you have any info or want to join in on the fun.

made a post in the blog, check it out! http://www.snowjapanforums.com/index.php/blog/7-skibumjapan/

Today would be an absolutely terrible day to ski Shirabetsu. It's very steep and the snowpack right now is unstable.

Definitely a humbling experience. I got the chance to meet Sarah a few years ago and she was a really special person. She had a really comfortable voice and was one of those people you felt like you knew forever when you spoke to her. I can't reiterate enough how much Sarah got out of life. To avoid all the cliche sayings and emotional talk I just want to say that Sarah lived a life that most don't dare to, but it is one of the most rewarding ones albeit short.