mitchpee

I have one, I refused to get a smartphone for a while because of data but I gave in when I got a 4s for $50. It's really sweet. Amazing video/picture quality siri is the best thing ever and it's global. Meh Iphones aren't the best thing and they are sort of an imagery standing, but it still does everything I could want!

I'd love to be there but I don't get in until Dec 27 or so

You don't need to succeed in understanding. If people want to come to Japan and enjoy a bit of park while they are here, then so be it. It's not that we are saying he can't. Obviously he is in control of his own situation. I am recommending places he would have more fun and pertain to his idea of fun as stated in the post. Believe me, park was my background in skiing. I have ridden a lot of it, but I would not go to Japan for it. I figured I'd offer my advice. Take it or leave it, just trying to help maximize the kid's vacation.

Yeah man, please don't be one of those people that comes to Japan and completely disrespects the culture and people while getting belligerent every night. Nothing wrong with getting a little tipsy (or for those of you that saw me on New Year's very tipsy) but I have seen a pretty bad trend with the Aussie youth there. Help break that stereotype. Niseko doesn't really have any parks. Hakuba does I guess but you shouldn't be going to Japan for jibs and parks. They are covered with a lot of snow so yes backcountry jibbing is prevalent but if you want parks come to the US. Keystone Breck Park

Hey Zakk! Moiwa is pretty dead. There are a couple places over there and Jyuu the okonomiyaki place is somewhat near by. There is also the best onsen in Niseko there too Right at the entrance. Other than a few buildings there isn't much at all. I would recommend maybe going closer to Hirafu for a nightlife. That's pretty much where everything is.

Nordic and ski jumping are two different things. Nordic is more of cross country skiing and ski jumping is, well ski jumping. These sports are not very easy to get into. Mainly because they are only really done by Olympic athletes and people wanting to go to the Olympics. If you fit the latter then Nagano will be the only option if at all. I'm pretty sure they won't take random lessons and it has to be part of a program. There are two places in the US Park City, Utah (where I live) and Lake Placid, NY. If you want to jump it's better to do it on your own terms. There are lots of big

Ugh I miss onsens so much. That's what I love about winter in Japan. A hard ski day followed by a nice relaxing onsennnn.

Japan actually has the highest debt as a percentage of GDP than any country in the world. The debt is apples and oranges to the US debt because of the way it is manifested. Us debt is public and Japanese debt is private. It's very hard to understand where all the debt has gone and I haven't done enough research to accurately say, however I know a majority of it was with infrastructure projects and ensuring jobs which are reasonably productive. With that said, internal factors are not the primary source of the bubble that hit Japan. It's largely an effect of a globalized world. When a count

How about in the spring time!?

Marjude, There are definitely backcountry tour guides in Niseko. I had the experience of working with some . For your equipment: Bandits are going to be too heavy and clunky to really do extensive touring. I would recommend going with something along the lines of a Black Diamond Zealot, Volkl Mantra, K2 Obseth'd, Movement Slough, Moment Ruby, Atomic Blog, etc etc. As for bindings you can use what you have now with alpine trekkers. Although they can be a pain they are better than snowshoeing. Ultimately I would go with a pair of Marker Barons or Dukes depending on your weight and aggr

I would say base yourself mostly out of Niseko and maybe do a few days in Sapporo hitting Kokusai, Teine, Kiroro, maybe even Tenguyama if you want! Sapporo is going to have your nightlife and if you have a car (rent one) you are going to find yourself getting to these places very easily. It's a pretty easy drive and not far for these resorts either out of Sapporo. Kiroro is always a good bet as well! Rusutsu is super close to Niseko and there are a few very uncrowded resorts around if any locals want to tell you what they are I know one place that will give you those answers!

Yes very happy about it, thanks guys! Looking forward to another good season and meeting a bunch more good people! Muika if you find yourself in Hokkaido come say hello! We should be getting some very good video once a certain someone purchases an HD camera. Also hope to get some more pertinent and accurate weather info out there than the usual update from the resorts!

Count me in for Niseko Dec 28- spring. Rusutsu, Kiroro, kokusai, Teine in between! Oh and a ton of backcountry tours!

Religion has become big business in the US. Especially in the south. It's pretty easy to see a megachurch with wal-mart and Mcdonald's inside. Sad indeed.

I would say it is something like 50/50 for car and driver. Obviously something needs grip so snow tires are important. Otherwise driving on snow can be stressful, it's stressful because you have to be paying attention at every single moment. Driving as normal you don't have to pay attention but when you have to stop or turn. However, even driving straight in snow you will always want to make sure you are getting traction. Some important tips: If you find yourself sliding, very slightly compensate by turning the other way. Don't jerk the wheel over because if you over-turn you will slid

This is an awesome outlook :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

I would never have anything but my own gear, that's just because of how I am. If you fly in from the US it is free to bring gear. Food for thought.

Burton probably has the most sizes above 10. Look for an online retailer that's the easiest/cheapest way.

Dying whatever I love doing wouldn't be all that bad! Of course I'd like to avoid it but hey die skiing or base jumping. Could be worse! Could die from choking on a chicken bone. That would suck.

If I am in Japan again it will be Niseko with a lot of trips all over Hokkaido. I'd love to ride with anyone who's out there from Dec-March or so. I'd be happy to show around what little I know of the area!

Definitely worth more than a night. Sapporo is even a great place to base yourself out of (second to Niseko). Tons of good clubs, places to eat, things to do. SLUGGERS a batting cage bar is super fun as well. I would just wander around downtown and you will always find something to do!

A lot of places do this. Snowbird has a hunting ground where they bury boxes that you can dig to and probe into. It's a great idea to get some practice. Other than that burying some with your friends is very easy in a backpack as well! I can imagine Japan is very boring to dig a snow pit and it must be hard to learn about true snowpacks there. We always dig a pit here in UT if there is any terrain in question. With the sun/snow cycles always changing, the layers are easier to read and less consistent. If anyone ever had any avy questions I would be happy to answer them to the best of

Basically it is a social network within a social network within a social network I'm only going to check it once in a while and promote snow industry related stuff on it. Unless everyone I am in contact with on facebook transfers over.

I'll check it out soon, any tips on how to use it?

From what I barely remember about New Year's....It wasn't at all too crowded. The lift lines at Niseko Village were pretty minimal. It should be a great time to go. I remember it had just started to really pick up and then from there it just snowed every day. It's pretty fun in Hirafu to go out. Lots of cheery people and it is pretty cold and icy. So posting up and watching Aussies tumble down the hill can be a light time. Hopefully none of them are hurt of course though! The bars have quite a bit going on so the night life is there. Most importantly, it's a really good time for the snow.