fifa

Fantastic pics thanks. We'll be there next week and looking forward to our first visit.

I love watching the ski cross and boarder cross events. Excitement plus! Go Scott Kneller!

Ha Ha - the usual... My +1 is tuning the skis atm and I may be called out, to work away from home so want to be prepared.

How many years had that guy been skiing without a helmet? And within a week of wearing one he has a major head collision? More support for my theory that it's mostly people wearing helmets hitting their heads on the slopes. He is an advanced skier and has been skiing in Victoria for years!

You should be packing as you fly out in 5 days but the excitement is too much and you have to keep checking SJ to see if there are any updates at the resorts you are visiting.

Thanks for the TR. I'll be at Naeba in a week so your pics will get me through the next few days

Last year we were in Niseko with a group of 12 and only one guy didn't have a helmet. We badgered him until he gave in and bought one. The following week at Furano he was being filmed and whacked into a friend as they were crossing over. Fell backwards and cracked the back of his new helmet! I'd hate to think what would have happened if he wasn't wearing one.

I have a Giro Grove helmet purchased from STP a couple of years ago. It was a third of the price of those in Australian shops. I love it - soft chin strap and ear thingies and oh, so light. My kids all had to wear a helmet until they were 18 (while I was buying their season passes). Now two of them are vollie ski patrollers and they only wear their helmets when on a skidoo - go figure

That was a riveting read - thanks.

Great pics thanks. We will be there next month and your post has me green with envy.

I can now strike off Bhutan and Iceland - both fantastic and unforgettable. Now to add the following to my list: Antarctica Norway Palau

I believe Chuo Bus offers frequent buses from Sapporo JR Station to Asahikawa for ¥2000. It takes about 2 hours. We are going to buy our tickets when we get to Sapporo.

Originally Posted By: snow nellie Can we use Travelex cash cards or Commonwealth Yen cash travel cards at the ATMs and Post office in Hakuba???Or is it advisable to bring Yen Cash. Cash cards are a rip-off. + for cash or fee free cards.

We have used Citibank (at Narita) and Post Office Bank atms all over Japan without any problems including Hakuba. I believe that Seven Eleven charge 210yen to withdraw from MasterCard / Cirrus / Maestro, no fee when using Citibank and Post Bank though.

Originally Posted By: thursday once you're in the resort, you can enter anywhere you like. Maybe this may help http://www.snowjapan.com/e/voice/readrereview4.php Thanks thursday - for some reason I missed the reviews section! I did however, read your trip report and the photos are fab - it wont be long and you'll be skiing with your little one. Our youngest started skiing at 2 3/4 but has been on a board since she was 10 and wont go back!!! Good to know VIZ spa is included. Now to keep an eye out for specials. I think I'll leave the booking until closer to the time (Feb)