TropicalPow

YART, very hip MB. Had me bluffed also. I"d just like to install the nane Jetstar into that song somewhere.

As a parent and a former groomer operator {long, long ago] very sad to hear this. Machinery and kids are never a good mix.

Think pie-eaters on to something, although something about that picture looks dodgy , don't know ! Is it the background thats fake ?

How do the kids take to the drop kneeing Quattro. Does it take them long to pick it up? Times like that in the mountains they'll remember their whole life. Brings back memories for me.

TB, reread what I originally said, nowhere did I infer that it was more grownup to wear a helmet , just meant as grownups we have to make these decisions all the time. I don't like insurance companies anymore than you do, all I've read so far that some insurance companies are proposing that they won't cover you for head injuries if you are not wearing a helmet. Mamabears example of one of her boys being refuseded coverage for the old leg injury [ which I have always been told heal stronger than they were before] now thats more illogical. Good on Panhead ,going the extra mile for

TB, I was listening to a radio program on the long drive back from work last night. He was talking about the social media and he said how normally pleasant people hide behind the anonymity of forums, saying things they would normally not say directly to a person in a normal social situation. In another ski forum a writer wondered why these forums always deteriorate into slanging matches, when surely as a group of supposedly like minded people ,who share the love of snow ,the mountains and in this case Japan we can't just discuss these subjects without chest puffing. The guy on the

In agreement with MB and Tex. As I have said previously ,I am a recent helmet convert. At this stage it seems that the non wearers will still be able to get insurance, its just they won't be covered for head injuries. Its the kind of decisions grownups have to make all the time.

Terrible news of another earthquake striking Christchurch this morning and so soon after the last one. It was around a cat 6 and there has been many injuries and by the footage coming from NZ you would have to presume deatghs as well. Very sad,

Good one MB. I will tell Sophie , although with her links to the informtion network she may already know. I guess that ends her free snowboard lessons !

VB : When you've had your fill of Japanese style food, Downtown Cafe does great burgers and an awesome Wagyu steak that won't break the bank.

14] Do expect the best on mountain food you've had in your life. Enjoy the quirkeness of buying a ticket or token for said meal. Have a chat to the people serving you, plenty of alpine legends run these mountain cafes.

You might be right Tubby & Grungy, I do like the Niseko pow but I will see if I can talk the others into adding a week on Honshu. More good photos norcal.

Great photos thanks, These and other photos from the main island get me thinking that maybe I need incorporate a week or so on Honshu into next years Niseko trip. I am probably a couple of years off the much longed for season long Japan ski safari but even a short visit would be better than none I guess.

Thanks for raising that RedJedi, Pretty discusting treatment of there staff. When multiple long stading staff are fired ,it says more about the organisation than the staff. I for one have sent off an email to Sunshine , an area I have skied and enjoyed. I would encourage others to read the article and if they wish shoot of an email to Sunshine at; comments@skibanff.com

Morning everyone, when you make that suprise trip back to Niseko, let us know MB. I'll come too. Mamabear is a nice lady isn't she ! Saved me from a savaging on ski.com. Mitch Pee and all, enjoy your SJ drinks.

Great vid MP. I see online that they have changed the graffics on the 2012 Bent Chetlers, shame as I am partial to the Japanese theme on your pair. Although the good news is they know come in a 190 something length for us bigger blokes. It will be a toss up between them and the 2012 Armada AK JJ which sounds like it will be a bit beefier than last years JJs. Decisions , decisions. Enjoy the rest of the season there MP and keep the footage coming.

Don't say it GN ! Restrain yourself .

I will add my congrats on a great mix Sand. I think I am the only one without a helmet cam, a situation I Will rectify for next year. As Tex says it was nice catching up with you at Wild Bills and look forward to getting together next year. Have just arrived back in Nth Qld ,to be greeted by possibly the largest cyclone ever to hit Queensland. I WANT TO GO BACK TO NISEKO!!!!!

Moiwa it is then, looks good outside this morning MP

Yeah thanks Tex for organising a great night at WBs.Mamabear I too woke up wiyh a headache! must be something we ate! Mamabears family have corrupted my 17yo daughter and she has now tasted the dark side [ snowboarding that is]. Her son Jake and some of his instructor course mates offered her free snowboard lessons yesterday and by all accounts she had a great day with the boys.Thanks guys. I am looking out the window trying to decide between hiking to the peak or a trip to Moiwa ? decisions ,decisions

Ouch Thanks Thursday, Presume you have all the stock of Prawn ones

Sorry BagOfCrisps, Forgot about you, I suppose I should buy a packet of Chicken & Cheese Crisps [ or chips ] to go with the the Seicomart Camembert. Hope they stock it !

Seicomart camembert seems to get the most votes , so thats it. I will make sure I take the photo next weekend Cheeseman.Or was that this weekend ? I dunno !

Cheesman, As a newcomer to this site ,excuse me for asking a question that has likely been asked before, " have you skied Mt Cheeseman in NZ and if so do you qualify for a Cheeseman discount on the lift passes ? " PS What do you consider to be a suitable cheese accompaniment to Niseko pow ?

Yeehaa, Flying to Brisbane THIS weekend and then on to Pow Heaven !!! OH shit, is that THIS weekend or is it NEXT weekend ? Thanks guys , thanks very much. And if I am flying THIS weekend do I fly Sat or Sun, I guess Sunday is the Weekend ? Shit, Shit , Shit, Excuse me , I have to rush off , I have a Weak End you know !!!