i2s the one

It's actually pretty standard for people traveling high risk areas. All mountain-workers carry them obligatory in the alps. I'd say it's a must for backcountry lovers.

Hi there, I'm a student and very much into (offpiste) snowboarding. Now I happen to be staying in Japan from December(2012)-June(2013). I'll be studying at Kyushu university in Fukuoka. I was wondering if any of you have any advice on what is the best place to go boarding (both close/not to costly). What kinda prices i can expect and all that. Pretty much any advice is welcome on what is best to do if i want to snowboard there ! I know that there won't be a lot of good areas near but any information is good pretty much.. I'll be staying there for 6 months so I'll be trying to board as much a

I'm all for it not being manditory as many of you, because it's your own decision about taking a certain amount of risk. I'm just wondering what alot of you people (maybe especially Americans, with the sueing-culture and all) would do if you get injured by something thats not in your own hands, think about a loose ski or something. Would you still try and make a case out of it if your injury couldve been prevented by wearing protective gear. I think you'd have to include stuff like this in the risk you're taking as well.

Haha I do surf as well, didnt know i could do it there, thanks for informing me! About the snowboarding, i'm aware that i'll have to be traveling up north for some decent backcountry, i was just wondering what would be the best/nearest spot and pretty much any other good advice;) I'll be there for half a year and i don't know anything really so any advice will be helpfull! So you say nagano would be my best choice? I'll look into it!

I pretty much always wear one. Even though I might have a relaxed day just staying on the slopes I'll still keep it on. The reason for this is that I was once hit by a board coming down the hill, someone accidentally dropped it while trying to put it on. These things go fast and can kill, so this is also why always wear my backprotector. Don't think it should be manditory tho, anyone can decide for themselves howmuch risk they feel like taking (maybe not kids, but its up to their parents) Also, I have been glad at times wearing it, bashing my head into trees and stuff like that going b

Hi there, I'm a student and very much into (offpiste) snowboarding. Now I happen to be staying in Japan from December(2012)-June(2013). I'll be studying at Kyushu university in Fukuoka. I was wondering if any of you have any advice on what is the best place to go boarding (both close/not to costly). What kinda prices i can expect and all that. Pretty much any advice is welcome on what is best to do if i want to snowboard there ! Hoping any of you can help me, thank you very much in advance!