sapporo

Haven't been to Hirafu (only Annupuri) in the past 4 years....but I think it's the name of the Main Street leading upto the slopes?

But the snow conditions and tree runs are far better at Niseko than Rusutsu! I wouldn't bother going to Rusutsu

Epic videos...... Would have liked them more if so Many innocent trees hadn't lost their branches tho!

Shotgun!!

What kind of truck is that? It's a beast!! Cute dog by the way!!

I don't have a car.....but will look into a rental! Am thinking of hiking and boarding down Maruyama again on Saturday afternoon if anyone is around??

Tubby, u live in Maruyama?? I live near the scuba diving place!

Am up for that!! Train is a bit pricey tho!!!

I won one too!! (**)

Anyone heading to Kokusai tomorrow?

Today was Kokusai, it was gooooooood!! Yesterday was Rusutsu. Back to work tomorrow

Hokkaido is usually very cloudy and dumping snow. Quite often the top can be a complete white out! So low light lenses will be VERY helpful. Today was my 12th day on the slopes and the first time it's been sunny!! Also, I don't know where you are coming from, but you said this will be the first time for you to see snow.....just a warning, today was minus 17....bring a face mask/balaclava/something warm to cover up with

Yesterday at Rusutsu was crazy deep!! Seemed like everyone was happy enough sticking to the courses....we had first tracks almost everywhere we went!! Hope to get a few more days like that in before the end of the season!!

Very nice video! Yesterday was kickin off at Rusutsu!! Hard to even get into some of the trees....too much powder!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!! Where's next on the schedule? Asahidake? Tomamu?

Soup curry helps your muscles to recover from a hard days boarding. It's a proven medical fact.

I know of no way to get the official stats of thefts, who perpetrated them and if they were convicted. I do think that the Japanese on the whole love to buy new products and the latest, most up to date items...including their snowboards/ski's and snow wear. I have seen many, good as new boards from the previous season on sale in 2nd Street and Hard Off. So, I agree with Tubby, you will find new, expensive boards and ski's at resorts all around Japan. Personally, I have never heard of any thefts from Rusutsu, been and stayed there many times and have seen lots of foreigners there (mai

Yakitori, ramen, okonomiyaki, soba, udon, yakiniku.......most importantly, SOUP CURRY!! Those are the kind of restaurants you should be looking for!! If you find yourself getting bored of awesome powder snow (why would you though really?!) or it's too windy to hit the hills, why not take a bus or train ride to Sapporo?? That way you can go to lots of restaurants and eat lots of yummy food for cheap!! No tips jars to be seen either!!

Try 'jalan' We got a twin room in the North hotel, one day lift passes for 2, breakfast. All for ¥19,000. We booked it a week before we went.

And if that sounds degusting or expensive, conveni it and get a Cup noodle (curry one is choice!) and a couple onigiri's!!!

Each to their own I guess, just remember falling over, blocking the lifts and feeling very embarrassed and demotivated when I was first learning to board and trying to use lifts. Personally, I think it makes more sense to get a bit of balance and control first before tackling getting on and off lifts (don't even get me started with T bars or that drag lift at the top of Higashiyama, still have trouble with them!). To be honest, I only get over to Niseko a few times a season so no idea what slopes would be best for beginners.

Another tip. Avoid chair lifts and only take gondolas up to the top, at least until you have gained the slightest bit of confidence and balance on your board. First time to see snow? Wow! Wrap up warm!

Great giveaway!! Would love to win. Gopro is already fully charged!!

I want to add one more thing (skiers and boarders alike!) that annoys me...when I get off the gondola (doesn't apply to skiers after getting off lifts) and want to strap in my board....I'll admit, I do sit down to strap in after a few laps, I'm getting older and my back and legs are first to feel the strain....anyway, it's so annoying when strapping in and then some (usually young) group of people come along and sit right in front of me all lined up next to each other and blocking me in! The only way I can move is by either looking like an idiot and pushing myself up hill and around everyone w

Please brush up on onsen etiquette. Sick of swimming around in other Gaijin's ass sweat. This REALLY annoys the hell out of me!!

Nice review. Always wanted to know where the best spots and how to get to the bowls at Teine....thank u! Not sure if the locals will like you giving away all that precious info though? Know I wouldn't share all my Rusutsu spots on the net!!