Panda

qf: Cross-country - what IS the appeal?? It's a different attitude to getting about. It's not just about going down mountains. I enjoy lift-resorts a lot, but sometimes it seems like it's all handed to you on a plate - designated groomed runs and chairs to shorten the "boring" (read:uphill) bit. It feels good to earn your turns sometimes. But don't you all come out there - wouldn't want it to get all crowded like a resort.

Nup, it's true: ski.com.au discussion

In Oz, as far as lifted resorts goes, there's really 5 majors and 4 minors and 2 almost inconsequantials in Tasmania. Plus a couple of nordic resorts. www.ski.com.au is the go. try the Q&A forum on forum.ski.com.au is you want more info.

Can't give any first-hand advice, but have a look through the SJG cross country resorts page . Good luck if you need lessons in English! I've just posted something about the Snowharp on this thread .

Quote: Originally posted by Eggelb: Is the Hakuba olympic place the best? Presume you're talking about the Snowharp. It's pretty good, but not very extensive - only 2 courses; a 2.5km and a 5km and some miscellaneous loops. But it is the Olympic venue, and it's only Y200/day!! And there's no public transport - about 30min(?) walk from MinamiKamishiro station. :frustrated: So much snow, so few trails! And for all of you who don't "get" nordic - that's fine by me; less traffic on the trails. [This message has been edited by Panda (edited 31 March 2002).]

Any replies from other chookies (i.e. cc'ers) are most welcome. My reply above was the most succict way I could express it, but I'd love to hear others' reasons.

yeah, point taken g.

"Fishing" is rather like trolling. The sarcasm of my first reply was because the appeal seems rather self-evident, at least to me Okay, so it was a straight question so I'll give a straight answer. I think the shortest way to sum it up is that I get satisfaction from being self-propelled. And it's true that your adjectives don't neccessarily apply to cc. But remember that cc encompasses many different activities - nordic touring can be pleasantly energetic, tele-touring (yoyo-ing) is both bl00dy hard work and exhilirating, and nordic racing is very athletic _and_ very fast.

You fishing, gorilla? I can't understand what the appeal of alpine skiing/boarding is. Seems like too much expense for not enough freedom. Any alpiners out there care to let us know what makes it cool?

(to the top) A bit more info, might just elicit a response: How common is telemark hire equipment? Of particular use would be stores in Kansai or Hokkaido.

"Powder cords"? Sounds like a fancy name (and corresponding pricetag) for "ski leashes". And yes I do always use them, but then again most telemarkers do.

is it possible to hire tele gear anywhere?