stemik

of course we all would like the ski jo to tell us as it is but.... I was out with a couple of Japanese friends yesterday and both of them commented and used the word "saiko" I can only assume it was because of the bluebird day, cold conditions and great groomers.

My top 3 for the Olympic men's downhill on Sunday 1. Svindal 2. Miller 3. Theaux

In the Hakuba valley, Hakuba 47 ski area has a half pipe. Hakuba Norikura used to have two but have not opened them this year. They mentioned that they are expensive to maintain.

I'm with you on that Chriselle, the coverage on NHK is usually very poor. I love the alpine skiing races but not everyone is shown. Let me know if you find a good link.

Hakuba are sending six to Sochi. Best bet is Akito Watabe in the Nordic combined.

I was dragged to Catching Fire by my teenage daughter, I also quite enjoyed it. I look forward to the next one later this year.

What a strange thread this turned out to be. Happy Australia Day to all Aussies!

Top Gun was on TV last night. Enjoyed it but it is kind of cheesy.

sorry to hear about your loss. My daughter had ski races all weekend. After seeing so many of the kids fall, I was hoping that she just made it down never mind about winning!

Wow Salomon SX61 ski boots, they were a great ski boot and would you believe it i still see them some times. They must be nearer to 30 years old! Bright red, right? But ski boots do loose strength over the years. Basically the plastic does tend to become weaker with age. I would recommend trying a pair of rental boots, i am sure you will feel the difference in performance, though your rear entry Salomons might feel more comfortable!

about 15cm in Hakuba, I was supposed to go cross country skiing today but the snow is too wet and heavy!

After yesterday's light rain we wake up to snow of the heavy wet variety

I went to Tsugaike Kogen yesterday, I would say the percentage was about 15% for people wearing helmets

Chilly this morning. -15 on the car thermometer

I have seen a lot more Japanese wearing helmets this season on Happo-one. Probably close to 50%. All Happo ski instructors need to wear one.

I think this season might see the lowest number of points of a team winning the league. Many of the teams are and probably will keep dropping points. I reckon it will be mighty close.

But without a manager

its looking increasingly likely that Yanaba Ski Area (Hakuba/Omachi, Nagano) wont be opening this season.

and no possessions too

Yes I set myself up for that. What I should have How I have missed the aroma of peace and tranquility of freshly fallen glistening virgin white snow

Good to wake up to dusting of snow. How I have missed the smell of it.

Just changed to sleet

absolutely peeing down in Otari this morning. I hope it changes to snow.

I can't comment about the drive from Kyoto to Hakuba but in Hakuba in the first week of March you should have snow chains or better still snow tires. Sometimes the roads are clear in March but its best to be safe than sorry.

Hitler's ball