cozzza

i'm thinkin that'd be fatty at log/pension kanon in hirafu, i'm sure if you dropped them a line they'd let you know. Their contact info is in the Places to Stay section if you are interested. (edited) [This message has been edited by Ski Japan Guide (edited 20 March 2002).]

I've heard you can hike tateyama (toyama-ken) and board down, and heli-ski hakusan (ishikawa-ken)but has anyone out there actually done either of these?

I think the main thing in japan is that you have to search out the steeps and sometimes you have to put up with a bit of a hike or be prepared for a quick escape from the patrol. as far as the better steep/advanced sections i've found so far, i think the run from the peak to hanazono in niseko is the best - fast, steep and with some interesting trees at the end. the only drawbacks are the hike if you take the wrong line and the volumes of people on a good day. apart from that: hakuba 47 has some good stuff under the quad lift, nozawa some fun but not so steep sections around the top