IM

Check the web page. Last year, I skied thru the g week.

Split boards, I think, have some serious drawbacks in Japan. Many around me don't use them anymore. 1. Boards/bindings get heavy. 2. Decreased riding performance (to some extent) 3. Skins are may be heavier than shoes 4. Unless you are trained skier, tough to turn on a switch back on a steep and traverse. Of course it is always a good idea to have all parties have the same clibming equipment.

Kumapix, I thought most of the resorts banned smoking on the lift or gondola. I don't remember when was the last time I saw anyone smoking on a lift. Smoking should be banned in any building.

Boaders sitting in the middle of a run - I spray them.

If you are willing to hike for along time, you can ski down on North side of Wise, where no one really goes. No tracks guranteed.

Showman, They have just closed Super Course at Hirafu. There are many god size cracks above (aka 大広間）and a large crack just under the Center 4 lift. Also, cracks are found outside of the resort boundaries (access thru gates like Strawberry, Jackson). Because you can't see them from above, I heard some accidents (minor injuries) have happend. I have not heard any avalanches outside of the ski area (except Chise) But in general, within the boudaries are safe. If you go off thru the gates, looks like all bets are off this season

There is a cat operation at アルファ　トマム resort. Sorry I do not have the URL. Also at Arai, too.

Wow, I can see my condo!

Good to hear people are still trying new things. You know Keizo Miura is 100, and still skiing.

Maaan!! Everybody's brother is now a guide!

Japan ATMs still do not accept foreign bank cards. Post office ATMs do accept Cirrus or STAR cards. Post offices are all over Japan, but at Niskeo only place is Kucchan (cab or bus ride). Their operationg hours are limited to day time. Bring tons of cash, and would be nice to drop some money to local economy.

Is Naspa still skiers only resort?

Well, if condition is right, you get pows and no people. I'd just buy kaisu ken to get a few runs.

Rule of thumb - I always call Kagura ahead to check the weather/lift ops. If closed "tenjin" is another chioce if you are driving from south. Otherwise, Kayama Captain Coast, you know, the place with a sail boat.

Since those fatts are pretty much gone in Japan, I picked them up on my biz. trip back to US last month. Got some deal, but not much ~10%off. And yes, they are a bit short, but the width will compensate for the floatation. Also, there are some strange sticks out.↓ http://www.icelanticboards.com/at_boards.htm