IM
SnowJapan Member-
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SJ'er with 300+ posts
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How late can you snboard in Niseko?
IM replied to toofunky's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Check the web page. Last year, I skied thru the g week. -
split boards vs snowshoes
IM replied to Kumapix's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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. -
Opinions Please
IM replied to cmallery's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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. -
Opinions Please
IM replied to cmallery's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Boaders sitting in the middle of a run - I spray them. -
hokkaido snow cat
IM replied to village's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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. -
Avies in Niseko
IM replied to Showman's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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 -
hokkaido snow cat
IM replied to village's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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. -
Yuzawa looking good (photo)
IM replied to SnowJapan#Andrew's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Wow, I can see my condo! -
My 75 year old friend....
IM replied to minus's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Good to hear people are still trying new things. You know Keizo Miura is 100, and still skiing. -
Backcountry guides
IM replied to jimmyk's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Maaan!! Everybody's brother is now a guide! -
Currency Exchange?
IM replied to natfu's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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. -
Yuzawa Ryokan/Hotel + baby-sitting
IM replied to SerreChe's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Is Naspa still skiers only resort? -
Best place in Yuzawa
IM replied to Amos in Utsunomia's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
Well, if condition is right, you get pows and no people. I'd just buy kaisu ken to get a few runs. -
Best place in Yuzawa
IM replied to Amos in Utsunomia's topic in Snow talk, trip reports, Japan avalanche & backcountry
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