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IM

SnowJapan Member
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Posts posted by IM

  1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. 1. The road to the 5th station may not be open till GW - check with local police.

     

    2. Fuji is compeletely weather dependent. Sunny day, great, windy, ice mountain.

     

    3. Two routs, North side, and South side.

    4. Plan on 5-6 hour hike

    5. Do not push if an altitude sickness sets in.

    6. Make sure to submit a climbming plan to local police

    7. Crampons and an ice axe is a good idea.

    8. Even on a sunny day, wind picks up in early PM.

    9. Watch for falling rocks - they do not stop on snow or ice.

    10. Wise not to summit,if condition is not ideal.

     

    11. Good luck, Fuji is a fun place provided you have good party of people, good weather.

  4. Mountain Rescue teams are typically run by local police organizations, such as Tanigawa search and rescue is under Gunma Police, another one that frequently mentioned in the media is stationed at Tateyama, under Toyama Police. Through media, I have this feeling that they are more suited for organized search and rescue rather than quick in/out of an avvy victem or others. What comes to my mind is the rescue at Mai Hotaka early in the season, that they had to wait for the weather to clear to air lift a guy who dug a snow pit to survive.

    Also, it is kinda interesting that many retired members of those teams had written books about the days in the life of an rescue team.

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