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iina~ I am in New England, this weekend, though the 3-day weekend, I will be heading to Maine for "ICE SKIING", yikes!

Montoya, If you do not have problem reading J, there are books out (w/CDs) on Kashmir. It is a really neat freeware (and very powerful, too).

From Tenjinn One, there are many chutes that end up at valleys like Nishiguro, Machiga. Like Seanbird, this place claims the hightest number of death in both Summer and Winter. I saw a tons of debris at the bottem all the time and when good to ski, it is most dangerous. But it is most rewarding. Check out a DVD called GIFT, the place is nothing you'd expect in Japan, and only a few hours drive from Tokyo.

Japan map (Map source) only goes into Japan version of Garmin. Basic ones (etrex, fortrex...) work out of the box, you need to set units, datum to Tokyo, time, etc.. About datum, some newly revised Japan Topo has both Tokyo and WGS datum notchs, but older version still has only Tokyo notchs. Use those notches to draw lines of 1 min. apart. Then I use "map pointer" overlay to pinpoint the location. Oh, DO bring a spare batteries, they are only a box without them. About Topo map. You can buy paper version at large book store, or buy set of CDs and you can cut and paste the area of your i

Marqjp, Snooks only come in 193s. Cyco I have is the first season one and very stiff, Snook is soft flex and very easy to ride.

Looks like one survived, the other still missing, probably, no chance. http://www.mainichi-msn.co.jp/chihou/gunma/news/20050208ddlk10040259000c.html

Going home, Niseko.

By far Sapporo has more choices if you have some time. Also check out ICI http://www.ici-sports.com/shop/list6.html

Have fun everyone, and be safe. 6:30 flight to Niseko for me.

Blk, Sapporo, many people go to ↓ http://www.shugakuso.co.jp/ There is Sports Takiguchi in Kuchan. But they only carry skies, boots, tele. No good selection on clothing. There is a Board shop near by. http://www.spotaki.co.jp/ Also, Hirafu has a few stores. NAC, Toyru, 343

Looks like two borders are still missing. Tanigawa, Ebisuzawa, and now this. http://www.raijin.com/news/thu/news12.htm

Also, 眺望 "view (from higher grond)

I don't know any routes, but the other side of the river seem to be a good place. If you want to start from the station. I usually ride my bike around there in summer. Also, if you drive, around Dai Gennta cannyon may also be interesting with a small lake.

望also has meaning "face" as facing Yotei.

Its actually 望(view)羊（諦yotei)荘(villa). Center Hute is now King Belle. They changed all the facilities, lifts, and trails. It is now sooo confusing.

Especailly in windy days, my ears freeze, too. So I bought a very thin beanie, then my torque. That pretty much does the job. Another idea is Blaclava. MontBell sell the one that is convertible.

Funny, that Japanese do not really use the word "harakiri".

Subzero, Miharashi Hute is just off the Top Gondola Station (now it has a new name). You are probably talking about 望羊荘？ Yamakashi: The tent place is called Gentem Cafe. Reservation highly recommended. Now my two cents: Yakitori: Bang Bang Izakaya: Abuucha, Kame

An hour and half I'm off to Haneda!

Last three time I went, it was a hit. It is conditional to snow pack condition. There are two good areas, Bengakuzawa, which you can loop with a top quad chair. Okenashi, you have to hike up. If the day is good, you have to get to the base station early to get the ride ticket so that you can get to the first Gondola up. And if you are a guest at the resort, you can also purchase "early bird" sepcial to beat the crowd by 45 minutes.

Rate at Niseko at many lodges are about 6000-7000/night/2meals. W/o meals it runs about mid 4000/night. There is a YH at Annupuri that you may want to check out. Also, there is a lodge called Piste next to Sencho #1 and I believe they advertise as cheap sleep. I also remember 元気村at the corner of 343/5 in Kuchan - it may be closed. May be someone more local than I am can put 2 pennies.

There is a report that Orthvox DSP interfears with Japan Keitai frequencies. If you haven't pucheased it already, I'd suggest to find more about it. All I heard was the guy at Largo told me about it.

Amongs many tour operators, NAC, SAS, and NOASC are the oldest. They all do novice to more of a true BC tours. They are all located Hirafu and flyers are all over the place. Have fun. It has been a great trip for me over the holidays, dump after dump of poweder, and it is still dumping.

I wear them, yes. This season I bought a pair from Arcteryx. My other ones were too bulky, too hot and velcros messed up my long johns. Those pairs I can take them on/off with my pants on and no velcros.

Where are you? I am living in Tokyo, Meguro What are you riding? Rossi T4, Cycho, Volkl Sanook w/ G3 BC, resort, or park? Powder season : BC Post Powder: BC and parks Dedicated telemarker, or also boarder/alpine skier? I do all of the above. Ride with other telemarkers, friends on other mediums, or are you a lone wolf? Mostly w/ borders and AT skiers. Did you start on teles, or are you a convert? Sking since 2.5 yrs old and a covnert.