SKI

They've really got to put some effort into that! (And it's definitely an ostrich).

How's that phone going on then after last weekend?

Kagura is the most consistent place in Yuzawa by far, and especially so this season with the less than great conditions and relative lack of powder around. I'd just go up there get on the first ropeway up (Mitsumata) and head over to Kagura.

Very nasty. Don't they have regulations over wind and things like that?

That does look good. I recently saw Pans Labyrinth which was very bizarre.

Places to eat in Shiga Kogen basically equals restaurants in hotels. The place where there is the most activity is the Mammoth/Ichinose area of the resort. Great place, but lacking on entertainment off the slopes.

This morning I put the tv on and there was a morning program on. It had just started. There were 12 - twelve! the main reporters + the talent and commentators - people lined up in front of their desks and all standing there looking very proper with their hands in front of them........ it just struck me as being really funny.

Thats nuts manda. Glad you told them you were going to buy a different make. (Having said that, I'm pretty sure all manufacturers will be similar on this policy). The only thing people seem to fix is cars. Even then I know someone who has got through 7 cars in as many years - keeps on changing them when something goes wrong. Changing cars here seems like such a hassle with all the shaken and forms and everything but he seems to have found a way to make it work. I'll have to ask him.

I got me some Marmot ultimates - best I've had in my time.

I don't think you'll need them - unfortunately.

That surprises me (about there being a lot of snow up there). Do we have any evidence? Just found some: http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/webcam/central/fuji-1.html

That is fantasy (for the hotels!) I'm sure if you asked all of them they will have space. Do as they say and good luck!

Long time since I had to look at that info but.. Basically jacket & trousers I think. Maybe gloves and goggles, that will depend.

Ms SKI made a compilation of Seal songs from his I-IV albums. It's really good.

I'm adjusting mine now as well and will probably only be off from 31st-2nd. I'm not going to spend the time and money for a less than stellar experience.

I tried the toe socks once - didn't like them. Felt strange in my boots. Back to the x-socks.

There's also a lot more info available now - SJ plays a lsrge part in that. And I'm pretty sure I remember reading they also do a lot of stuff with overseas ski press and the like..

Sounds like a top deal that. Never been there.

As he said.

24th now Seems there is still a lot of color in the mountains of Niigata which I think is later than usual. Kagura is opening tomorrow, if you can call it opening... sounds like a joke to me.

Yes. Really like them.

Quote: I dont know how they are linked either but people dont like being called fools i gather and wil bring up the past. Relevant or not? Sounds a little foolish in itself that Anyway enough! The snow is nearly here!

Any Jaws that has a number after the word Jaws.

Quote: SKI, Its truly amusing how you can speak for the rest of Japan/foreigners based on your own views. Hmmm, I don't. I wondered how long it would take for the ducking ropes thing to appear.

Kagura does not open this weekend. The only thing that will open this weekend up there is the 900m artificial snow run.