neversummer

it doesn't matter when it happens, it just will. I think last New Year there was a metre overnight and there were some great photos doing the rounds. I think I remember Creekboy posted some from his balcony (it could be someone else) and someone posted their car which looked like a mushroom from Mariocart. I hope it sooner rather than later though!

I like the vid too. Much smoother than a hand held cam like I have experimanted with in the past.

Will try and get some shots over the weekend, maybe friday if the weather is kind. I have a fair few people interested in having a try and many more interested in seeing exactly what it is and how it works. Converted....yes!

I am happy to take this but these clowns are the same guys who 'forecast' 1-2cm on Saturday and 3cm on both Sunday and Monday . I would estimate we had somewhere around 60-70cm in this time in Kutchan so it that is any indication to go by then we should have at least 80cm on Sunday night We can all dream but more snow never hurt anyone.

We I must say that all the hype that all the noboarders have been talking about is spot on. Having seen an article in SB Canada and then talked to and subsequently bought a noboard pad from Kumapix, this is definately my full time snow activity from today forward. Although only heading up for the morning and doing some hiking (3 lines of about 300m each) I couldn't help but smile and know that for every person who tries noboarding in decent powder will more than likely walk away with a similar feeling of immense satisfation. It is similar to snowboarding but much more technical,

Putting mine together as I write. 1st Descent tomorrow, should be interesting! Lets hope I make it in one piece.

You're having a laugh....Aussies in Niseko? I think you got the wrong resort Should be plenty to see and do though.

All year for me. lots of snow last night too!

Whilst all these guys were out there getting POW, I had to snow clear all the snow that had fallen around my place Should have a new noboard here soon and will soon be chasing POW myself

In Hirafu, you get a seasons pass if you instruct so it is not all over Japan. Maybe foreign companies only though, not sure about the Japanese ones.

what is your budget dools? I know someone who may be able to help but it depends on your price.

Originally Posted By: JA Matt, Having been to Niseko (twice in 05/6 and 06/7) and Furano (once, last season) I feel somewhat qualified to respond. Niseko is becoming quite "australianised" to the point that we were playing "spot the local" on the slopes. We'd have gone back last season except we were too late booking and the places that catered for our age (all 50-60) and group of 4 people were all booked out. So ... we went to Furano and had an absolute ball. Our Japanese is not very wonderful, and it was even less so when we went in January, but the language problem was not very much

Dizzy, any idea where the link is? WOuld be keen to see it. NS

Hey Will, Some tips, I did this quite a bit when living in the Northern Hemishpere for a while whilst going home to visit at the end of summer. 1. Find a brand that releases to the Southern Hemi before the current Northern Hemi season and if they fit nice, buy them at end of Aus season prices. You will usually get a 35-35% discount. Otherwise, get this Aus seasons boots. As they say, if the boot fits, wear it! 2. Get your tax back by buying them within 30 days of departure. This is the GST component and you will just have to take them to the airport and show the customs offic

In all seriousness, I was being totally honest as I haven't seen a real need for them here. There is never much ice, not even on the road to Sapporo this morning or tonight when it was snowing heavily. I used snow tyres last year on work cars but not on mine and didn't really notice the difference so I asked a legit question. There aren't many places on the road that are hairpin corners or off cambre slopes so with careful driving, you shouldn't get into trouble around here but I am sure over confidence will get the better of people some time during the winter. I will make it my business

I'm not a hardcore tea drinker but if I could have any tea the Yorkshire Gold would be it. I love it but have never seen it here and don't expect to ever see it in Kutchan. I don't mind Earl Grey either but honestly, give me a good Espresso or Macchiato any day

Send me an invite next time Mike. I'll see if I can get some time away from the Reno.

I use protein powder after riding for a long day. Always wake up feeling fresh and ready to ride again. Never tried Magnesium or even heard about it before this thread. Will try and compare though this season.

Are snow tyres a propoganda tool? I don't have snow tyres, yeah it is a little slippery but that is the same when driving someone else's car who have snow tyres, and I didn't have snow tyres in Europe or in Australia so am wondering if they are all they are made up to be. My Japanese friends, and foreigners alike, think if you don't have snow tyres you will kill yourself on the roads. Anyone else not buying into it?

very good to hear Hokkaido is whitening up!

I heard you put some lines in today Mike?

I read in the Japan Times that a hotel in Niseko, who remained anonymous, had had 20% cancellation in the past couple of months. It is easy to see how when you factor in as an example the holiday costs 20,000AUD and everyone here has a 20% deposit so 4,000AUD. 3 months ago that was 16,000AUD to pay 60 days prior to arrival or about 1,600,000JPY....now that is near on 2,800,000JPY. If I was in that situation, I would seriously consider loosing my 4,000AUD to save 12,000AUD, it just means that you will return home and have a huge debt hanging over your head. As JA said, the yen

I will never go back to a non-electric one. The only thing I don't like is how much it costs for each head but I guess Oral B has to make money somewhere

I use skype for almost all calls now, international and domestic. I am not sure if mobile phones are compatible here yet with skype but many of my friends in the UK use skype from their mobiles to to call my PC skype. Qulaity is really good unless the other person is on a remote line in australia or other country with sub standard internet.

Where the resort has had an opportunity to look at what has been happening, in terms of development, and as a responsible company, plan for the future, the resort has not listened to any of the local companies about how to sucessfully deal with problems that have arisen. some points to note: 1. There are still only the small shuttles that do the loop through the lower village despite an increase in bedding numbers of around 500. 2. The lower village loop has remained on the same route despite a significant increase in development in the lower 'lower village' making it difficult for t