rudean77

Thanks Alot, with so many other notable places in the country Tohoku can be overlooked, even by the Japanese themselves. However, it has sone very nice places to visit ski areas and more.... It is worth the extra transportation hardship for sure. Dean

Its a mixed blessing the economic doldrums of Japan aren`t they? Well one fring benefit is, like you say, the lack of crowds compared to ten years ago, and unlike in the States, the ticket prices are the same as they were back then too(rougly). Now if only i could get that shink ticket to cost a little less...... Dean

Since I was relying on information that was passed on, I welcome elaboration. Does it really have short lines? How is the snow? Shold the chance for me to go on a similar trip to the ones my friends took be accepted. Yoroshiku, Dean

The north contains some treasures. Id like to claim invention of the "Shinjuku on Snow" line about the lines and crowds at southern resorts, but I can not it was a friend visiting Echigo Yuzawa. But the longest line I`ve ever had to wait in Tohoku this side of the Zao and Hakkoda tramways was less than 10 min. That in itself makes it worth it to come "Explore Tohoku". Dean

Iwate Head, what will you be doing in these parts next year? Funding you lift tickets with English Teaching like the rest of us? Dean

Fattwins, isn`t a life without dreams not really a life at all? Good luck! Dean

Fat twins, as they say "show me the money". Probably better to stay in Kyoto. Do you wives "salary-MEN" colleagues know her true gender? Ha Ha! Seroiusly, in Iwate a flent English speaking female friend of mine who worked Fuji Bank Atlanta and New York can do no better than an OL job here in Iwate. "Danson Johi"(rampant sexism), is strong in these parts. If you wife has a god job there... enjoy the weekends on the slopes....Dean

Well coming from a state where 75% of the revenue coming into the state comes from skiing and dairy products(read cheese). I may take cheese a bit more seriously than the man on the street. I didnt take him too seriously my toungue was lightly planted in my cheek when I replied. But coming from the state that won the European Cheese finals in 1998(kind of like a Tanzanian skiier winning the FIS world cup), I realize chesse can be very important. Swiss Chee-rs, Dean

Fattwins, Can you talk the wife into coming up to Hachi? Even if she doesn`t want to hit the slopes, Hachimantai is a very famous onsen resort....It may provide a decent diversion while you get to hit the Pow?? Dean

Nagoid, Im in Nishine Cho, nestled in at the base of Iwate San. Nishine is a great place to work, eat cheap and greasy Japanese food, but the nightlife is um...well....Im lucky its only a 35 minute drive to Morioka. However my apartment is exactly 20 minutes by car from Appi, one can hit Shimokuora and Hachimantai Resort in about 45 minutes. Shizukushi(my fave in Japan!!!!!) ,Hachimantai, and Amihari, are all within 90 minutes drive(a little more than an hour for each), provided I do not get lost on my way(happened twice this winter). Dean "Hookoo-onchi" Ruetzler

Cheeseman, what exactly do you mean by cheese? Are you taking about Japanese Ski fashion? We have that in abundance, but again maybe not to its lengendary level of the past few years, it was a tad subdued. Are you talking about the Dairy Product? Iwate is home of Koiwai Farms which has some decent cheese, killer yoghurt drinks, and good dairy and farm products. However being a native Vermonter I will take time to plug the merits of my homestates "rakunoo meibutsu". Cabot Farms Cheddar Cheese and Ben and Jerry`s Ice Cream(which sells in Japanese 7-11 convienence stores). Peace, Love and Butterf

7-11, Ive managed to hit the slopes 30 times this year, may get one or two more times in, may hit the summit of Hachimantai(no lifts, but skiable snow, and lots of it still up there). Been a good winter but not two the legendary status of 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. Dean

Rach San, I would much rather be "out in the boonies". Was born and raised there, and when ever I go overseas to work, it seems I end up there. Love BFE. Dean

Bigbush, if you are going to get up here, please try to make it before the end of March, after that it become a little more of a "Ski on Sherbet Zone" around these parts. Enjoy! Dean

Fattwins, there is the usual assortment of teaching jobs in the area, plus the Earlham program is based here. In addition to a high concentration of JETs and Eikaiwas, there are more english teaching jobs than usual for a rural Japanese location. Appi itself is said to hire foreigners if their Japanese is good enough. I have seen a ski instructor, and a cafeteria worker that are most definitely not Japanese(by genetics at least, they may have passports and/or upbringing). Appi seems to have a higher awareness of the fact that some of its customers are not Japanese, and will have a higher conce

Rajeem, I cannot speak for the editorial staff, but I can say that I have always been encouraged in my efforts to write about skiing in Japan by the editorial staff. I would encourage you to write and submit. Correct me if im wrong but as an Indian national arent you near to such huge mountains as K2? I bet K2 is a tougher ski than everest as I heard its a tougher climb. When will thre be a high speed quad to the summit? Dean

Helen Tokyo, Appi may not be the ideal place for a few types of really advanced skiiers (though they do have some decent expert terrain), it really has a lot for just about anyone else. It was no suprise a recent poll put Appi as the second best ski area in the country. Dean

Bob, I see you are in DC, not much good skiing there. Pre(This comment has been self-censored due to its heavily political nature)ks!!!!!!! However, you may just have a job that I am envious of. I guess everything has an element of sacrifice to it. Must miss Tohoku, Chuubu and/or Hokkaido skiing! Dean

Scouser, I wish I could say I go skiing 100 times a winter, but i too have a day job. Skiing and writing are just hobbies. In fact when I hit the slopes this weekend it be the first time in two weeks....

No Fakie, about Hachimantai Resort, it is runnig this year as it was bought up by Shimokura, the neighboring ski area. They now run together under one ticket, and have a shuttle bus between the mountains. They fixed up Hachimantais facilities some, and it looks to be a good move for both, as Shimokura is too small and a tad too challenging to be a great family resort. They compliment each other well, and one would hope they dont go broke. We`ll have to wait and see how it unfolds. Hachimantai, go there on a powdery day, and it defies description. Watch out for avalanches in the woods! Dea

Plucky, you are too kind, Im glad to see you agree with me. I want to make it plain to the readers that you are not in any way paid for, or forced, coerced, or manipulated to say that. Though I should pay you. My High School English teachers thought I was going to be a good short order cook in the future. Yoroshiku, Dean

Snobo Yaro, Shizukuishi is pretty good for the nuts and bolts as far as the skiing is concerned, just don`t expect too much over and above that, and you will have a great time. Though its been raining up here lately, hope we get some more snow before you make it to Shizu. Dean