Jim

Thanks for the info. I usally spend most of my time in Niseko, have you been there and how do Louise and Sunshine compare? Do you thinks its worth going all the way to Canada or would I be better off heading back to Hokkaido?

Im thinking of going to Canada next month and want to do the Rockies. Can anyone advise me on the best place to stay in order to have easy access to Lake Louise, Sunshine etc. Is it possible to get a hotel in Banff itself and still get easy access to the mountains?? Do you know of a good hotel or lodge? Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks

Anyone know why snow japans information states that niseko has around 2.2m of snow but the hirafu site says only 1.6m as thats a hell of a big difference. Which site is likely to be correct??

Yeah shouldnt be a problem, I been there late march and early april and it was still good (read shit loads better than aussie), but watch the reports and check out the snowfall throughtout the season as last season was pretty shit in Niseko didnt snow till dec 25th in any real amount and I got some spring conditions in mid feb last year so march conditions will depend on how the main part of the season fairs, best of luck to us all.

Basically a kinda sad joint, the best area to hit is the mountain on the left as you are driving in, you cant miss it as its the highest looking peek. Best run is to head to the top and facing down the hill go to your far right and you should find a spot where a cat track cuts through some trees to the left, at this spot you can get some good air with a nice sloped landing. Just watch out for country bumpkins and kids. I think the snowboard park if it still exists is on the mountain to the right as u are comin in. Its the kinda joint where u can go for a low key half day and its not too ba

www.1st-snowboard.com

Shin-ochanomizu station on the Chioda line. The place where winter is an endless reality. Just ask for directions to Victora or Minami Sports.

Best Nagano resort is Nozawa hands down. Real steep in the right places, making it great for boarding, some great pow and tree runs at the top and a mad off piste run if you drop off the back of the mountain riding right down the valley technical as hell and not for just anyone.

Cheers for the info. How do you find the ratchet operation, do the buckles slide smoothly when taking them off? How much did you pay for them at Victoria?

Any one use the more tech salomon bindings as im thinking of buying some spx 6s and would like some feedback from anyone who uses any of the spx range. Cheers

check out www.ebsmission.co.jp for more boarder oriented protection but a really good range of reasonably priced stuff. The stuff in the picture is just road racing armor, not specifically designed for snow sport

generally speaking frontside is always easier, but backside looks way more stylish.

The F series uses the minus one liner, it is fused to the boot/made as part of the boot origional construction so it will give you a one size smaller external fit, perfect for large footed types as it reduces toe drag, allows you to ride a greater variety of stance angles etc. The authentic line are standard boots, with removable liners etc etc and the standard size. The F boots are thought to be the best boots that money can buy and they are full of tech shit. Check out this link http://www.salomonhookup.ca and click on training at the top then snow equip it will the give you all the i

PAIN

U cant do Niseko on a weekend man, u need 4 days minimum as it takes a full day to get there and back.

Best deals in Tokyo are to be found in Ochanomizu on the Chuo line from Shinjuku. See if you can pick up bindings and boots made by the same company as they you get the best fit that way. For example Northwave or APX boots with Drake bindings; F50 wmens or F60s, Salomon Poison bindings and Dialogue boots (dont know the name of the womens specific version). Salomon stuff is esp good for learners as they have fast fit boots and bindings making everything faster and easier to do up. You can buy last years model boards for 40,000 yen and should be able to pick up a womens specific set for 40,

Just got back from Hirafu today, dont worry its all good there, pleanty of powder to go around, up until the 25th was shite but its getting back to normal now, only thing different from ususal is that they arent opening all the lifts on a regular basis 6c often closed and the top singles havent run at all yet but strawberries and all that is rideable with only the night riding being a touch hard and icy.

How does it rate in comparison to Nozawa Onsen as im tryin to decide which of the two I should go to, so has anyone done both resorts?

Has anyone been there in the last season or two as Id like the lowdown on the place, access between the different resorts etc. cheers

best advice would be to go to salomon station at goyru, as they have about the best rental stuff in the area. should be a shuttle bus there as its close to happo

Snowboard only, mainly freeride though I dont mind a nice soft spring park.

Of course you do. A seats are 4800 and S seats are 5800 yen, double day passes are also avaliable for around 9000 yen. I got my tickets for the sunday, cant wait.

Pro tec is what I wear and its about the best value for money. I got the half pipe model as it has lots a vents and I dont get a crazy hot head. I still wear a beanie under it. Keep in mind you will helmet specific goggles for a helmet so I had to get new goggles also, Spy Blizzards in my case.

Checkout Snova.co.jp for info on the indoor scene

Thanks. Tak