TJ OZ

Got some great memories of aussie resorts. As MB said, it is what it is. No comparison to Japan. Just good to be out sliding around with my mates.

Everyone should send their beer to me for safe storage.

Originally Posted By: ausi ski bum Looking at the bookings for my two apartments in Falls Creek, I will be lucky to earn enough this year to pay the Management fee's, most likely the worst year since I bought then in 2002 I noticed it is looking rather bleak up there ASB. Hopefully it starts dumping and finishes strongly. I saw the night skiing promo which is a good thing for Falls.

Goryu / Hakuba 47 on the 9 May this year. A week earlier was top to bottom at 47 and good condition right to the base. The northery aspect means it can hold the snow longer. The start of the Kurobe / Tateyama tour, which by the way is a fantastic trip, is only about 40 minutes drive away from Hakuba. Sounds like an awesome trip you're planning.

Originally Posted By: Donner Thanks! Actually yeah I suppose it isn't ALL about the snow. The more I think about it that getting lost in Japan kind of aspect of a trip appeals more. Niseko sounds awesome snow-wise but I somehow prefer the sound of somewhere like Shiga Kogen or Zao. All sounds great! Zao sounds like the escape and adventure you are looking for within the list of popular places to ski however as mentioned there are even more places totally off the radar. Seek and you will find.

Originally Posted By: SKI So was Shiga Kogen. Then Happo wins because I said it first here.

Originally Posted By: SKI Originally Posted By: TJ OZ The most renowned resort for the Japanese is Happo One in Hakuba. I thought that actually went to Shiga Kogen. It was named in some Japanese ski Mags a number of years back even before the Olympics.

For westerners you're correct there. The most renowned resort for the Japanese is Happo One in Hakuba. A mix of things relating back to the 50 years it's been open, the bubble times and the Nagano olympics in 98. Karuizawa is famous for all year round resort style holiday for the Japanese rich and famous and gets a lot of asian visitors. Gala Yuzawa has it's own shinkansen station so it gets a lot of day trippers from Tokyo. There are over 500 resorts throughout Japan. Get a car, a navi and a phrase book and you will have the time of your life.

Mulu caves in Sarawak, Borneo are on my list. Apparently they are filling up so parts of them won't be accessible for many more years. Mt Kinabalu in Sabah is awesome but put some fitness time in before attempting. Tak Bai if you want to visit Thailand and not see a tourist. (it is a declared no go area). Good for a quick pass through maybe. Perhentian Islands or Tioman island for some diving.

Originally Posted By: Kraut_in_HongKong Originally Posted By: TJ OZ Cathay have the best economy class that I have been on. The shell seats with power supply and very good inflight entertainment make for a very comfortable ride. I would choose them above all others. Pro (in eco): Power supply in seat for notebooks HUGE video list Videos can be stopped at your choice Videos with F words still have them in it. Cons (in eco): In the new seat system the back rest does not move back (which I appreciate if I got a moron in front of me), but the ass rest moves forward, which is ok

Cathay have the best economy class that I have been on. The shell seats with power supply and very good inflight entertainment make for a very comfortable ride. I would choose them above all others.

Looks like rain might render the game to an indoor drinks fest. For those not really into the sport side of it feel free to come down to participate in the social side. The HCC is a not for profit sports club established to develop the game in the region and to offer an opportunity for participants to gain all the benefits of playing sport and being involved in a social environment. (I think the Japanese kids come to get free english lessons as well). All are welcome.

I always like to know how many were polled in surveys like this. I have it on good authority that Jesus won't be coming back.

There are plenty of Japanese companies here in Hakuba that are employing foreign seasonal workers. Interesting that they don't up north. I have met a few disappointed workers who have gone through agencies so I am not sure if that is the way to go. Just make sure you discuss the position with the people you are working for. WW - Easy to organise a gaijin card as long as you have an address in Japan. We see quite a few people rent a place for the season, buy a little K van and just have a cruisy 5 month skibum holiday. Wouldn't mind doing something like that myself.

Pay rates are around 800 to 1000 yen an hour. Accommodation and meals for 25000 per week leaves you with a bit of beer money. A season Pass will set you back about 50000. So depending on how much work you do and how much you party, there is a chance to walk away with a few dollars which I see happen often. You need a gaijin card and hanko (signature stamp) to buy a car which is easy to apply for. Plenty of cheap cars available around 100000 + reg. and tax. Sorry to rebuke WW. Things can be difficult here if you don't know the way but certainly can be done.

Welcome to the forums Martin. I can recommend Hakuba and I see a lot of crew here doing the same each season as you are wanting to do. BC terrain is endless. Good town vibe. As TB said, organise your working visa and you should be able to find plenty of job opportunities. The season kicks off usually around the end of November and work will start mid December. A car is good to have but can be a little complicated to arrange. Having a car means you can check out a lot of other resorts around Nagano and Niigata although I see most people tend to just hang out in the Hakuba Valley. The free bus s

Is that the thredders place falling through?

Theres a piece of machinery called a bulldozer. We were able to sort out a pitch in the side of the mountain. Quite beautiful actually. It will take a while for all the grass to grow and for the turf wicket to really harden up and level out but all up we are pretty pleased with ourselves.

Grudge match yes. A thrashing by the Hakuba team will really sort them out.

It takes about 45 minutes to get to the coast at Itoigawa and then about 25 minutes to get to a good break that I have been to a few times now. It is all storm generated so you need to keep an eye on the weather systems. I have seen some decent size waves up there but mostly small stuff. The storms can bring a lot of wood down to the ocean. I paddled over a full size pine tree once. Looking forward to heading down to Kochi again later this year. Some good breaks down there.

Yep pretty much the same down here GN. I think mountain biking is taking off and paragliding is growing. Gym, cricket and fishing for me with the odd day in the surf when the storms come through. Do you get any waves around your way?

That is a big night out.

The same Canadian got me out twice this week Hey, I have never ever claimed I was any good at cricket. It's all just a bit of fun while we all wait for the next snow season.

Originally Posted By: thursday I used to play cricket. Even had all the creamy white gear. When I was 15, I took 4 wickets in one over. Shouldn't take advantage of wheelchaired kids I suppose All comers are invited, wheelchairs and all. We have had people from many countries who have never seen let alone played the game who catch on pretty quickly.

1 night off it so far but I know I'll have a few tomorrow arvo/evening. I was going to have a month off it before the new baby came however she came a month and 1 day early. The season is worst for me. It's part of my job.