marnix

Men and women aren't segregated anymore, only at certain liftlines (but that might change again). This results in ver short lines for women and long waiting time for men. It certainly is elitist. This is one advantage as most people on the slope will speak French or English. In certain countries and probably with certain nationalities the Iranian authorities play games with you when you apply for a visa. After 6 weeks and many phonecalls I got mine just 4 hours before the plane departed. But I heard from others who applied in Japan that is was pretty straightforward.

I'm not, but my wife is.

I was there at Christmas 2001. I had a great time. Staying with friends who had a cabin near Dizin then travelling through the country to Isfahan, Kerman and Bam (very cheap flights). Back to the snow for 1 day (Shemshak, rented a taxi for a day for $25). If I had the opportunity I would go back. It was 2 weeks of fun and the people are so nice. Everyone is very helpful. The problem is that women have to cover up and I heard a story of 2 Iranian girls that were arrested after talking to 2 foreigners. Even the ayatollah agrees with skiing entrance to Dizin ski resort (in the b

This stuff is interesting but having average pricing into 2 decimals is ridiculous. It doesn't make sense what so ever comparing USD with Euro's prices in this order. Just last week the USD fell more than 2 percent against the Euro.

Been there. Skiing in Iran is great especially for women (much shorter liftlines) and alcoholics (almost every gondola ride up I was offered (illegal) home made wodka. Dizin is nice resort all well above the treeline, but not much steep. For the FTs and Toques among us they should head out to Shemshak which is closer to Tehran, much smaller but more steeper/diverse terrain. Dizin is only a 2 hour suicide taxi ride from Tehran. Hitchhiking is very well possible too (this might be a tad saver) The snow is very dry because it comes from the south over some hot deserts.

Are there other possibilities to get to the snow? I always want to take at least 2 pairs of ski's and a helmet and gloves and everything. Just to be prepared for a bad day when a lot goes wrong. Then having a car is easy to carry all the extra stuff with you. It also brings you to places where you normally won't go taking the train or bus and you are more flexible if you change your mind halfway the ride up (usually around Maebashi).

Go out as much as possible (during or right after a dump) and have fun. I think there must be better options around Yuzawa than Kagura for this purpose.

wow kumapix you are on 666 posts and Toque on 6660. Is that a sign?

I would start with a (bc) buddy. If you don't then you might not even need a beacon (no one will miss you, so maybe no search at all in case something bad happens). Do you really want BC or just off-piste powder? If it is off-piste powder then go out and wander just slightly off the groomed stuff and get some practice. (Kagura has some easy tree-less off-piste possibilities). No matter what you want to do off the groomers be sure to take an avalanche awareness course and practice with you beacon/probe/shovel as much as possible. In BC do not follow tracks you don't know where th

Quote: Originally posted by me jane: Pretty difficult cos whoever I find reflects on me so I should find someone good but then if I get anyone who too good I might find myself with no job to come back to! Still puking... My neighboor had something like that. She took 9 months off and when she got back her replacement was promoted and is now her boss.

Any ski girls on the board, still looking for an avatar? It has something to do with smoked Norwegian cheese. So probably perfect for Cheesewoman

I always start with The Netherlands, but most people don't have a clue. Then move on the Holland. A lot of people have heard of this place (which officially doesn't exist since 1800). I hate Dutch people who say they are from Holland, because they are not. Maybe South-Holland or North-Holland but these merely are 2 provinces of the country. So there is no such thing as Holland (anymore). Then I finally move one to Amsterdam. Most know the infamous reputation of that place, but still enough respond to it by saying, "oh, isn't that in Denmark?". Then there is the thing of being Dutch, b

Can't you register your boat in the UK and by doing this avoid taking the exams.

I think my wife sabotised the trip, because this morning the car started just fine. Anyway I still want to do it, but maybe coming from the other side. Does anyone know if it is possible to skin/climb Tateyama/Oyama from the Daikanbo side?

As my car didn't want to start yesterday morning we didn't make it to Tateyama. Out of pure misery we ended up going to Takao which was a nice walk, but one advice don't do this duiring GW.

Sorry I confused you it will be next week during GW. today it was our national day and yesterday I had a meet and greet with the emperor and his family. (can't leave Japan without saying goodbye to him)

Toque - On average you are pretty happy that you go back?

Quote: Originally posted by Rag-Doll: Presumably though Farquah, you would always qualify for citizenship in your home country, even if you gave it up. This really like dual citizen ship depends on the laws in either country. I know someone who gave up his citizenship of his homecountry so he could be part of the Japanese football team. After he became a Japanese citizen he wasn't selected for the team! But he couldn't regain his citizenship, because he was seen as a Japanese who was born in a different country.

I'll go for 2 and end up being late back. Hope the snow is ok.

My friend lives in an upmarket house with central aircon. It is already switched to summer mode (cool air only). So last week he and his gf ended up sitting under a blanket and turning in early because it was too cold.

After 4 months travelling I ended up with a broken ankle in NZ not covered by my 'permanent travel insurance'. Better read the small print carefully before picking an insurance.

Many travel insurances only cover trips up to 45 days. If you want to travel longer you might consider this. http://www.ihi.com/english/individual/2.asp

Quote: Originally posted by me jane: I've found the solution! No more babies in backpacks on the slopes I have a set of baby stroller skis. Not exactly these but with velcro straps. Never used them, but my sister did (not skiing, just on snow).

I plan to go there on Friday, Don't know if I take anything with me except the mrs. and the baby. still in negotiation phase.