blu

OK, thanks

great video, anyone recognise that gondola?

That was quick, I did realise it was the wrong area.

Is there any western sized clothes (XL) & snowboard boots (US 12) in Yazawa rental shop (or Prince Hotel).

latest prices are from $1,260 Y and $2,060 Y+

We booked to fly PE in Feb 2011. I think it's a bargain compared to QF prices. My only complaint is the standard Y luggage allowance. Lounge access is a bonus. Here's someone's review from the airlinequality website: "Japan Airlines Sydney-Tokyo return. The flight is operated by Japan Airlines on behalf of Jalways. The service is polite and graceful. We travelled Premium Economy Class and there was always staff on hand to assist or offer you a drink, soup or snack. Premium Economy seats are quite comfortable and have large tables. The meal service (the same as normal economy class) in

and GN has probably sold all the Niseko accommodation by now.

3 metre Tsunami hit Macaronis. Still one surf charter missing.

Grandparents also need cafes, kissaten, departo, movies to avoid sitting in the hotel for 6 hours each day. Maybe a city based resort Sapporo, Asahikawa or Furano.

Mt Hutt had always opened early, but I've got a distant memory of Mt Ruapehu running lifts into Novemeber (& December?).

That slope would probably be over 30 degrees (altitude about 1900 metres). Wonder how they got the big ladder up there (it's near the end of the video). It's a great snow cover for only 2 weeks left in the season. The transition in the super pipe (which is way downhill) would still about 4 to 5 metres.

Spotted this being built last week. Video borrowed from youtube (credits to JKH). This will keep the depression away for those with no snow:

Two resorts reported in todays media to be extending the season to 10 Oct with limited lifts. Doesn't Karuizawa open with man made snow in October.

Another great day Mama. I had three generations of snowboarders enjoying Perisher today (all family). The boys have just arrived back to the lodge, there's much excitement with the kids, as the son-in-law just returned with a rainbow trout he just caught in Lake Jindy. Might be the last slide for us too. Now, how many days to Rusutsu & Central Hokaido.

What a day, no crowds, gotta love spring boarding.

The Prince Hotel has everything and has a lift right outside the hotel for Yakebitaiyama area with a link to Ichinose.

The Australian Snow Gum, resistent to frost & freezing. The colder it gets the more colour (bright red & yellow streaks) comes out in the trunk. Usually nicely spaced for offpiste boarding, not as tight as pine or fir trees. With kangaroos, wallabys and wombats around and below the snowline ( and unfortunately sometimes on the road as roadkill).

4* - but the cost varies with location.

look at the blue sky, not a cloud. They will be skiing in T Shirts this weekend (well maybe not me).

and here's Perisher today from youtube (so I guess it's in the public domain):

Latest forecast: 15cm over Monday & Tuesday cloudy to sunny - Wednesday to Sunday (mid day change). Bring the SPF30.

snow Wed, sunny Fri & Sat, more snow Sun & Mon. don't hesitate or else too late. I'll have all the fam (10 of us) at PB.

don't packup yet, Spring skiing hasn't even started yet. NB: see QF is introducing premium economy to Tokyo - it's currently on sale at $2k.

Wednesday - didn't get past the carpark on Wednesday due to the weather. Was -5 degrees in the car at 1030. Decided to put the snow chains on the Subaru for one section - up into Guthega village. Heard reports of cars off other roads. Winds hit 130kph on Wednesday night at the Mt BlueCow weather station. Thursday - having heard the pow reports from Wednesday, we made sure we got into it on Thursday. Weather still a bit extreme but hardly anyone out at Perisher. Offpiste freshies right up to when we left. The quality of the snow reminded us of the J pistes. Friday - weather improved s

P O W D E R _D A Y desu (Yes Mama I'm in Jindie)