blu

whiteliner is (or used to be) quicker with no stop midway.

curry rice and beer (just for thursday) for breakfast!

Mine is a Burton Custom 161.5 - a reliable all/any mountain board. But not as good as a 167 would be on some days. A good does it all choice.

anybody got vacinated yet?

Jimmer, thanks for clarifying what was turning out to be one of the mysteries of Hirafu (the HT ATM).

Mrs B uses short K2 Lotta Luv's (118mm nose) for 3yrs now Aus + Jap.

Was that was inbounds. Looks like a reasonable fall line gradient with well spaced trees. Thanks for posting (I'm there mid Feb).

ANA is more difficult to get as there is no local office (in Aus) anymore. JTB can arrange the JAL airpass: http://www.jtboi.com.au/ We have JAL passes- just hope the company keeps trading & doesn't end up bankrupt.

(MB) just look around when on Isola No 1 or Isola No 3 chairs (to start).

hotel chain Tokyo Inn is a safe budget choice - google it. there's one in Shinjuku Kabuki-cho

here we go again

from SJ Daily Reports - 5 Jan 2007: "Once again our on-slope team of observers report lots of rocks and other obstacles (mysterious holes, drainage ditches, odd bits brick-a-brack) on the lift accessible, groomed terrain."

hope the snow comes soon.

Is the Hirafu ATM international (@ Hokkaido Tracks office) - I thought it may have been Japan only.

If yor card is a debit card, you should have a credit card as well (Visa). You can get cash at Narita ATM's. Citibank ATM's are also international. The Hakuba Post Office is near the station, nowhere near the resorts. The ticket offices take credit card.

Maps are helpful. When you are going somewhere you will firstly need to check the rail map to see which line to take. In some cases you will need to change trains/lines to get there. You can calculate the trip time by allowing 2 minutes between stations - a five station trip takes around 10 min. Trips will vary from 5 to 20 or 30 minutes depending where you are going.

The Sunroute is located near the Southern Terrace (South West side side of JR Shinjuku station). It's good value. If you have booked an economy room they are small, the others are good. We stay there also, the way the AUD$ is. Most action is on the east or north east side of the station (10+ min walk around JR Shinjuku - diagonally across the station from the hotel side - towards Kabikicho red light district). Here is a list that summarises areas in Tokyo: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html It also has information on the rail system and ticket machines. As above, plus

me too.

ohh if so, you claim your tax deduction, then get a refund on the ticket.

comes free with some Gold or Platinum credit cards. Just check the contract first to see if it's suitable - my Citibank Plat covers piste skiing.

Biwako is the closest but see this old thread: http://www.snowjapanforums.com/ubbthread....html#Post21476

apple schnappes or sake?

Pippu, Kita taisetsu

Suginohara - hike up a bit from the top lift. You should stay to skiers right coming down - There's cliffs & stuff to the left. Also check the run down under the chair on your way up. Akakan - check out the trees to skiers left of top chair. Maps: http://myokokogen.net/myoko_ski_trail_maps/index.html

You got to Heli in - something to do with the bad access roads!