[Is Hokkiado worth a trip in December 10 to 23rd]

Thanks everyone

 

I didn't think Nagano would get any early snow but I will keep a look out for it.

 

30cm in Niseko already that's positive

[Is Hokkiado worth a trip in December 10 to 23rd]

I had heard that Kiroro gets early snow

 

Or is this bending the truth

 

Is there any other places anyone would recommend

 

Thanks

[kurodake 2010/11 season]

Is it worth heading over to Kurodake if you arn't going to be full on with the avi gear and a guide?

 

Can you just take the gondola down again instead of riding the bottom of the mountain, and use the chairlift at the top of the gondola?

 

Or would Kamui Ski Links be better?

 

Thanks

[Question from a noob.]

Thanks for the quick reply.

 

I travel economy as well

 

QC yearly membership is $805

 

There had been a post on lifehacker.com.au saying QC membership was having a free offer, but it turned out to still involve a $435 annual membership.

 

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2010/10/qantas-waiving-qantas-club-joining-fee/#more-370781

 

I don't think I will be traveling Qantas anyway. It looks like JAL has a good offer. Anyone have other suggestions?

 

According to this link

http://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/bag/sports2.html

 

You can take 2 bags one with 10kg of snowboard gear and another with 10 kg of stuff. So no advantage really the 20 kg limit still applies.

 

I have weighed my gear and its looking like it might be a close thing.

Snowboard bag wheelie 5.2 kg, that was a surprise.

snowboard 2.2 kg

boots 3.2 kg

Bindings 2.2 kg = 12.8 kg

 

I have Qantas FF Bronze membership but have never found much of a use for it, they don't seem to have flights where I want to go.

[Question from a noob.]

Originally Posted By: Mamabear

OK...well...even *I* pack lighter than TEX!!
Schnee, having done the Perth to fluffy pow trip with a family of 6 a number of times now we have also encountered weight issues as we take boards, bindings, helmets, tools... But to be honest EVERY time we have taken too much stuff. Mainly for the kidlets as Mama is always worried they will need an extra midlayer etc. You don't need it, it can be done under the weight limit.

But having said that we found a way to NOT get hit by the over weight Qantas Nazi's at Narita (as were the first time coming home) and that is to get Qantas Club membership. I have never had a problem with JAL. Ever. Not to say that hasn't changed since January.

Helmets...well...mine is lacy and pretty and keeps my head warm, but it also has lessened the ouch factor when some n00b in front swings their ski's over their shoulder, and has repelled sticks and branches when I have failed to duck low enough.

We are not giving up our Qantas club extra 20kg allowance between Papa and I though as he plans to bring both his Gentem Stick AND his Aura this January. It's nice not having to worry about going over.

You get an extra 20kg!
Do you travel Business or First class, what does it cost?

[Board bag - what to get?!?]

Has anyone stuck their bag on the scales?

I found my Ocean and Earth frequent flyer was taking up 5kg of my weight allowance empty.

 

Not bad if you are going to the USA that allows 2 bags of 42kg each, its harsh going any place else with just 20kg.

[Smorking]

I get smorked all the time.

 

What is the best way to get back up?

I have been punching a piece of snow until its solid an then pushing up from it hopefully!

 

Maybe call it the "fists of fury" smork recovery move.

[Cleaning goggle lens]

Did that work?

 

How about getting light scratches off the front of the lense?

[Looking for snow/travel mates for month of January]

Whats a "pimsleur japanese course"?

 

I have some CD's I have been listening to and they seem OK. A lot better than trying to just read a book.

 

If Lodge Bam Boo is anything like Shinzankan lodge you will have no problem finding someone to board, drink, hang out with. Plenty of lone travellers.

 

I stayed at Shinzankan last year and found plenty of guys to board with the problem was some of them were a lot better than me so I would hike the summit or something with them and say if we got split up they could do another run and meet up for lunch somewhere. So we broke into 2 groups one fast and the other slower

 

I didn't want them to wait around and stuff up there day.

 

If you hike the summit on your own for the first time there are usually a few people waiting for a break in the cloud and you can hook up for your first ride down.

 

I will be there 19Jan to 3rd Feb, I might be intermediate on a good day.

[looking into buying a helmet]

I have a Giro 9 and wouldn't be without it.

 

Don't loose the little plug things that can be removed if you get hot.

I had to buy a new set to replace one I lost.

 

Pro-tec also make some but they are a little heavier, I was thinking of getting one next time.

 

Take a look at the K2 Black Hawk I have only seen pictures but it is a intergrated Helmet Goggle package, it might stop the goggle helmet gap problem which is a pain. The gap between the top of your goggles and your helmet lets in cold air/snow and gives you get a headache.

 

You can tell when it's happening by people pushing their helmet down at the front.

[My 75 year old friend....]

Good on him I would still like to be doing this when I am 75+

 

Get some professional lessons as well, they can be vital when you start. Nothing beats one on one learning.

 

Don't let him get put off.