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Any updates on 13/14 earlybird season passes? Ive had a hunt around for the JTB one today but havent found anything so far.

Big ups to SJ for coming through with a free lift pass. Can't get too much better than scoring a free day of fresh snow. After 6yrs I'm surprised so many things here haven't changed, sure there is some new developments but a one thing remain unchanged - it never stops snowing. The reports I'd heard about westerners taking over and the place being tracked by lunch simply aren't true.

I always take mine. When are you over there?

Nice Mitch - if I get a clear day when Im there I hope to hike it as well.

Soooo - my travel companions have seen my pictures of the snow monkeys on previous trips. We are staying on Hokkaido this time - is there any where they can see snow monkeys on Hokkaido?

Weclome Leegil, Im around then, drop me a PM. 3

Great pics

My dates have firmed up a bit. Ill be in the Niseko area from 27th Jan till Feb12. After that Im heading up to Tomamu, Furano or down to Nagano if I cant get out of a meeting I have in Late Feb. (back home at the end of Feb) Ive done 3 trips to Niseko, 7 to Japan and done BC trips in Japan, Nth America/Euro (and Au and NZ if they count =p) Ive got all my gear, Id be on shoes, not a splitty) Wouldnt mind doing a Yotei hike/decent if anyone is keen. Let me know if anyone is keen for catching up.

Ill be about from end the of Jan for most of Feb Im not a local, havent been to Hokkaido for 5/6yrs but I know my way around most of the resorts we will be hitting. We'll spend most of our time in the slackcountry as we are boarders with shoes & gear. Let me know where you plan on hitting.

Oh - Ive done Myoko as well =/

Ive done Shiga and Nozawa - apparently its a public holiday weekend?

Hi All, Our group of 4 is in Hakuba until the 11th - we are riding on the 11th and transfering to a new resort. Our only problem is finding accomodation for the 12/13/14th - the 14th is proving a challenge. Any suggestions of places to try that might have availablity - open to all resorts. Thanks, 3dx

The answer to this is dont bother trying. Snow rocked. Transfers sucked. Suggest if you want to grab a cheap flight to Osaka on Jetstar to go hit the snow that you incorporate a day around Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya as well. Third trip to Japan, definately the shortest but possibly the best.

Ill be the 6ft 4 Caucasian in a red jacket trying (unsucessfully) not to look like a gaijin.

Hey Nothing, If you would like to meet up let us know a place and we will come say Hi. We are at Lodge Nagano. Cheers, 3decks.

We leave this Wed 27th and still have not been able to find a good option to get from Osaka (Kansai) to Nozawa Onsen in any reasonable time. Our flight arrives at 8pm on Wed 27th Feb. If anyone has any suggestions that gets us there before 10am I would love to hear them! On the way back it is worse! I have to get back for a 9.20pm flight and it looks like I have to leave at 11am!!!!! Surely there is a better way?

Two Australian's with extensive bc experience and plenty of miles under our belts in Euro/Nth America/Japan looking for some local knowledge. Sure to get you some prime shots for the gallery if you come along =)

I seem to be having problems finding contact details of Sammy Tours and Odakyu Tours. Googling doesnt come up with much. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks for that site. We have a similar site here in Sydney that I use all the time. Too be honest I didnt realise it was that far! Any ideas where to lookup bus information?

We get into Osaka Web 28th Feb at 8pm and would like to know the best way to get out to Nozawa. Open to whatever option is the best. What is the quickest way? I fly out from Osaka at 9.20pm later on the next week and would like to get as much riding in on the last day. What is the best way to get back?

Isnt there Anna, The Gash, Grand and Hana?

So for Niseko United - all 4 areas, 3 mountains you can only get a 7day pass at 28 800 yen or steezon pass at 150 000 yen. Is the best way for two weeks or even a month is to purchase 7 day passes? Has anyone seen any other passes available?

Quote: Originally posted by Ausbc: You can get a great value 4 week hirafu pass for 40,000 yen i believe. Otherwise a 2 week pass is 30,000 from memory. Check out www.grand-hirafu.jp Does this pass cover all 4 mountains?

Quote: Originally posted by Fattwins: My pc played it all slowly you must have been cooking to do that many rag dolls. Nah - Its Niseko - the most he could have been going was a fast walk right F? =P Beav u fukker, this has been the toughest week at work! Lamenting having to leave early!

Quote: Originally posted by number9: Quote: I did however notice quite a few older male tour groups - it reminded me of the end of season footy trip.... those guys sucks no matter where they are from - please dont generalise and paint all Aussies with the same brush... So, it's ok to generalize about older males That was an observation of the older male tour groups I saw. A generalisation would be "older male tour groups suck"