SirJibAlot

Carving is not as easy as it seems - I love a little EuroCarve in the morning. Problem is, I have to choose between sharp carving edges and jib friendly edges....decisions, descisions... -SJA

Rach, True - I would rather see more terrain opened up than a new PA system...but first we need MORE SNOW. -SJA

It looks like the El-Nino is ON this year. http://www.cpc.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ In California, that usually mean TONS OF SNOW, but i'm not sure how that effects Japan. Last season seemed to be extremely long, but this one seems to be getting off to a slow start. Was wondering if any of our long term Japan resident members can remember the last el-nino and what it meant for snow here. thanks, -SJA

I can't seem to access the mobile site from my cr@p Vodaphone/Softbank Nokia 702NK II...it says page is not supported when I try to go to one of the NOW pages from the mobile launch page - any ideas? -SJA

For those of you who went up and got a few turns in, can we get a wrap-up on where you went, how the conditions were, and your favorite jib/air trick? -SJA

slow, thanks for the pics...looks like were finally getting there. I gotta fly off for business, but i'm definately hitting the mountain when I get back next weekend - jetlagged and all.... -SJA

I haven't heard that message anywhere accept for Airports (the end of the walk is ahead - please watch your step)and Japan ski areas. -SJA

rach, I think they were just following each other. I walked on the lift on the first run up since I hadn't strapped in yet - but after that I kept my left foot locked in. The lift crew and the patrol didn't hassle me and I saw a couple of other shredders keep one foot in. Not quite sure why they do it that way. It sure made for some interesting dismounts for me. -SJA

On Piste.... 1)Snow Summit - California...Awesome park 2)Brekenridge - Colorado - Massive mountain with great terrain 3)Park City - Utah - the best snow Do my favorites have to be in Japan? I have only hit 3 or 4 mountains here - not yet qualified to answer. But the one time that I did do Happo, the top was blasted by some 300 mph winds and it was elbo to elbo skiing - not fun -SJA

i'm confused...what was this thread about again? AK's neighbor?

Good to hear that i'm not alone in waiting patiently for some REAL SNOW to fall. I'm getting sick of watching the same snowboarding videos over and over. I put a fresh hot wax on last weekend, bought some new gear the weekend before....now i'm just twiddling my thumbs. Perhaps I should sacrifice a live chicken to the snow gods.... -SJA

Who's all heading up tomorrow and what resorts you planning on hitting? Just doesn't seem like enough snow on the mountains yet to lay down 1man yen for shinkansen and lift ken. -SJA

Draexin, Thanks for the link, I was looking for more personal recommendations. Anyone? -SJA

Phoenix park is ok, but I found it bizzarre that all the snowboarders completely remove the board from both boots and walk on and off the lift. I must of jibbed off of at least 10 people that were walking off the lift that day....bizzarre. -SJA

Dude, Helmet all the way. The last thing you want is a dent in your dome. I've got 2 helmets - one for the home mountain and one for the road. Now adays, they are so well made - you don't even feel the difference after a couple of runs. Plus, helmets give you that 'hard core' look now adays.

snosurf, Good point - the native toungues like Q-Tip spit positivity. but I still feel very stongly that they need subwoofers on the mountain. -SJA

Iwappara is a good beginner mountain. I hit it last year with a group of friends of varying ability and we were able to get around the whole mountain without leaving anyone behind. I would have liked something a bit more challenging, but it was good for the crew we had assembled that day. -SJA

Farquah - thanks for sharing the vid, that was some sick riding! For those of you who liked the song it's called "Alone in Kyoto" by Air. I've used it in a couple of my videos as well - it works well with just about any video content. -SJA

FF, 25GBP is about 5,500 yen. If you are going to be boarding for a month - you'll probably want to bring your own kit, you'll save money. Draexin, Renting jacket/pants costs around 4,000 yen for a day but gets cheaper if you rent it in a multi-day or in combo with a board. It all comes down to how many days you plan to ride. -SJA

tsondaboy, that's insane! I love it! If the jib doesn't kill you, the ride home will! ahahhahahah -SJA

Quote: Originally posted by db le p: First, that guy is wrong: ski gear in Tokyo is actually quite cheap, waaaay cheaper and faaaaaar greater range than in London. I know this for sure Secondly, considering the following question of yours I suggest that you don't go off-piste at all. Sorry to be so blunt. "if planning some offpiste fun, is it pre-avalanched (as in US) or should I bring my shovel & beeps?" I should have qualified my response - I don't know the prices in London, but in the US - boards are much cheaper (except for Hawaii where they jack up the prices for Japanese

GN has it right. You won't be doing a day trip to Niseko from Shibuya. -SJA

Here's my Stick Burton Clash 154, Shaun White boots, Custom Bindings. Didn't feel like dragging out the rest of my kit but basically I ride with: - R.E.D. Helmet - Billabong cobra Jacket - DaKine Backpack - Gauntlet gloves - Carmex, never go to the mountains without it.... -SJA

tsondaboy, thanks for the link...doesn't look too comfortable for sleeping. I was hoping for a Ginga type train or better yet - the Casiopia, but doesn't sound like there is any option. I suppose niigata is still the king of convienence, but I seriously want to hit some new mountains this year. Is there some good overnight options in Hakuba, or is it all resort hotels and hostels? -SJA

Dude, Whatever you do...don't buy a board in Japan...you'll get raped - everything here is more expensive.