Critta

Mike, It's hard to make out from the resolution on the trail map (photo), but is it possible to ski down the shaded side of the ridge (to the right of the lifts on the way up) into the gully that funnels out to the town? It looks like plenty of steep fall-line terrain along that way. That or cliffs and death.

I agree with the issues regarding accessability. What's a 10yr old hiace van (or similar) worth to buy and run per annum (insurance/ rego etc)? The current finnacial market suggests rates will stay down in the near term - who knows what may happen over the next 5 years though? To make it work as a foreigner, rental income is an absolute necessity and this has me questioning two things: 1. How difficult is it to have an old house approved to rent out as holiday accomodation. 2. How busy is the shoulder/ summer season (ie how many occupancy weeks would you expect to get

Fattwins, When you say "they are trying to buy" do you mean the agents or me? I've not seen anything advertised yet that I'd consider buying. I take it there are a few developers getting about with plans of buying up parcels and building canadian styled log cabin "honeymoon" properties.

What are your preferred locations Creek Boy?

SNP, Hakubarealestate seems pretty sound and has been recommended. If you know of any places though - I'm ears, as they currently don't have anything listed (nor do Sakura).

Some friends and I are looking to purchase a 3-4 bedroom house in the upper part of Misorano. I've looked at a number of web pages but have been warned by a few locals that some of the operators targetig foreigners are not to be trusted. Does anyone have any experience with purchasing a property in Hakuba and know of any places that may be available for sale in the upper Misorano area? Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks again. I'll have to check out the scheduled closure dates for the end of year before venturing up. Do you guys hit it in December? If so, how is it?

Journey Man, When you say 'opened today' - do you mean the top lift? I though the cable car operated all winter. Also - do they close the top lift every year and if so, do you know the date (ie. is it a particular date in Dec/ Jan)? I checked the link left by Mantas. Looks good, but cut out just when the guy starts skiing the interesting stuff under the cable car. Damn! Sitting at work right now, green with envy

Thanks Mike and GN. I'll chase you for an update next week. I checked Asahidake on google but the resolution was turd. It appears to face primarily WNW which I thought could be a concern for winds. Is it known for getting wind stripped? Did either of you get a glance at the trees on the Kurodake side? Wondering whether I'll need a brushcutter or not. Guide comments noted. We usually kick a trip off with a guide for teh first day or so to get the local run-down. Again, if anyone can recommend - I'm listening. Ta

I've just returned from just over 2 weeks in Hakuba in late Jan and had a blast. The terrain there is inspiring although the early Jan rain crust restrained our exploration into the High alpine beckoning above Happo. Anyways, whilst I've been boarding now for 10 years in mainly (Europe, BC and NZ), my experience in Japan is limited to Niseko and Hakuba. I spent 3 weeks in Niseko a few years back which was great but at bit small. Hakuba by contrast could keep me occupied for years! The only downside to my experience in Hakuba was the attitude of Patrol on some of the hills. Getting told of