Oyuki kigan 0 Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 I don't know if Yachiho is convenient for you to visit, but i also go ride at other hills in Nagano pretty frequently. Depending on the time and place, i can also meet people for lessons. But like someone else said, there are also English-speaking instructors in Hakuba (and Karuizawa, but i can't really reccommend it to beginners). Link to post Share on other sites
bushpig 0 Posted August 1, 2007 Share Posted August 1, 2007 nice one oyuki! Link to post Share on other sites
1 4 Posted August 5, 2007 Share Posted August 5, 2007 I was under the impression that Karuizawa was good for beginners as it wasn't difficult. You mention it not being so - that because of crowds Oyuki? It was interesting to read about your experiences. Link to post Share on other sites
Oyuki kigan 0 Posted August 6, 2007 Share Posted August 6, 2007 More than the crowds, its the quality of the snow. Karuizawa is almost totally manmade 'snow', which is basically just ice crystals, not snow. Because it is icy and hard, its good for carving, or making a base for the natural snow to fall upon, but by itself it is hard for beginners to learn on. Plus it hurts more when you fall. And thanks for all the kind words, everyone. Link to post Share on other sites
blinkin'ek 0 Posted August 7, 2007 Share Posted August 7, 2007 Quote: Plus it hurts more when you fall. Very important point, especially for beginners. My first time I went out in bad conditions = bad idea. It nearly put me off completely. Nice & fluffy is what we need. Link to post Share on other sites
minus 1 Posted August 8, 2007 Share Posted August 8, 2007 Karuizawa sucks big time. They must have some decent marketing going on to fool all the people who go - unless of course they are just mainly going for the shopping.. Link to post Share on other sites
rach 1 Posted August 9, 2007 Share Posted August 9, 2007 Shopping? Surely somewhere with a lot more shops like, hmmmm, TOKYO would be a better shopping ground? Link to post Share on other sites
fiifii 0 Posted August 11, 2007 Share Posted August 11, 2007 Enjoyed reading that. I am thinking of quitting my job and heading for the hills to do something completely different. I need an "experience". Link to post Share on other sites
soubriquet 0 Posted August 11, 2007 Share Posted August 11, 2007 Do it. You have one life only. Link to post Share on other sites
rach 1 Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 I'm doing a lot of thinking about the life plan while I am here actually this time. A few events here have made me think about things and the future more than I have for a while. (I will go into more detail sometime soon when I'm settled back in Japan). Link to post Share on other sites
Oyuki kigan 0 Posted August 15, 2007 Share Posted August 15, 2007 Originally Posted By: fiifii Enjoyed reading that. I am thinking of quitting my job and heading for the hills to do something completely different. I need an "experience". be careful. In places like Whistler and banff in Canada, that one season "experience" can easily become a full lifestyle change, and you might end up staying. i almost did, and sometime in the future i hope to go back. Link to post Share on other sites
ShinyDiscoBall 2 Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 I'm sure there could be worse things Link to post Share on other sites
mrjamie 0 Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Thanks for the article, that was an interesting insight into the world of working in Japan, and a far cry from the images of 'Fear and Trembling (Amélie Nothomb). Since I've accepted an offer to train/work at a BC tour company in Hokkaido this coming winter, I was especially glad to hear that everyone is relaxed. Well, the company I'll likely be working for is headed by a foreigner, but still Speaking of which, I'll be hiking in Hokkaido probably the 1st to the 5th of May, in the Niseko area. Anyone interesting? Link to post Share on other sites
base40 0 Posted August 23, 2007 Share Posted August 23, 2007 A bit too far in the future that but certainly interested. I'm in the process of getting a few trips planned now. Thanks for sharing those experiences Oyuki. Link to post Share on other sites
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