 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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The exchange rate is getting better too, today 159Y to GBP. best for many years.
Flights: approx 640GBP rtn direct on skyscanner, approx 500GBP rtn with 1 stop.
(LHR departures to NRT in January 2014)
Last year paid 563GBP for same direct flight path.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Me and a mate are travelling out on January 2nd for two and a half weeks in Japan. It's a trip I've been dreaming of for about 4 years now so will be keeping an eye on this thread with interest.
A week in Hakuba, a long weekend in Tokyo then a week in Niseko. STOKED!!!
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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This photo from Rusutsu's Facebook page of the snow on Yotei
Chilly night last night!
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This is the JMA's long range forecast for snowfall this winter. Good probability of above normal snowfall in Western Hokkaido. When you consider how much snow is 'normal' for this area, I reckon this is good news!
(Sure, long range forecasts aren't the most accurate or reliable, but here's hoping!)
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Booyah!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Let's go. Thanks mag seven for photos.
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Bit more snow today up high. Chilly day everywhere.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I will put up a re-thread soon....but if anybody wants to ski Japan this coming season:
I will be going to Japan on or about 26th February for 12-14 days.
I can be a little bit flexible about the dates.
I have sufficiemt BA miles to get "free" ticket...and another "free" ticket for somebody travelling with me.
I say "free" because the taxes and landing charges have to be paid...approx £350 return.
I'll be going to Niseko where my son (aka The Lad) will be teaching the full season for Pro Powder ski school (excellent name!).
I plan to stay in a Lodge, probably this one: www.Slowlifeniseko.com
If you don't want to be with me, even don't want to sit next to me, or even speak to me....that is fine.
However it would be good to share the adventure, sadly my wife does not want to come.
I've had a couple of snowHeads say "yes" but then "no, the wife won't let me".
Only say yes if you mean it....and say it soon....I plan to book the flights early next week.
Me: 50 (ish). Good skier, not expert. Budget = modest, not skimping, but not flashing it around.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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MagSeven, nice pics.
I never knew it was so close to the sea 
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You know it makes sense.
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Mosha Marc, you don't often get clear enough days to see the sea from Niseko, but it is occasionally possible:
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Mosha Marc, you need to go back and double check 
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Poster: A snowHead
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kitenski, agreed. It could be a photoshop job 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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kitenski, Did that stroll quite a few times, but it always looked like this
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Mike Pow wrote: |
Missed a trick for first turns there
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Haha I thought you'd say something like that! It was hard enough dragging my unfit back bottom up there, let alone lugging skis and boots up too!
My skis probably wouldn't have enjoyed the volcanic base grind either. Going to wait a couple of weeks and hope for a decent base to build up in Daisetsuzan before thinking about first turns!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| Mike Pow wrote: |
Decent dusting up in the Niseko Resort Area on the 16th & 17th.
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I'm excited seeing that and I am not even going to be in Japan this season!!!
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Another hike up the snow today. Although the temperature has risen significantly since the cold snap in the week. We hiked Tarumaezan, an active volcano next to Lake Shikotsu, around 1,000m in height. There were still snow patches down to as low as round 400m.
At the trailhead, plenty of snow in the shade. No winter tyres on yet!
We were quickly above the treeline and into the sun. The crater still billows steam, and the views are fantastic. The snow was disappearing as the day went on.
Views down to Lake Shikotsu, one of Hokkaido's most beautiful spots, in one direction
And down to Tomakomai, Hokkaido's ugliest town, in the other direction
Looking back up at the mountain from the lakeside. By late afternoon, much of the snow had melted.
Seems like we're back to more normal temperatures for this time of year. The first ski hills are scheduled to open in around 3 weeks time, so keeping fingers crossed for some more snow!
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Its Nisekos' proximity to the sea that gives it the snow it gets.
Without doubt one of the best ski trips I have ever done and the cause of my powder addiction! Would go back in a heartbeat. Now, were are my lotto tickets?!
BTW great photos chaps.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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The combination of
Hokkaido's maritime climate, with most of the annual precipitation falling between mid-November and mid-March
+
freezing air flowing down from Siberia
= 12-13m of predominantly dry, low moisture content snowfall at village level each winter
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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The wintery weather is starting to arrive. It's feeling colder today with snow falling in the hills almost everywhere. The forecast for Monday/Tuesday is looking nice, with snow down to sea level everywhere. That should start a base for the ski areas. Some hills should start to open in the next couple of weeks....
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Wow! if you could send half of that down to Zao we might be able to ski this weekend.....webcam shows a light covering on the lower slopes 
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Any news on conditions on Honshu, specifically Hakuba? Heading out there in February and would like to keep an eye on how the snow is doing 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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morningglory, go to www.snowjapan.com and check out 'Hakuba Now': as of yesterday 5cm
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w00t, the Hokkaido Thread Season has commenced, and all the usual suspects are here!
**FIST-PUMP**
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Japenese Yen now up to 161 to £
Best rate for years...
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Yep. 124 this time lar year.
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FAQ
