 Poster: A snowHead
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Starting to formulate a plan and put some money aside for a 50th ski trip with some friends.
Main aim would be to ski as much fresh snow as possible.
I've skied Japan last year which didn't disappoint, a fair few of the guys that would probably come along have never skied Japan. My kids would be 13 and 16 by the time we are considering going.
My other option is to go somewhere like Whistler, and hook some days up with one of the cat skiing operations like these guys http://powdermountaincatskiing.com/default.aspx
I guess the advantage of this is the whole family can come along and if my kids aren't into or capable of skiing fresh they can ski around Whistler.
The advantage of Japan is much higher chance of fresh snow most days....night skiing.....and a whole new experience for many folk.
Interested in what other folk think....
Cheers,
greg
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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It's YOUR birthday, which would YOU prefer? Family and friends with a good chance of powder or a more grown up affair with probably EPIC powder?
Having never been to Japan it is higher on my love to do list than Whistler. (not that I'm coming  )
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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, Japan hands down if skiing as much fresh snow as possible is your aim. You could get lucky with the cat skiing but you are (almost) guaranteed epic snow in Japan, as you know!
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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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kitenski, was having the conversation with a pal recently. We're doing a joint 50th and discussed pretty much Canada &cat or Japan. We're erring on the side of Japan. 
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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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Although I'm based and biased towards Hokkaido, I'd look at interior BC for the cat skiing.
Spent two winters in Golden and loved it. Great terrain, great snow.
Base yourself in either Golden (for Kicking Horse) or Revelstoke.
A world of opportunities from either not least of which is Chatter Creek
http://chattercreek.ca/
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I went to Hawaii for my 50th, the skiing was crap 
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| Colin B wrote: |
| I went to Hawaii for my 50th, the skiing was crap |
But as my birthday is in July, the alternative was Chile skiing. Depends on time of year, etc too I guess.
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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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Having spent a considerable time in both countries, my money would be getting converted into yen. Plenty of piste in Niseko/Hirafu for intermediates and if you base yourself there, as a powder hound then the opps for trips north into central Hokkaido are limetless...
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I saw the title of the post on the front page and came here determined to say "Japan, hands down"...then I saw it was you, greg, and then had a crisis of faith!
You've been to Japan, so you know how awesome the skiing there is - it's also an interesting cultural experience in its own right (not been to BC, but I'm guessing there're fewer izakayas...). I guess you don't get the same amount of terrain in Japan as BC though, and I've heard really good things about the Whistler area and I'm sure cat skiing would be amazing.
If you did go to Japan, I'd suggest moving around a little bit - there are a load of resorts on Hokkaido that aren't quite as big as Niseko but are much quieter and have just as much amazing off piste.
So my vote would be BC if it's purely about steep and deep skiing, and Japan otherwise.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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BC Cat skiing or Japan - lifes tough! 
If you do go to BC, I'd go with the above advice and head for the interior.
Been a couple of times with Big Red Cats and they are a good oufit with great terrain (first time in the most unbeleivable powder conditions ever, second time olympic year, so a little more snow challenged, but still excellent). It also happens to be near some great resort skiing at Red Mountain.
Saying that I'd really like to go to Japan too - the pow there looks outstanding
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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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| Quote: |
The advantage of Japan is much higher chance of fresh snow most days....night skiing.....and a whole new experience for many folk.
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Depends a bit on how the rest of your party are like. If they're interested in different culture, they would appreciate Japan. But if they're not, they might find it an annoyance and distraction.
You're going to get powder either way. So it's really about the whole holiday experience, which kind you and your party like more
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