Thread Dig!
So, Japan trips are getting close... who is getting excited????
Some tips I have got from other people from other boards... copy and paste time:
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I literally just got off a flight back from Japan (heaps tired, so sorry if I ramble or don't make sense). I was over there for 6 weeks, spending the last 2 boarding (and getting married) in Nozawa Onsen, near Hakuba. So, for what it is worth, here is my impression...
Firstly, the snow rocks. It is insanely dry and powdery (not at all like the Vancouver/Whistler "cement"). We consistently received around 20 - 40cm of fresh powder every night (and it is still very early in the season), with some days up to a meter. (the BNE guys will kill me for saying this, but while they flooded we received over a meter of fresh powder... definitely the most amazing day boarding in my life). The riding style is completely different to Australian and Whistler conditions. Do set your stance slightly back, and be prepared to shoot straight down the hill or find yourself losing speed and having to dig yourself out. Double black runs are easy when they are covered in a meter of powder!!! You will have a hard time breaking your cocxyix if you stick to the ungroomed runs! That being said, travel insurance is still a must.
Never, absolutely never wear cotton. Once wet it stays wet, and you will be fucked. If you do find yourself getting cold, deliberately crash into deep powder... it wasn't hard for us to find ourselves more than waist deep and taking around 20 minutes to dig ourselves out (it is scary the first time ). You will be sweating by this point. "Swimming" out when it is this deep is a hell of a lot easier. Temperatures for us were around -5 to -20 with wind chill, and I was very comfortable with un-insulated bib-pants & jacket, mid weight thermals (top and bottom) and a mid weight wool fleece top. Bib-pants are a must if you search for powder. And don't forget a neck warmer and some sort of face protection (I prefer a "buff").
Don't bother to learn to ski/board over there... almost all group lessons are in Japanese, and the individual english lessons are consistently booked out.
ABSOLUTELY learn some basic japanese. Please, thank you, good morning, good afternoon, hello, I'm sorry I don't understand, I dont speak Japanese, and do you speak english... these are basic phrases which when said, open up a whole new world of insanely nice japanese folk willing to bend over backwards to help you out. Even if this is all you can say, they will usually comment on how good your japanese is, while handing you something free. Buy a shit load of gifts (not stuffed koalas... that shit is just tacky!) and give them out freely and happily. Japanese don't tip, and so a gift to them is a big compliment. Give one to someone who re-arranges your room if you stay in a traditional japanese room... guaranteed you will get an even plusher bed the next night. Some Japanese may stare at you (I am a Ranga, and my wife is a tall blonde so it is a given)... they are not being rude, but are genuinely interested in you. Buy them a beer and try a conversation. And as others say, don't be an Aussie Bogan.
You will come back insanely spoiled, and unwilling to ride other snow conditions again.
Sharpening your edges isn't necessary as there isn't much ice... but a fresh hot-wax makes a hell of a big difference.
Beverage vending machines are everywhere (every street corner... I kid you not!). Food vending machines are harder to find (I saw probably two out of a million). I think this has something to do with it being considered to be rude eating while moving (or out in public). Bins for rubbish are hard to find, while beverage bins (neatly sorted into plastic types, aluminium, and so forth) are plentiful.
Beer is cheap, hard liquor is cheaper... sake cheaper still. Dry sake is good cold, medium sweet sake good warm. Ask them for their recommendation on this, and be prepared to give it a go.
Eating in Tokyo is cheap... shopping and accommodation is way more expensive. On the hills, you can get a good filling meal for around 1200 yen. Izakaya... it is a japanese style tapas bar / pub. Definitely give it a go. Oh, and I don't think I need to say it, but don't eat the fermented fish and squid guts. It tastes like it sounds...
Onsens are awesome. Absolutely wash yourself first, and full nudity is required. It is freaky the first time, but quite relaxing once you get used to it. Onsens really make it possible to go hard the next day. Try it. Trust me.
Kyoto would be my choice if you have a free 4 days afterwards (it is what I imagine when someone says "think of Japan"). Osaka is very similar to Tokyo, but with cheaper food... particularly in the red light district.
I think that is it for my ramblings...
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- Watch out for the 'party vortex' - you can get stupid drunk anywhere, you cant ride waist-deep powder anywhere so re-think that extra shot/beer/whatever.
- Be nice to the lifties/on-mountain staff - they see everyone coming down and can often give you tips as to where the best lines are. (that is if they aren't baked out of their brains). They will also 'forget' to notice that you slipped to the front of the line or let you ride a chair by yourself. Staff are often great sources for good, cheap food and drink deals on the hill.
- Try and buy kids tickets - with full gear on it's often easy to pass as a kid (sadly my beard has halted this trick for me).
- Spot your lines and don't be a hero. You might feel like a champ on your local hill but that 60ft step-up booter/triple kink could end your trip early. Same with that cliff line. A little research can mean that you will ride for the rest of the day/trip and avoid a trip to the ER. Start easy and work up.
Have fun... I'm coming off 5 years on the 'Wet Coast' of Canada (or the 'NorthWet' as it was sometimes called) where I was lucky/motivated enough to get out every week on average. I had the chance to ride a lot of great places/great days.
Oh and never forget to high your buddies! Even the worst conditions can be made awesome with good positive friends.
