Japan: Hokkaido

Pros: Lift price, no crowds, good terrain, laid back patrol.

Cons: They need some selective tree removal, and attract more tree skiers boarders

Well what can I say...Niseko has always been my favorite resort but, we have hit Kamui a bunch of times in the last 2 years and Kamui rocks...

Price is right, way low, no crowds usually, great snow and ok terrain...The ski center has rocking music and the lifts too...The powder here can be really good sometimes as it is colder and drier here than Niseko...

One of the days we arrived it was snowing lightly but had snowed heavily all night... They hadn't groomed anything so anywhere I went for the first few hours was open field on untracked powder...Awesome... Well I think the Kamui guys know their stuff cause the runs got tracked out by the skiers and boarders sometime after lunch and the slopes were in good shape...they know how to save money and promote the stoke....

EVERYTIME I have been here, I have scored some good powder somewhere...

They are also way laid back as far as the patrol...I have seen them but never had problems with ducking the ropes and it seems to be pretty common here...WELL I HAVE SEEN THE PATROL BUT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN ME MAYBE.....

BUT>>>I WANNA SAY RIGHT NOW!!!IF YOU DUCK THE ROPES BRAH, YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN TO GET YOUR A$$ BACK IN BOUNDS, THAT MEANS IF YOU BUST A LEG OR ARM AND YOU CAN DRAG YOURSELF, THEN DRAG YOURSELF IN BOUNDS, THEN USE YOUR CELL TO CALL FOR HELP...DONT SPOIL IT FOR EVERYONE ELSE!!!

So anything not cool with Kamui???

Not much but it is far away if you are coming from Sapporo or Kutchan... It's hard to get here by train as the nearest train station is faraway and no shuttles... Nowhere to stay overnight that is anywhere close to the resort and no other restaurants nearby.... Well, on the other hand these are the very things that make Kamui rock as far as no crowds and good vibe...

By the way I learned from one of my very successful students who lives in Tokyo but came from Asahikawa...He said Kamui went belly up before and the city of Asahikawa bought it and they are running the show there, which is why they have low price lift tickets and low frills services......

Tags: Snow Resorts, Snow, skiing, ski, Snowboard,

Vonzipper Sizzle Goggle

The Von Zipper Sizzle is a smokin' hot goggle for snow shredders. Von Zipper has had the foresight to mate never-before-used lens color and coating combinations, resulting in a clearer view and increased contrast. The exclusively tinted lenses are enhanced by fog shedding vents to aid in maintaining your downhill direction. The Sizzle has a small to medium frame fit that works well for any rider without a big head. Strap on the Sizzle and start seeing the slopes in a different light.

Bottom Line: Sizzle, like bacon in the pan.

Vonzipper Sizzle Goggle The Von Zipper Sizzle is a smokin' hot goggle for snow shredders.

Tags: Ski, skiing, Snowboarding, Snowboard, snow, goggles

Drake Mikey LeBlanc Snowboard Binding

Mikey LeBlanc and Drake offer you the Mikey LeBlanc Snowboard Binding with pro-level performance and low-level price. Simplicity and solid handling define the binding used by one of snowboarding's most recognizable figures. A not-so-stiff highback forgives false moves that may otherwise leave you eating snow. Sweet-looking synthetic-leather straps conform to your boots and add a touch of class to this workingman's binding. Underfoot is an EVA base cover that absorbs the impact from Mikey's mile-high acid drops and hard-core urban assaults. If you're thinking about going pro get these bindings.

Bottom Line: Mikey likes it.

Drake Mikey LeBlanc Snowboard Binding Mikey LeBlanc and Drake offer you the Mikey LeBlanc Snowboard Binding with pro-level performance and low-level price.

Tags: Snowboard, Snowboarding, Bindings, Snow, Snowsports

Atomic Vantage

4x4 cap boards with weak graphics and no performance features and shelf appeal. Once the entry level days are over, the sidewall construction and Triadic prog sidecut will take that newbie and turn them into an intermediate rider capable of riding anywhere on the mountain.

Features
- Triadic Prog Sidecut
- Stone ground Extruded 2000 diecut base
- Truth 1 Full Length Wood Core
- 4x2 Insert Pattern, set back stance
- 3 Degree "Easy-to-Ride" Edge Bevel

Benefit
- Deep sidecut without hooking into turns
- Hardest Extruded base available
- Great strength to weight ratio
- More stance adjustment, visual value
- Shortens learning curve with less wipeouts

Bonus Features
- Fantasy 2010 textured topsheet
- Anti-snow stick and scratch resistant

Visit the official Atomic Vantage web page here.

Tags: Snowboard, Snowboarding, Snow, Winter, Snowsports, ski, skiing

Atomic Metron B5

The ski that created a new industry category. Metron’s shape lets you carve beautiful, round turns in any snow type from boilerplate to crud to powder. Beta 5 technology. spreads energy and pressure over the entire effective edge for buttery-smooth high-speed handling. And the increased camber and Active Power Extension system sucks up rough terrain for unparelleled edge grip. If you can own only one ski, the choice is clear!

To view the official Atomic Metron B5 website click here.

Tags: Skiing, ski, snow, Snowsports, winter