Thredbo vs Hokkaido

It seems I may have started something and the lads have taken up the challenge (see yesterday's report) or was it just the lack of fresh snow on Hokkaido yesterday? Rosco has sent some artistic shots whilst Peter has sent some action shots none of which include any skiing or boarding.

The following photos might be an indication that conditions yesterday were less than perfect for deep, fluffy skiing and boarding on Hokkaido.

By contrast, Thredbo received 20mm of precipitation in the past 24 hours. Unfortunately the temperature was a tad high for white stuff ;-)

From Rosco in Niseko ...

A foggy mist beyond the icycles - could this be the King Bell balcony?

More icycles and more fog

Most of you who have visited Niseko will recognise this fine eating establishment
A great lunch stop but have they stopped smoking at the tables?

Meanwhile in Rusutsu: a little back country riding

Off the snow and off the board but still getting plenty of action

What happened next?

The sun sets early over Hokkaido at this time of year so night-riding requires good headlights

Is that Lucky Phil causing a traffic jam?

Looking beyond the lettuce growing on my Thredbo balcony into the mist and rain across to Sundance

My next challenge is to see if Traktorman will be joining in on the photo-fest from where ever he ends up in Japan