Winter vacation started for me today, and I have 13 days of free time.  I plan on spending every free moment perfecting my snowboarding skills.  We are scheduled to visit Kamui Ski Links on the 27th of Dec with a couple of my Students, I am really looking forward to visiting this ski resort, as it is the best one in the Asahikawa surrounding area.

I would also like to hit Santa Present Park one more time before next Sunday, but we will have to see how the schedule turns out.  The snow conditions have been really bad here, and many people who are long time residents say it is very unusual not to have a lot of snow on the ground at this time.

It has been unbelievably warm and the moisture has been coming down as rain instead of snow.  I think the weather is starting to make the change for the better though, at least for skiing and snowboarding.  Temps tonight are in the low 20’s and it has been snowing lightly for about 2 days, but it is still not enough for most of the resorts around Asahikawa to open up.

Here is what Google is predicting for the next few days, but I hope they are wrong for Wed, we need those little white flakes falling on that day also.

If you are in the Sapporo area there is a event planned at Bankei, in Sapporo called the Night Ride Bankei.  That will be on the 30th and organized by North Face team rider Miyake Yoko.  Should be a nice gathering of local skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers.  Ride all afternoon and then party and charity auction in the lodge afterwards.  I will not be able to make it to this event, but if you do say Hi to Neil Hartmann for me and don’t forget to pick up his latest snowboard flick “Car Danchi 3“, it is amazing.

I Hope all of the readers of Charles Hamel.com have a wonderful Holidays, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and may all of your dreams come true.  Mine continue to come true one after another, because I know they will.  Thoughts are things my friend, make yours good and positive ones.  Take Care all.

Nitro Misfit League Snowboard 152.6 – Men’s
Price: $299.95
Conforming is not an option. The Nitro Misfit is what it should not be. It is a twin shaped board with a directional flex pattern for big spins into soft landings. Riders are taking trick they learn in the park and adapting them to high speed back country gaps. After seeing riders like Eero Ettala and Filippo Dratter ride, you will understand why this board is a must have. Key Features of the Nitro Misfit League 152.6cm Snowboard: Powerlite Core – Tip-to-tail specially selected ultra-lightweight poplar wood gives a solid ride with lots of pop and control. Durability is a given with this core Dyneema Enhanced Triax Lay Up – One row of Dyneema above and below the core add extra snap and response FH Base – Takes the best elements from sintruded and extruded and blends them into one, ultra-fast and resistant to abrasion, yet easy to maintain Sidewall construction – Nitro exclusive profile offers reduced sidewall volume for less weight, while maintaining strength and precise edge control Tri-Progressive Sidecut – 3 different radii are combined to offer superior grip and edge control. Designed to accelerate you to your next turn, whether your’re riding regular or switch 2×4 insert pattern Eff.edge (cm) Nose/Tail (cm) Waist (cm) Sidecut (m) 114.0 28.6 24.4 7.4/7.6/6.7

1. 

   Liara Covert says:

   January 7, 2009 at 3:43 pm

   Human beings have this conditioned tendency to fll “free time.” We make it meaningful, regardless of how we use it.
2. 

   Charles Hamel says:

   January 16, 2009 at 9:15 pm

   Thanks for your great comment as always Liara

   Moving here as really opened up a lot of new activities for me that I would have never got a chance to do by living in Houston.
   I am having a blast.

   Take Care my friend
3. 

   zoophilia says:

   February 24, 2009 at 9:26 pm

   Japan is cold or hot? I think is very cold.
4. 

   Charles Hamel says:

   February 25, 2009 at 10:52 am

   Depends on what part of Japan your in. Okinawa is very Hot!, Hokkaido is very cold.