I'd be curious to see what you thought of Sun Peaks, if you went.  We really loved it last year when we went, and like you said about the resorts you mentioned above, the crowds were non-existent.  122 runs, super cheap accommodations (all ski in/out) and 45 minutes from the airport.  We chose Sun Peaks over Big White simply because we didn't want to get the Big Whiteout conditions, but I like the look of that resort as well.

o'rly?

can't really compare the 2, they're just so different. but as far as the full experience from a trip, japan takes it for sure. but that's just me..

There's no cooking involved in Sashimi. Last I remember is thinly sliced beef in a citrus marinade.

there's the possibility of of have a fast sear on all sides but then you'd just called that blue steak

steak tartare is much more uncooked 

so its not ground breaking

its breed and slaughtered just like cows are

in fact they probably lead a better life than that cow you just chowed down on from your last burger. (ala mass produced caged cattle farming)

there is just a stigma around eating something that could been someone's pet

 

what do you have it with? and you don't get sick?

 

well smart traveller is my guide to places to travel, which is pretty much controled by australian government/media.. so far status:

Japan overall: be alert to own security

Coastal areas of northern Honshu affected by the earthquake and tsunami: Reconsider your need to travel

80 kilometre precautionary zone around the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant: Do not travel

 

then again it also says South korea overall: be alert to own security (in case north korea decides to attack)

 

 

if your concerned about fish eat horse sashimi 

**not my pic

but i went to RIN in Niseko

its pretty good eating

not on the cheap side but

I only go by whatever I read in online forums...

 

anyway i'm prob going to somewhere worse off.. korea... there's a higher chance of north korea bombing me.. and i'm prob going to eat on of those radio active fish anyway.. since korea eat fish as much as japan.

 

mm sashimi... now thinking about it..i should go have some tonight..

Japanese Radiation CLOWN zombies.  I haz them.  

Yeah, but cause of that, i bet prices are super cheap now! 

 

I've only been in the US, but my buddy had nothing but good things to say about japan.  he said it was just a completly different experience and so much better then some of the resorts here, but he was comparing to southern California and utah, not Tahoe or Calorado. 

Zombies are another issue altogether, especially radiation zombies.  A sword is a good option, you can pick up a samurai sword shortly after you land at the airport.  Blunt force trauma to the head works well on zombies, too.  The good thing is since they are radiation zombies they will glow and make it easier for you to spot them.

Lol... seriously... lol

If you wanna cross off some of the best pow on earth (Hokkaido) for a stupid reason like that, then good for you. Sorry to be harsh but people really should do a little research before saying stuff like that. The western media makes it out like its chernobyl over in Japan. Guess what? Japan IS a small country but it isn't the Vatican City. You're not going to be affected by radiation unless you talk a walk through the Fukushima area. (And considering that place is stupid far and has nothing, why would you?) 

Anyway, I'm from Vancouver(working in Japan now) so obviously I'm a little biased towards Whistler/Blackcomb. Even if you stay 2 weeks straight, you are not going to be bored. I guarantee it. But yes, it's pretty damn expensive. Go find a Canadian (or Washington state resident) who looks like you and make them get an Edge card for you. 

But Vancouver is a great city so if you get tired of boarding (haha...unlikely), you can have a great time just hanging out in the city.

 

makes sense...

 

but wat about when u land in tokyo, there's plenty of radiation happening there.. and then on the way to niseko...

you'll get more radiation flying there then you will be exposed to whilst in Niseko.  

 

well, it looks like i'm going korea instead which wasn't even on the list.

 

japan is too radioactive for me, US & canada too expensive to get there...  so it seems like i'll have to postpone those trips for when i have more money.

Just came back from Niseko where there was a ton of snow.  We went for a couple days (weekdays) and the powder was great (at ~5000ft).  Lift tickets are pretty cheap and transportation from Sapporo (by train or bus) is simple.  Good ramen / sushi in Sapporo.

The Denver area has massive mountains (~13,000ft) and accommodations aren't too bad if you're willing to drive an hour or so every morning.  

Never been to Whistler but hear nothing but good things (other than possible rain if you don't go at the right time) 

travelled with 2 other people

cost for each was under 4k

the only thing I excluded some of shopping money used spent bout 500 bucks on clothes and gifts 

2 weeks japan 

8 days boarding @ Niseko (didnt get 8 day pass just bought a daily as needed)

1 day @ moiwa

1 day @ rusutsu

1 day trip to sapporo for snowfes

3 nights in tokyo

cost under 4k

from my research....the accomo/food/lift tickets is pretty similar for Canada and Japan

differences were mainly in flights prices and transit times

at the time....canada cost extra 1k for flights and you needed extra 20 hours in transit (both ways)

*edit*

This is all from Sydney Australia

 

Of course there is always the chance at Whistler that you'll run into some rain and/or dense fog, which sucks, but the village is actually a really fun place to hang out, so even if you get some iffy weather, you'll have a good time.  But actually even on rainy days you can usually get above the rain and find some nice snow.

 

Mammoth is also pretty sweet, but it's more expensive, and you have to count on a solid 5 hour drive from LA unless you catch a flight to the mountain, which cuts into your budget a bit and wastes a solid day.