Stayed with Craig, Matt, Temo, Kago & the Alaskan vixen, Jennifer for the 1st 2 weeks of February, 2010. Just letting you know, this accommodation is fantastic, as are the staff. I have been to Japan before but these guys made the experience unforgettable. They are friendly and nothing seemed to be a real problem. The dining experiences in the local area were just too good to be true, and cheap for what you were getting. The snow at the local resorts for the 1st week was fantastic then the rain happened in the 2nd week and destroyed the top layer of snow. My point being, you can''t guarantee the weather anywhere, but staying with these guys, the options were awesome. My wife and I went to the Monkey Onsen, the ski jumping tower where Eddie the Eagle launched himself off in 1998, numerous restaurants, Masumoto Castle and heaps of other Japanese sights. Skiid some knee deep powder the 1st week and if I was a little more experienced, I''m sure the back country skiing would be awesome. Had the wife with me which kept me a bit in check but I can''t rave on how polite the local Japanese people are to us aussies. This place isn''t like Nisseko. There are heaps of aussies around but you are mainly conversing with the locals when you are away from the lodge. Craig, Matt & Keygo, from a 51 year old guys point of view, were unbelievably heplful. I woulnd''t have the patience for the stupid questions they are asked every day,(by me included)but they just handle it and go with the flow. My wife and I are pretty good resort skiiers, having skiid in Colorado, Utah, and France in the past, as well as Australia. The local hills are actually mountains and if you are lucky and the weather holds, I promise you fantastic fun, without being overly death defying. Try to avoid Chinese New Year if you can because the only donw side of the place was the amount of people at Happo One on the Saturday in the 2nd week. There had been rain and the 5 million or so snow boarders managed to scrape any powder left off all the runs, but it was still good fun. I should have gone to one of the other resorts nearby, where the crowds weren''t. Next time. Special mention for the Alaskan Vixen. Jenny(Jennifer) was helping varous families with the little children, kitting up and getting ready and assisting them getting out of the lodge. She was so patient and helpful, she was amazing. I am available for further comment to anyone who is considering visiting Morino Lodge. My wife and I live in Sydney and will assist you with any enquiries, if you so desire. Chris Papallo.