Hokkaido is the northernmost and least populated island of Japan.  It is also the most mountainous and rugged island.  A monsoon from Siberia blows through Hokkaido in winter, making this a cold and snowy time of year.  This, combined with its mountainous terrain, makes for excellent skiing conditions. Here are the pictures from a ski trip I took with some friends to the Furano ski resort on Hokkaido.
 
 

Setting out for a day of skiing at the Furano ski resort on Hokkaido.	Plenty of snow!	Saurabh and Naoko sharing an intimate moment at the ski lodge.	The gang hanging out in the lobby of our hotel, the "New Prince."
Playing Jinga, a favorite evening pastime after a few bottles of sake.			Showing off our delicious dinner!
Saurabh and Patrick looking determined on their way up.	All smiles on the way up!	From left to right, Maja, Patrick, Saurabh, and myself before a run down the mountain.	I just had to pause and take this picture on my way down.  The rugged beauty of Hokkaido is amazing.
Outside the New Prince Hotel in snowy Furano.	The main drag through Furano.  A far cry from Tokyo.	A very cold looking Naoko posing in front of our hotel.	On the road back to the airport.  Hokkaido has lots of open space, in contrast to the rest of space  challenged Japan.