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Heavy snow please. Now!
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White World Oze Iwakura (Katashina, Gunma) - 26th February 2014
Got up early this morning and was out by 6:30am, destination White World Oze Iwakura in Katashina, Gunma.
Got on the always-popular Kanetsu Expressway at Shiozawa Ishiuchi and got off at Numata IC. Negotiated the rather busy Route 120 in Numata area, then was interested to see the new tunnel connecting Numata with the Katashina area. It really does cut a chunk off the journey which is nice to see. Photos at the bottom here.
My house to White World was just under 90 minutes.
White World is an interesting place. I agree with lots of what Gunma Boarder said in his review here:
http://www.snowjapan...ews/detail/1982
(I'll write my own sometime later).
Blue skies looking up to the resort, hazy in lots of other directions (though not as funky hazy as it was when I returned to Minamiuonuma this afternoon).
Snow was... well, I was a bit disappointed. It was snowing a bit yesterday there I believe and I was expecting to get lots of lovely cruising groomed runs in early morning. But they didn't seem to have bothered with the grooming at all. No corduroy that I could find. And it wasn't soft, my knees were taking some load there on the long cruising runs.
The lift system is not obvious here. I made a few mistakes early on even though I have been here before a few years ago. Worth studying the map before going. Even when I know them though, it's a bit disjointed but that's hardly unique in Japan! There's also a few lifts over the back that they have discontinued since 3.11 and they don't look like they'll be moving again anytime soon.
But I quite like lots of the courses here, and would have liked them better if there was more fresh snow and it had been groomed. (I wanted a groomed morning).![:)]()
Also had a kebab. Though forgot to take a pic of that, before I knew it it was gone! Mister Donuts at Numata on the way home.
I quite like it here, though I'm not sure I'll be making the journey much.
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The tunnel on the Numata side....
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...and on the Katashina side...
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Old road just about visible in both. Looking very lonely!
Got on the always-popular Kanetsu Expressway at Shiozawa Ishiuchi and got off at Numata IC. Negotiated the rather busy Route 120 in Numata area, then was interested to see the new tunnel connecting Numata with the Katashina area. It really does cut a chunk off the journey which is nice to see. Photos at the bottom here.
My house to White World was just under 90 minutes.
White World is an interesting place. I agree with lots of what Gunma Boarder said in his review here:
http://www.snowjapan...ews/detail/1982
(I'll write my own sometime later).
Blue skies looking up to the resort, hazy in lots of other directions (though not as funky hazy as it was when I returned to Minamiuonuma this afternoon).
Snow was... well, I was a bit disappointed. It was snowing a bit yesterday there I believe and I was expecting to get lots of lovely cruising groomed runs in early morning. But they didn't seem to have bothered with the grooming at all. No corduroy that I could find. And it wasn't soft, my knees were taking some load there on the long cruising runs.
The lift system is not obvious here. I made a few mistakes early on even though I have been here before a few years ago. Worth studying the map before going. Even when I know them though, it's a bit disjointed but that's hardly unique in Japan! There's also a few lifts over the back that they have discontinued since 3.11 and they don't look like they'll be moving again anytime soon.
But I quite like lots of the courses here, and would have liked them better if there was more fresh snow and it had been groomed. (I wanted a groomed morning).
Also had a kebab. Though forgot to take a pic of that, before I knew it it was gone! Mister Donuts at Numata on the way home.
I quite like it here, though I'm not sure I'll be making the journey much.
The tunnel on the Numata side....
...and on the Katashina side...
Old road just about visible in both. Looking very lonely!
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Let's Myoko!
Have just snagged one of the last seats on tonight's nightbus to Myoko Suginohara! ![:D]()
Any tips for a Myoko newbie?? Have read the reviews but any extra/insider/local info would be gratefully received!!
Any tips for a Myoko newbie?? Have read the reviews but any extra/insider/local info would be gratefully received!!
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SnowJapan Giveaways - unclaimed lift tickets
SnowJapan Giveaways 2013/2014
We have a number of unclaimed ski lift tickets that we would like to send out to people - they are no use left here unused!
We have at least one lift ticket from all of the weekly prizes apart the Niseko Hanazono, Happo-one and Hakuba Goryu Giveaways.
The remaining Givewaways - ie. the ones that we have unclaimed ticket(s) for - can be found here:
http://www.snowjapan...0132014-season/
If you would like one of those and are able to use them, please send us an email to editor@snowjapan.com; tell us your Forums member name; and tell us why you'd like one.
Oh yes, and don't forget to tell us which one you would like.
In order to reduce time needed in this process, also tell us your postal address in case you win. (Don't worry, if we don't use it to send you a ticket it will be deleted).
One more thing: If you have already won a ticket from us in the last few seasons, please send us a link showing us the Resort Review you have posted and/or photos you uploaded to SnowJapan.
We'll decide who gets what by the end of the week.
Thank you and good luck.
We have a number of unclaimed ski lift tickets that we would like to send out to people - they are no use left here unused!
We have at least one lift ticket from all of the weekly prizes apart the Niseko Hanazono, Happo-one and Hakuba Goryu Giveaways.
The remaining Givewaways - ie. the ones that we have unclaimed ticket(s) for - can be found here:
http://www.snowjapan...0132014-season/
If you would like one of those and are able to use them, please send us an email to editor@snowjapan.com; tell us your Forums member name; and tell us why you'd like one.
Oh yes, and don't forget to tell us which one you would like.
In order to reduce time needed in this process, also tell us your postal address in case you win. (Don't worry, if we don't use it to send you a ticket it will be deleted).
One more thing: If you have already won a ticket from us in the last few seasons, please send us a link showing us the Resort Review you have posted and/or photos you uploaded to SnowJapan.
We'll decide who gets what by the end of the week.
Thank you and good luck.
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Spring Skiing/Boarding in Niigata, and Nagago & Yamagata
I've been browsing the other topics but I havent really seen anything on this topic for this region. Redirect me in case I missed something.
With a serious lack of snow this year in general I'm determined to get my fill, even if it means boarding into the summer months. Myoko will be closed in early April and I'm on the search for resorts that are open later into spring. I heard there are even places that OPEN in spring but havent been able to find anything online yet. Does anyone have recommendations, suggestions or hints on where to look further? Im based in Niigata but am willing to travel anywhere in the region.
Alas, Im sure Hokkaido is where the party goes in Spring but as much as Id like to, I just cant financially justify a trip out there I know will be too short to bare in the first place. Please tell me there's a local fix!
With a serious lack of snow this year in general I'm determined to get my fill, even if it means boarding into the summer months. Myoko will be closed in early April and I'm on the search for resorts that are open later into spring. I heard there are even places that OPEN in spring but havent been able to find anything online yet. Does anyone have recommendations, suggestions or hints on where to look further? Im based in Niigata but am willing to travel anywhere in the region.
Alas, Im sure Hokkaido is where the party goes in Spring but as much as Id like to, I just cant financially justify a trip out there I know will be too short to bare in the first place. Please tell me there's a local fix!
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Japan's most famous snow icon - the Emergency Telephone Box 13/14 (Yuzawa, Niigata)
We missed the snowfall the other day but there's still a bit hanging around the base of the famous telephone box.
A rainy day here today, but I noticed that last year's thread was also started on 15th November.
May the box be completely covered this year.
(For newcomers, last year's fantastic and thoroughly exciting thread is here)
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A rainy day here today, but I noticed that last year's thread was also started on 15th November.
May the box be completely covered this year.
(For newcomers, last year's fantastic and thoroughly exciting thread is here)
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Heads up on Gloves Sale!
Please feel free to delete this David if it falls foul of forum rules (and apologies if it does) but Tubby's trip to Teine today reminded me that I saw a decent gloves sale in the shop at the Highland base when I was there last week! There was 50% off the whole range from the company that share's the same name as the capital of the country that is the home of pizza and pasta, if you catch my drift! I would have bought some if I'd had enough cash on me and now regret not using my flexible friend!!
I hasten to add that I neither work for the afore-mentioned ski resort or snowboarding brand but do like both pizza and pasta!!![:D]()
I hasten to add that I neither work for the afore-mentioned ski resort or snowboarding brand but do like both pizza and pasta!!
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Koi Suru Fortune Cookie @ skijo
These first two were in the Guess Where This Is thread.
Funny. I bet there's more out there. Let's finding.
Funny. I bet there's more out there. Let's finding.
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What are you doing this weekend? Want to hang out?
I'm having conversations about my weekend plans and possible meet ups on a number of threads and decided to start a new thread. So What are you doing this weekend? Mind if I tag along ![;)]()
Feel free to talk about weekend plans and meeting up that has nothing to do with me ![:)]()
Feel free to talk about weekend plans and meeting up that has nothing to do with me
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Guess Where This Is
See if you can guess where this is?
If you get it right you get to post the next pic and so on..........and so on.
I have made this one fairly easy to get the thread started
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If you get it right you get to post the next pic and so on..........and so on.
I have made this one fairly easy to get the thread started
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Winter Paralympics
Started today and pleased to see Japan has already got gold and bronze in the men's downhill chair-skiing/sitting!! ![:clap:]()
Amazing skills! ![:worship:]()
Amazing skills! 
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for those who have flat feet, what kind of footbeds/insoles do you use?
for those who have flat feet, what kind of footbeds/insoles do you use?
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Snow Dude's 2013-14 ski thread (Sun Meadows, Kiyosato, Yamanashi)
I thought it would be nice to make a ski thread as I will be visiting my local resort a lot this year and document the weather/ snow conditions, etc each time I go as a reference for others and as a record for me.
I will also (sometimes) add photos that I take at the resort.
It is a small resort and has 10 courses with the longest being about 1600 metres top to bottom.
The reason I go there, is it is about 20 mins from my house, it is somewhere I have been going for years now and I like the area/ski resort and we have friends who go there too.
Day 1 : 7th Dec 2013 (Opening day) Just one lower course was open with mostly man made snow. Weather was mostly sunny, but very windy peaked out at about +1oC that day. Almost empty!
Day 2 : 8th Dec 2013 Same as above really!
Day 3 : 21st Dec 2013 Two thirds open all natural snow, soft powdery snow, sunny, nice conditions, although clouded up in the afternoon. Quite a few people, but never crowded. Top to bottom skiing.
Day 4: 22nd Dec 2013 It snowed up to about 8cm or so the night before so was treated to fresh pow on top of the already soft snow and sunny sky in the morning. The snow remained soft and powdery the whole day and were plenty of powder pockets to be found all day, albeit chopped up.
Around lunch time onward it clouded over and some light snow fell for a while before turning sunny again More people today..
A great day was had by all.
I will add some photos later, takes too long download from my phone now.
Day 5: 25th Dec 2013 Woke up to absolutely crystal clear blue sky, which lasted the whole day, but no new snow, calm conditions. The snow was soft and powdery on the sun facing slopes and a bit hard packed with icy patches on the sheltered slopes, especially as the temps didn't get above -6 today.
Basically a really nice day on the slopes, although would like some new snow. Looks like tomorrow afternoon onwards should give some nice new snow.
I added a few new pics which I took today.
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Look closely at this photo, what can you see, that normally would not be there during the day?
I will also (sometimes) add photos that I take at the resort.
It is a small resort and has 10 courses with the longest being about 1600 metres top to bottom.
The reason I go there, is it is about 20 mins from my house, it is somewhere I have been going for years now and I like the area/ski resort and we have friends who go there too.
Day 1 : 7th Dec 2013 (Opening day) Just one lower course was open with mostly man made snow. Weather was mostly sunny, but very windy peaked out at about +1oC that day. Almost empty!
Day 2 : 8th Dec 2013 Same as above really!
Day 3 : 21st Dec 2013 Two thirds open all natural snow, soft powdery snow, sunny, nice conditions, although clouded up in the afternoon. Quite a few people, but never crowded. Top to bottom skiing.
Day 4: 22nd Dec 2013 It snowed up to about 8cm or so the night before so was treated to fresh pow on top of the already soft snow and sunny sky in the morning. The snow remained soft and powdery the whole day and were plenty of powder pockets to be found all day, albeit chopped up.
Around lunch time onward it clouded over and some light snow fell for a while before turning sunny again More people today..
A great day was had by all.
I will add some photos later, takes too long download from my phone now.
Day 5: 25th Dec 2013 Woke up to absolutely crystal clear blue sky, which lasted the whole day, but no new snow, calm conditions. The snow was soft and powdery on the sun facing slopes and a bit hard packed with icy patches on the sheltered slopes, especially as the temps didn't get above -6 today.
Basically a really nice day on the slopes, although would like some new snow. Looks like tomorrow afternoon onwards should give some nice new snow.
I added a few new pics which I took today.
Look closely at this photo, what can you see, that normally would not be there during the day?
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A 2 or 3-day Niigata Trip - to G or not to G?
So with a forecast of another decent amount of snowfall on Sunday night, I'm planning a short trip to Paradise Alley, aka the resorts in and around Yuzawa. Factors to consider are the forecast high winds and the ever-present financial constraints, though this may be the last chance I have to get some powder action this season so I'm kind of flexible on the latter! ![:D]()
With the above in mind, this is my current train of thought:-
Option 1 - A 3-day trip to Granview, Maiko and Kagura/Naeba
This would mean travelling up by train tomorrow morning (non-shink to save money), allowing me to hit the hallowed Granview slopes by mid-afternoon and staying at Yuzawa Kenkouland (the cheap, overnight onsen place just below Gala) on Sunday night. I would then hit Maiko on Monday morning (forecast to get plenty of snow and less of the strong winds than other resorts) before heading over to Mitsumata after lunch to get up to the Wadagoya mountain hut at the top of the Kagura gondola. Kagura is forecast to gets lots of snow (and wind) on Sunday night and through Monday, so I reckon the top lifts will be closed on Monday but hopefully open on Tuesday, giving me first tracks. If that plan/gamble fails and they're still closed on Tuesday, I think Naeba (the Wadagoya ticket covers both resorts) will still be open, being less susceptible to wind-problems! I will therefore ride Kagura and/or Naeba on Tuesday before getting the train back to Tokyo.
Advantages:- I finally get to ride Granview, albeit only for a couple of hours.
Disadvantages:- Sunday (tomorrow) will be a long day; it's going to cost an extra 6,000Yen (when you factor in the extra overnighter) for those couple of hours of Granview action!
Option 2 - A 2-day trip to Maiko and Kagura/Naeba
This means getting the early Monday morning shink up to Echigo-Yuzawa then the shuttle bus to Maiko, and thereafter following the same plan as above.
Advantages:- A relaxing Sunday at home; an extra night in my own bed; 6,000Yen cheaper.
Disadvantages:- A 5am start, no Granview!!
So, to G or not to G, that is the question???![:confused:]()
With the above in mind, this is my current train of thought:-
Option 1 - A 3-day trip to Granview, Maiko and Kagura/Naeba
This would mean travelling up by train tomorrow morning (non-shink to save money), allowing me to hit the hallowed Granview slopes by mid-afternoon and staying at Yuzawa Kenkouland (the cheap, overnight onsen place just below Gala) on Sunday night. I would then hit Maiko on Monday morning (forecast to get plenty of snow and less of the strong winds than other resorts) before heading over to Mitsumata after lunch to get up to the Wadagoya mountain hut at the top of the Kagura gondola. Kagura is forecast to gets lots of snow (and wind) on Sunday night and through Monday, so I reckon the top lifts will be closed on Monday but hopefully open on Tuesday, giving me first tracks. If that plan/gamble fails and they're still closed on Tuesday, I think Naeba (the Wadagoya ticket covers both resorts) will still be open, being less susceptible to wind-problems! I will therefore ride Kagura and/or Naeba on Tuesday before getting the train back to Tokyo.
Advantages:- I finally get to ride Granview, albeit only for a couple of hours.
Disadvantages:- Sunday (tomorrow) will be a long day; it's going to cost an extra 6,000Yen (when you factor in the extra overnighter) for those couple of hours of Granview action!
Option 2 - A 2-day trip to Maiko and Kagura/Naeba
This means getting the early Monday morning shink up to Echigo-Yuzawa then the shuttle bus to Maiko, and thereafter following the same plan as above.
Advantages:- A relaxing Sunday at home; an extra night in my own bed; 6,000Yen cheaper.
Disadvantages:- A 5am start, no Granview!!
So, to G or not to G, that is the question???
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Fukushima 2013/2014
With Minowa opening today, the 2013/2014 season has officially started in Fukushima.
And hence, time for this season's thread.
Previous season's threads:
2010/2011
2011/2012
2012/2013
Planned openings:
11.15
Minowa (B lift)
11.30
Grandeco
12.14
Adatara Kogen
Nekoma
12.15
Oze Hinoemata Onsen
12.19
Aizu Kogen Daikura
12.20
Grandsunpia Inawashiro Resort
Numajiri
12.21
Aizu Kogen Takatsue
Alts Bandai
Fairyland Kaneyama
Family Snow Park Bandai x2
Grandee Hatoriko
Inawashiro
Listel Ski Fantasia
Nihonmatsu Shiozawa
Tadami
Ten-Ei
Urabandai
12.22
Aizu Kogen Nango
Aizu Kogen Takahata
12.23
Yanaizu Onsen
From 14 Jan. to 31 March 2014, 21 resorts in Fukushima are offering free weekday skiing to 20-22 year-olds who register through the 雪マジ！ふくしま/Snow Magic Fukushima program. (Separate from, and in addition to, the nationwide 雪マジ！１９ program for 19-year-olds.)
And hence, time for this season's thread.
Previous season's threads:
2010/2011
2011/2012
2012/2013
Planned openings:
11.15
Minowa (B lift)
11.30
Grandeco
12.14
Adatara Kogen
Nekoma
12.15
Oze Hinoemata Onsen
12.19
Aizu Kogen Daikura
12.20
Grandsunpia Inawashiro Resort
Numajiri
12.21
Aizu Kogen Takatsue
Alts Bandai
Fairyland Kaneyama
Family Snow Park Bandai x2
Grandee Hatoriko
Inawashiro
Listel Ski Fantasia
Nihonmatsu Shiozawa
Tadami
Ten-Ei
Urabandai
12.22
Aizu Kogen Nango
Aizu Kogen Takahata
12.23
Yanaizu Onsen
From 14 Jan. to 31 March 2014, 21 resorts in Fukushima are offering free weekday skiing to 20-22 year-olds who register through the 雪マジ！ふくしま/Snow Magic Fukushima program. (Separate from, and in addition to, the nationwide 雪マジ！１９ program for 19-year-olds.)
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Photos of Japanese ski resorts... taken from other skijo
As I was at Iwappara and Yuzawa Kogen today, I realised just how many skijo you can see in the area.
Thought it might be a good idea for a thread - photos of skijo taken from other skijo. Well I find it interesting anyway!
SJ-David kindly added a new public gallery on the Forums, so anyone can add photos to it.
When you upload photo via the Forums ('Gallery' link top right), just choose 'From one skijo to another' as the gallery. Simples!
Feel free to add photos if you like.
Anyway, here's some from today:
GALA Yuzawa from Yuzawa Kogen
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Kandatsu Kogen (closed this year) from Iwappara
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Kagura (Mitsumata on left, main runs on right) from Iwappara
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NASPA Ski Garden from Iwappara
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Ludens Yuzawa from Iwappara
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Yuzawa Nakazato from Iwappara
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Yuzawa Park from Iwappara
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Muikamachi Hakkaisan from Iwappara
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Kagura from Iwappara (left side of photo)
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Kayama Captain Coast (closed) from Iwappara
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Kagura (Mitsumata) from Yuzawa Kogen
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Kagura (main run) from Yuzawa Kogen
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Iwappara from Yuzawa Kogen
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Yuzawa Nakazato from Yuzawa Kogen
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Yuzawa Park from Yuzawa Kogen
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Muikamachi Hakkaisan from Yuzawa Kogen
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Kandatsu Kogen (closed this year) from Yuzawa Kogen
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Thought it might be a good idea for a thread - photos of skijo taken from other skijo. Well I find it interesting anyway!
SJ-David kindly added a new public gallery on the Forums, so anyone can add photos to it.
When you upload photo via the Forums ('Gallery' link top right), just choose 'From one skijo to another' as the gallery. Simples!
Feel free to add photos if you like.
Anyway, here's some from today:
GALA Yuzawa from Yuzawa Kogen
Kandatsu Kogen (closed this year) from Iwappara
Kagura (Mitsumata on left, main runs on right) from Iwappara
NASPA Ski Garden from Iwappara
Ludens Yuzawa from Iwappara
Yuzawa Nakazato from Iwappara
Yuzawa Park from Iwappara
Muikamachi Hakkaisan from Iwappara
Kagura from Iwappara (left side of photo)
Kayama Captain Coast (closed) from Iwappara
Kagura (Mitsumata) from Yuzawa Kogen
Kagura (main run) from Yuzawa Kogen
Iwappara from Yuzawa Kogen
Yuzawa Nakazato from Yuzawa Kogen
Yuzawa Park from Yuzawa Kogen
Muikamachi Hakkaisan from Yuzawa Kogen
Kandatsu Kogen (closed this year) from Yuzawa Kogen
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Grandeco, Fukushima, 2014.3.9
Sunday at Grandeco was predicted to be snowy and blustery. Turned out to be a calm, gorgeous day. Muikabochi gorgeous -- blue skies above, fresh packed powder underfoot (and unpacked to the sides). Excellent day for high-speed carving, mogul runs, and the cross course which was used for competition in the morning, then opened to the public from the afternoon. Had my fill of all the above, thighs still aching the next day. Couldn't ask for more.
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Cross course:
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Mt. Adatara seen above gondola station:
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Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai (plus... is that Nasu, Tochigi faintly in the far background?):
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Cross course:
Mt. Adatara seen above gondola station:
Lake Inawashiro and Mt. Bandai (plus... is that Nasu, Tochigi faintly in the far background?):
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Chaeteraise, Nobeyama, Nagano
Day 26 Mar 9th 2014 :
For our 26th day out we went to a resort that we hadn't been to for about 6 years and the main reason for going was because my daughter and I were competing in a technical ski race, something we had never done before. Both of us have done slalom and I often practice slalom for fun but have never done a technical ski course were by you have to ski down a slope with waves on it using certain styles and then your are marked with points. The better your style the more points you get.
Well having not done this before we didn't really know what style we should use except for the first run we had to use large turns, the second run small turns and the the third run was free style.
Well although we did all the requirements as par say, we didn't really get the style right at the correct sections so we didn't score so high, but it was fun to do and now I know what is required I may well practice for that and compete again next year.
Actually my favourite is to compete in slalom, which is what I practice a lot, so I have both speed and style for that, but in technical, speed is not really required but correct style is so that was quite a new experience.
Neither of us expected to win as we had never done this type of competition before, but it was fun and we both enjoyed the competing atmosphere and both agreed we would do it again after some practice.
Before and after the race we skied the resort and also did the alpine course several times which was fun as it is steeper than the course in Sun Meadows and made for a pleasant change. A bit more steep would have been even better still, as this was quite easy for both of us, and because it was quite a steep course their were hardly anyone there leaving it pretty much for us alone.
The resort its self was very crowded and we had to wait to get the lift if we wanted to ski the other courses, the alpine however was empty.
I used to go there many years ago when I was still a beginner/intermediate level skier and found the intermediate course there quite difficult at that time and I thought at the time there is no way in hell am I going to do the alpine course that looks as steep as.....
Now even the alpine course is easy, so I was thinking how much my skiing has come along since the last time I was there, having said that I still need to improve and become even better, but I am getting there bit by bit and enjoying myself doing it.
If it were not for the race I don't think we would have bothered going, because apart from the alpine course which is anyway short there is nothing worth skiing unless your level is intermediate or below.
It is however a nice little resort and is a great family and beginner place and has a nice cake shop, cafe and decent restaurant and outside sitting area.
The snow like my local was also deep , plentiful and soft.
The alpine course had some icy patches in odd place as it is sun facing and the temps stayed well below freezing during the day creating icy patches, but otherwise very nice snow, and it was a mostly sunny day so made for perfect conditions.
I took a few pics mainly just of the alpine course, so I will put them up later tonight.
For our 26th day out we went to a resort that we hadn't been to for about 6 years and the main reason for going was because my daughter and I were competing in a technical ski race, something we had never done before. Both of us have done slalom and I often practice slalom for fun but have never done a technical ski course were by you have to ski down a slope with waves on it using certain styles and then your are marked with points. The better your style the more points you get.
Well having not done this before we didn't really know what style we should use except for the first run we had to use large turns, the second run small turns and the the third run was free style.
Well although we did all the requirements as par say, we didn't really get the style right at the correct sections so we didn't score so high, but it was fun to do and now I know what is required I may well practice for that and compete again next year.
Actually my favourite is to compete in slalom, which is what I practice a lot, so I have both speed and style for that, but in technical, speed is not really required but correct style is so that was quite a new experience.
Neither of us expected to win as we had never done this type of competition before, but it was fun and we both enjoyed the competing atmosphere and both agreed we would do it again after some practice.
Before and after the race we skied the resort and also did the alpine course several times which was fun as it is steeper than the course in Sun Meadows and made for a pleasant change. A bit more steep would have been even better still, as this was quite easy for both of us, and because it was quite a steep course their were hardly anyone there leaving it pretty much for us alone.
The resort its self was very crowded and we had to wait to get the lift if we wanted to ski the other courses, the alpine however was empty.
I used to go there many years ago when I was still a beginner/intermediate level skier and found the intermediate course there quite difficult at that time and I thought at the time there is no way in hell am I going to do the alpine course that looks as steep as.....
Now even the alpine course is easy, so I was thinking how much my skiing has come along since the last time I was there, having said that I still need to improve and become even better, but I am getting there bit by bit and enjoying myself doing it.
If it were not for the race I don't think we would have bothered going, because apart from the alpine course which is anyway short there is nothing worth skiing unless your level is intermediate or below.
It is however a nice little resort and is a great family and beginner place and has a nice cake shop, cafe and decent restaurant and outside sitting area.
The snow like my local was also deep , plentiful and soft.
The alpine course had some icy patches in odd place as it is sun facing and the temps stayed well below freezing during the day creating icy patches, but otherwise very nice snow, and it was a mostly sunny day so made for perfect conditions.
I took a few pics mainly just of the alpine course, so I will put them up later tonight.
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Kagura Quandary!
So the plan today was to get a morning in at Maiko (done!) then head over to the Wadagoya Mountain Hut at Kagura before the gondola closes. I knew the top lifts would be shut there today because of the high winds, which means there'll be plenty of untracked pow to play in on Tuesday, and staying there gives you first tracks in all that loveliness!! The trouble is that tomorrow's forecast is also now saying 40-45 km/h up top.
So do I gamble and stay there, with the possibility of more lift closures, or go spend another (cheaper) night at Yuzawa Kenkouland (which actually wasn't bad) then hit up another resort tomorrow, knowing that everywhere's going to be good? If the latter, I'm thinking about Gala, then I could treat myself to an unreserved shink seat home!
What say you?
So do I gamble and stay there, with the possibility of more lift closures, or go spend another (cheaper) night at Yuzawa Kenkouland (which actually wasn't bad) then hit up another resort tomorrow, knowing that everywhere's going to be good? If the latter, I'm thinking about Gala, then I could treat myself to an unreserved shink seat home!
What say you?
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We did it (Mt Granview)
YES, we did it, MickRich and I did it, we are now members of SnowJapans most exclusive club, a club so exclusive and small that our secret meetings (last Friday of the Month, but only if the month has 29 days) will be held here.
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Do you need to ask what gives you membership to this most exclusive of clubs, it is of course the ability to utter those immortal words "I have skied/boarded Mt Granview"
Yes, I say to all those doubters out there, for I was there to witness it, MickRick has boarded Mt Granview, BUT, yes but, not only did he board Mt Granview he hiked out the back and boarded the back country beside Mt Granview.
All joking aside, it was a fantastic day, the snow was great, knee deep untracked powder, and the views. The views were outstanding, every time I took a lift up I could only marvel at how beautiful the area is. Those of you who are lucky enough to live in this area are truly blessed.
More photos and a trip report to come later.
Do you need to ask what gives you membership to this most exclusive of clubs, it is of course the ability to utter those immortal words "I have skied/boarded Mt Granview"
Yes, I say to all those doubters out there, for I was there to witness it, MickRick has boarded Mt Granview, BUT, yes but, not only did he board Mt Granview he hiked out the back and boarded the back country beside Mt Granview.
All joking aside, it was a fantastic day, the snow was great, knee deep untracked powder, and the views. The views were outstanding, every time I took a lift up I could only marvel at how beautiful the area is. Those of you who are lucky enough to live in this area are truly blessed.
More photos and a trip report to come later.
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