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???
