Round the clock skiing at Kandatsu

Every year there is another ski resort marketing idea to help boost numbers at one of the resorts in the region. It is a constant battle to keep things interesting and with so much choice for places to ski every resort is battling hard to make themselves stand out.

This years interesting marketing ploy goes to Kandatsu who have round the clock skiing on weekends. Kicking off early January they will be shut on Friday's during the day. They will open up Friday evening at 6pm so you can roll out of work onto the slopes. It will be non-stop sliding throughout the night (except for a quick break from 4am - 5.30am.) The lifts will then run from 5.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday. From 4.30 you have a bit of time to jump in the onsen and rest those weary legs before it is all systems go from 6.pm for a repeat of the previous day's schedule.

There are several different tickets so you don't have to do the whole marathon. For those that want to maximize their weekend on the slope this is great news, and even if you want to get some cheeky turns in at unconventional times, there are plenty of options now.

Snow is a Treasure

Interesting article  (The New York Times) from the big winter back in 2006 when record amounts of snow fell, on the struggle to keep on top of the snow clearing.

It is a task that takes massive amounts of manpower, even in this day and age, but must have been a huge endeavor before road sprinklers and snow clearing machines.

The article is written about Tsunan which is consistently up there as one of the snowy places in Japan.

Some great recollections from the older residents, and although they admit that it is a constant battle against the winter snow, it is still seen as a treasure.

Banana Week at Joetsu Kokusai & Iwappara

Joetsu Kokusai and Iwappara are both resorts that make a special effort for families. There are great learner areas, dedicated sledging zones and play areas just for the children. They also both have on-snow accommodation which is a great boon if you are having to deal with young ones and all the gear that comes with a winter holiday.

This winter they add another toy to their play chests with the arrival of a banana boat, which is sure to be a big hit.

Save the date - how often to you get to ride a banana with a giant cartoon pig???

New Year in Japan

It is almost Christmas already! Where has the year gone? Everything in Snow Country is starting to hit its winter stride. There has been a good early snowfall which has allowed several resorts to open, and the rest are planning to start their lifts this weekend.

New Year is a pretty busy time in the resorts. The peak holiday period this year will probably start around 29th December, so if you are planning to spend the New Year's Period in the snow, make sure you have your hotel booking sorted in advance.

As a time of celebration there is always great food on offer around New Year and you are also likely to catch some good fireworks. These always looking amazing with snowy mountains as a backdrop.

Here is a list of some NY Fireworks if you are lucky enough to be in the area. Don't worry if you don't know when they start, you'll most definitely hear them.

December 31st

Yuzawa Park Ski Resort

NASPA Ski Garden

January 2nd

Kandatsu Kogen Ski Resort

Enjoy

Iwappara Opens Tomorrow - Dec 14th 2012

If you are a ski resort facing the uncertainties of early season snow you have a few choices as to your opening dates

• post an early one and face an embarrassing postponement in case of late snow
• post a late one and stick to it no matter what
• keep quiet and see what the snow does - react accordingly

This third option was the one Iwappara went for, keeping any trace of an opening date off their website this year. With all this early snow though they are ready for their 2012/13 winter opening - and it is tomorrow.

Good news indeed for fans of wide open runs and ski-in, ski-out accommodation. Or it also a great place for a quick day on the snow if you are planning a day-return ski trip.

The Snow Has Arrived

Every year there is a period of speculation about what this season will bring, and more importantly, when it will start. The long range forecast is carefully studied, nature's signs are taken into account and everyone has an opinion. Invariably in Snow Country the heaven's suddenly open and masses of white stuff falls out of the sky. That has been the case over  the last couple of days.

It is perfect timing for many of the resorts who are planning on opening soon and need a bit more of a base. It is also a boon for those resorts that are open with many people shooting up to this area for the first real powder day of the season. Kagura, which has been open since late November, is one of the higher resorts around and get consistently good snow. It is a popular destination for day return trips from Tokyo and the resorts it links up with, Tashiro and Naeba, both opened this past weekend. All three resorts are offering free ski passes for children this year which make them great locations for the family ski trip.

Naeba is also offering free lift tickets for 19 year olds

It's open season now so get up here and enjoy the snow.

All things igloo at Naeba

There is a great deal going on in January around Snow Country with many places choosing to stage their events during this popular month to ski.

Another yearly favorite is the Kamakura Festival at Naeba. A kamakura is a Japanese style igloo, and a whole host of them will be decorating the bottom of the slopes at Naeba for a couple of weeks.

For a house made of snow they get pretty snug and welcoming so it is great to check them out and see what a traditional snow shelter is like. There are also mochi making nights, treasure hunts, a candle night, fireworks, food and drinks in and around the kamakuras. You can even learn how to make one if you are interested.

They are impressive structures so if you are at Naeba (enjoying the free lift tickets for children this year)  pop your skis off to get a closer look.

Winter fun in Minakami

Minakami has a fantastic reputation as an outdoor adventure paradise. Much of its fame comes from the abundance of activities in summer. It is sometimes overlooked as a great winter destination too. Whether you are looking for fun on the slopes, a gondola ride to the top of the mountains, some extreme backcountry riding or a peaceful snowshoe tour, there is plenty to keep everyone in the family occupied.

There are lots of ski resorts in the area too. In fact, did you know that Minakmi boasts 10 resorts in all? And though you may not have heard of all of them, each of them is worth a visit.

Tenjindaira has already opened but the other resorts won't be far behind. Below are the planned opening dates for the other 9 Minakami ski resorts.

Dec 15th - Houdaigi
Dec 20th - Norn
Dec 21st - White Valley, and Okutone
Dec 22nd - Minakami Kogen, Fujiwara, Oana, and Akasawa
Depending on snow - Kanosawa

There is also plenty of great accommodation in Minakami if you are looking for a memorable stay.

Happy My Birthday in Echigo Yuzawa

If you are lucky enough to be in Yuzawa on your birthday you can reap the rewards this year. From December 10th until April 30th anyone with a birthday (and photo ID to prove it) can take advantage of the Happy My Birthday Campaign.

Pop into the Yukiguni Kankou Sha just outside the West Exit of the Station on your birthday with your ID and you could be the recipient of a free day pass, a onsen ticket and plenty of other goodies. There are a whole bunch of ski resorts, restaurants, hotels and shops that are taking part in the campaign so free food and drinks could be yours too.

A Safe and Prosperous Season

Winter is just around the corner. Some resorts have already opened and some are just waiting for one big snowfall to get their season cranking. It is a busy time of year for the ski resorts and any help is much appreciated. Many resorts have a ceremony to encourage a safe and prosperous season and that was the case today at GALA Yuzawa.

Everyone involved in the operation for the upcoming season, led by a priest from the local temple, raised a glass of sake and said a prayer for Winter 2013.

It is a big year for GALA and for the resorts in the area with celebrations for 100 years of skiing in the region still taking place. This November was also the thirtieth anniversary for the Joetsu Shinkansen line, that trusty workhorse that whisks people up from the capital to the mountains in just over an hour. You step off the bullet train right into the base of GALA's base building - an amazing set-up.

Snow Country Freak magazine

The bizarrely titled Snow Country Freak magazine have just brought out their winter issue. It is a free guide to everything that is going on in Snow Country over winter. Unfortunately it is only in Japanese but it is a wealth of useful information if you can get someone to help you decipher it.

Contents -

"500 yen off" voucher for day passes at Yuzawa Nakazato, Maiko or Muikamachi Ski Resorts
Maps of the area
Event lists by month
Ski Resort Events
The best meals on the slopes
A voucher for the one day upgrade pack at GALA (lift ticket, 500 yen voucher, and discounts off rental and lessons.)
Activity guide
Onsen guide
Gift guide

You should be able to see this free magazine online too

Link to us

Feel free to post a link to this blog on your homepage if you think your site visitors would be fascinated by the fast-paced goings-on in Snow Country. I know it is difficult to keep up with everything that is going on but we do our best.

There is a full range of banners and the code you need to add the link to a page on your site at this page or drop us a line and we can send you anything else that you need.

Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway

Yuzawa Kogen Ropeway is a popular spot for tourists visiting Yuzawa in all seasons. Once the largest gondola in the world, holding 160 passengers, it whisks you up to the top of the mountains that flank Yuzawa town. From there you get an amazing view of the Uonuma valley below.

It pretty much runs all year round with a few short breaks for routine maintenance. They have just finished operation for Green Season 2012 and will shortly be up and running for Winter 2012/2013 - the maintenance period is set for Nov 26 2012 - Dec 14 2012.

Head up to the top to enjoy the views, or have a play in the snow. If you are a skier or snowboarder you can spend some time at Yuzawa Kogen ski resort, which has a run all the way back down to village level. It also has a gondola that takes you across to GALA Yuzawa resort as part of the 3 Mountains area. There are some great restaurants at the top of the ropeway too.

Being right in the center of Yuzawa it couldn't be more convenient...

It's December

December arrives in style with snow falling in Snow Country this morning. The winter season is fast approaching and there are people wandering around with skis and snowboards which is always a cheering sight.

Kagura has been open for a week but the season also starts today with Tenjindaira opening their first lift of the 2012/13 winter.

It looks like there is more snow on the way for the coming week so we can hope for a few more resorts to open their doors shortly.

Snow Country Omiyage

Omiyage is very Japanese - the tradition of buying a small gift from wherever you go to give to your family or workmates. It is fantastic when people come round with a small taste of where they have been and you get to try some really interesting little snacks.

Everywhere you go in Snow Country you will see selections of individually wrapped sweets to take away with you. The rice and sake are also popular gifts to give from this region.

Here's an unusual option that you can get locally, similar to the bamboo-wrapped sticky rice sweet (sasadango) is this bamboo-wrapped sweet - sasaame.

Boiled sweets with an unusual flavor folded into a dried bamboo grass leaf - really tasty and very interesting packaging. They are sure to raise some eyebrows as a gift but everyone we gave them too thought they were delicious too.

If you make it up to Snow Country, don't forget to pick up some kind of souvenir to take away with you

Winter Preparations

It is cold in Snow Country at the moment. The leaves are falling and there have already been some snow showers down low. Higher resorts are already starting to get their lifts fired up for the season.

There is a bit of siege atmosphere in Snow Country at this time of year. The snows are not far off and there is plenty of preparation to get done first.

As you walk around you will see trees and bushes covered in planks of wood. The sheer weight of the snow can easily damage these plants so proud owners go to great lengths to protect them.

Another key element to battling the snow is the water that is pumped out of the middle of the roads. Without this driving around would be a nightmare, and just looking at some of the old photos you can see what happens if you don't stay on top of the snow clearing. At this time of year the water systems are turned on again to clean out the accumulated dirt of the warmer months. Local residents get together and make sure their area of town is ready to go.

If you are coming to Snow Country in winter it is a good idea to pack some decent footwear. With heavy snow and lots of water about the footwear of choice for locals is the trusty gumboot. It may not be fashionable but dry feet are worth any sacrifice. Blend in with the locals with a cheap pair of rubber boots from the local hardware store. Your feet will thank you.

Kagura will open as planned - Nov 23rd

A public holiday tomorrow in Japan and what is even better than that is that Kagura will open. The long wait to get back on snow is over.

The resort are saying they will have a kilometer and a half of slopes open, being about 40-50 meters wide, depending on snow conditions. The recent cold temperatures in Snow Country have helped and it is great to see winter starting up on schedule, as other areas are experiencing later snowfalls than usual.

There are sure to be lots of enthusiastic snow fans up there for the first day of the season. Kagura is an easy day trip from Tokyo so it couldn't be easier.

Own a place in Snow Country

Interesting article today on NewsOnJapan originally from BloombergBusinessWeek about traditional homes in the Japanese countryside being renovated and sold/rented.

This is something that has been happening in Snow Country too. There are plenty of properties out there that have fallen into disrepair as youngsters flee the countryside for a life in the city. Determined not to let these fantastic houses disappear some people have been stepping in to preserve them.

The Echigo-Tsumari Art Field has been turning some beautiful old buildings into works of art or using then as the settings for installation pieces.

You can even get involved if you are interested in having a place in the country of your own. Head along to some of the buildings that have already been renovated and you will be inspired. Preserving these fantastic timber framed buildings that are works of great craftsmanship themselves is a great project to be involved in.

Day Return Snow Trip from Tokyo

The winter season is almost upon us with Kagura still aiming to open the first of their lifts on Friday 23rd November. A escape to the snow is a great day out and Kagura is the perfect location for it.

Snow Country is incredibly close to Tokyo making a trip to the slopes very easy. So quick and easy in fact that is simple to do a day-return trip from Tokyo. Catch an early shinkansen up to Echigo-Yuzawa, where you are met by a mini-bus from the rental company. They fit you out in all the gear you need and drop you at Kagura for a day of riding. They'll be back there to meet you at a pre-arranged time, and will drop you, exhilarated and exhausted, back at Echigo-Yuzawa Station. Grab a bite and head back to the concrete jungle. It couldn't be easier.

You owe it to yourself to spend some time on quality R&R and there is no better place than the mountains. This hassle-free package is designed with convenience in mind. Check out the Day Return Ski/SB Trip page for details and prices.

Snow at the top of Iwappara

There is a bit of snow at the top of Iwappara Ski Resort this morning.

Still no news on their opening date. They were hoping on a mid-December start but will have to wait to see what the snow does first. We were up their recently and had a bit of a giggle at the vending machines. You better hope you do not get thirsty while you are up there! In preparation for the heavy winter snows, all the vending machines are raised off the ground and in some years have to be dug out a bit. Great foresight for winter  but not quite so handy if there is no snow.

Some pretty colors their too.

Snow At Town Level This Morning

Good news for snow lovers this morning. A drop in temperatures yesterday meant that when Snow Country residents opened their curtains this morning there was a light dusting of snow everywhere. It is still falling, though it is a bit sleety at the moment down low.

Central Yuzawa

Nakazato Ski Resort

This is certainly good news for those that are anxiously waiting to see if Kagura will be able to open on their planned date of November 23rd. There is a nice layer of snow up there from last night and the temperatures are cold enough for them to have the snow-making machines working to help put a decent base down. As a Prince Resort, Elementary School age children can ski for free this year. Check out the Kagura webcam on their home page to keep an eye on the progress up there as opening day draws closer.

2012-13 Winter Snow Levels???

The autumn colors are bright and vibrant in Snow Country at the moment with lots of reds, oranges and yellows, The leaves are starting to fall and that means many minds turn to the upcoming winter. The first resort is due to open in just 10 days time (with a bit of luck), though there is not much white stuff covering the peaks right now.

The long range forecast seems to be for a slightly warmer than average winter which will be a relief for those that struggled under last year's monster snowfalls, though disappointing to snow sports enthusiasts.

A further worrying sign for snow lovers was spotted over the weekend...

That white ball in the middle of the photo attached to the little bush is a praying mantis egg case. Local knowledge has it that the mantis knows how much snow is coming and places the eggs at a suitable height to avoid getting buried in snow. Last year the egg cases were up high and there were near-record levels of snowfall. This year there are plenty to be found closer to the ground.

Old wives' tale or a nature's snow prediction....? We'll have to wait to see.

Back in the day....

History plays a big part in small town Japan, especially in Snow Country. Families have been here for generations, many of them running the same business which is passed down from parent to child. If you are lucky enough to stay in a ryokan in this area you are likely to see some photos from back in the day adorning the walls of the hotel. They are fascinating glimpses of the past and how the town used to look. The height of the snow next to some of the old buildings is staggering and makes you realize what a battle winter must have been. It is a far cry from the built up town we know today.

If you haven't seen some of these photos you can head on over to the website of Yuzawa Shoji, one of the real estate agents in Yuzawa (who'll also be able to help you if you are looking to buy or rent a holiday home in the mountains.

They have collected together a whole bunch of old photos and it is an amazing sight.

They have photos from several parts of Yuzawa, Iwappara, Nakazato, Futai and Naeba. If you have been to the area then you are sure to see some familiar sights. Today's resorts would do anything to have the crowds that you can see in some of the photos.

Koakasawa Onsen

As you probably know we are big fans of kicking back and relaxing in an onsen (just hit the onsen label to have a look at some of the ones on offer.) Snow Country is blessed with some amazing onsen which come in all shapes and sizes. But no matter how many different ones you go to, you can still be surprised.

Koakasawa Onsen definitely has the ability to surprise, mainly due to the color of its water, which is a muddy brown.

It is a fantastic little onsen tucked away in the mountains and certainly has a very rustic feel to it. It feels a bit strange soaking in a "dirty" onsen but is a great experience and a tremendous bath.

It is a really good time of year to visit because the roads leading up there are at their very best in autumn with beautiful colors on display all around.

Minakami Norn - Opening December 20th

New season, new poster and pamphlet for Norn in Minakami. This winter it is planning to open its lifts on Thursday December 20th.

It is right next to Minakami IC so if you are heading up to Snow Country by car it is one of the easiest resorts to reach. Just hop off the Kanetsu Expressway and you are just about there. It also has free parking which is always a bonus at a ski resort.

If you want to know a bit more about Norn and what goes on at the resort there are plenty of videos from last season over at their YouTube Channel. Or you can have a read of what one Snow Country visitor thought about their day at Norn.

Chrysanthemum in Yuzawa

The annual chrysanthemum contest entrants are adorning the East Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station at the moment. It is the 25th year of this display and is certainly an impressive sight. We mentioned it last year and always look forward to the show. This year is better than ever with masses of entrants and some truly impressive blooms that brighten up the station concourse.

If you have time on your hands before you catch you train you should check out the flowers. There are plenty of other distractions available in Echigo Yuzawa Station too - it is fast becoming a little hub within the town with restaurants, shops and exhibitions.

3 Mountain Pass

One of the better areas to ski in Snow Country is the 3 Mountains but it isn't as well known as it should be. It is a pass that covers Yuzawa Kogen, GALA Yuzawa and Ishiuchi. 3 resorts all on one ski pass and easily linked together. It is really good value and opens up a large amount of terrain to explore.

It also means you can pick and choose the best bits from each resort.

How about...

The convenience of the bullet train station at GALA

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An amazing lunch at Alpina in Yuzawa Kogen

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Fantastic terrain parks and half pipes in Ishiuchi

Yuzawa Kogen has a ropeway right in the center of town so it is super convenient. And with the slope-side accommodation in Ishiuchi you have a choice of staying in Yuzawa town or right on the snow.

Each one of these areas is good on its own, but bundle them all together and it will keep you occupied for the whole weekend.

 

Yuzawa Area Ski Resort Videos

Heading to Yuzawa for a bit of snow action this winter but not sure where to go?

Or just looking for some shots of snow to get you pumped up for your turns when the snow falls?

Then check out these video intros to some of the ski resorts in the Yuzawa area of Snow Country. There are guides to Yuzawa Kogen, Snow Wood, NASPA, Nakazato, Naeba, Ludens, Yuzawa Kogen, Iwappara, Ipponsugi, GALA, and Yuzawa Park.

Start getting excited about the snow.....

Snow in them there hills...

Good news for those that are impatiently waiting for the snow. Colder temperatures across Snow Country over the last few weeks have brought a dusting of the white stuff to the top of all the local mountains. When the sun is out it is quite balmy - perfect weather for hiking and checking out the autumn colors - but when the sun goes in, the temperatures drop to single digits and even colder over night, especially up high.

Keep an eye on the webcams at Kagura and Tashiro to see the onset of winter. Here's the shot from this morning....

Kagura will be the first resort in Snow Country to open this year (hopefully with lashing of deep, white snow). You'll be able to put some turns in there from November 23rd.

Echigo Akiyamago Driving Course

It is autumn here in Snow Country - it really is one of the most beautiful times of year and it is hard to put into words how amazing the colors of nature are in this region. It is a spectacular change from season to season. The white of winter being replaced by the vibrant greens of spring and summer and then the reds, yellows and oranges of autumn. The mountains are a great place to experience the changing of the seasons.

One of the top places in Snow Country to see the colors is Akiyamago. The intense colors draw sightseers and photographers from all over the country. For a fantastic day out you could do no better than the Echigo Akiyamago Driving Course. It takes in some great regional sights and just the scenery out of the window is worth the journey in itself.

Jabuchi Waterfall is a highlight

and Maekura Bridge is also a famous spot for stunning autumn color photos

There are 8 stops on the itinerary but plenty more in the area to see and do. An escape to the mountains in autumn is simply a must-do.

Unusual Onsen

Taking a long soak in a volcanic hot spring bath is one of the essential Japanese experiences and Snow Country is blessed with an abundance of onsen. Pretty much anywhere you stay will have an onsen either in-house or close by. (For those of you that are not au fait with the ins and outs of taking a bath Japanese style, check out this handy guide.)

There are some really famous onsen in these parts that have been soothing away aches and pain for centuries. Onsen have played an important role in both curative and preventative medicine is Japan. The different kinds of water all have different affects and there will usually be a notice on the wall explaining the benefits of each particular bath.

Here are a couple of the more unusual onsen on offer in these parts.

Yusenkaku

This accommodation backs onto the river. The river has hot springs pumping into it. You can dig around and create your own personal onsen pool right there. It doesn't get more natural than that.

Kanzan

Their bath has a giant picture window that offers a stunning vista of Mount Tanigawa towering above you.

Takahan

The source of the hot spring is the reason the ryokan is here. It sits atop its own onsen source with the water completely refilling the bath every 3 hours.

Chitose

This ryokan in Matsunoyama has a really famous outdoor bath that is high on the list of onsen aficionados. It really comes in to its own in winter when it is almost buried in snow.

Ryugon

This ryokan is one of the oldest ryokan around and also have great onsen. Their outdoor bath backs right onto the local mountains and is so famous that it was the location for a beer commercial a few years ago.