Kagura Heliski 2013

Snow, helicopters, skiing and boarding...... if you like the sound of those things and would like them all together then you need to head off to Kagura for the middle of April. The Kagura Heliski Weekend is back and scheduled for April 12, 13 & 14.

This is a great weekend and a chance to ski the back ridge of Kagura that most people only get to look at.

If you fancy earning your turns with a bit of sweat and legwork then you can get involved in the hike up tour from the beginning of April. The top lift of Kagura has been open for a while so the hike to the top is shorter than in mid-winter and the views from the top are stunning.

We've had some blue skies of late and those fair weather skiers and boarders have been congregating on the deck at the top of the Kagura gondola with a cold drink in hand working on their tans. You have to love a bit of spring snow action.....

Kagura Heliski Homepage

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.

Kagura - Opens 23rd November (touch wood)

Kagura have posted their opening date for the 2012/13 season, and if the weather cooperates, this is set for Friday 23rd November, which is a public holiday.

This is just a planned date at the moment so we will have to wait and see what happens, but they have put in more snow-making facilities at the top, so as long as it is cold, there should be at least some base to have a slide on. The area covered by the snow-making has been extended which is good news for those that like a bit of early winter action. Some years we have even opened the season with powder turns at Kagura so fingers crossed for cold temps and early snow.

As a Prince Resort there will also be free lift tickets for under 12s which is a great new development for families with young kids.

No excuses not to get our there and blow the cobwebs off in time for your Christmas holiday in the snow. Why not grab a ski lesson or snowboard lesson while you are there?

Fireworks in Yuzawa

Winter festivals are not complete without a bit of fire. Be it candles, bonfires or fireworks, there is normally something burning somewhere. The light on the snow creates a beautiful effect.

There have been plenty of fireworks so far this season and there are a few more planned.

Saturday February 25th - Mitsumata Yuki Akari

Saturday February 25th - Nakazato Snow Wood Snow Candle

Saturday March 3rd - Yuzawa Kogen Ski Resort, Yuzawa Onsen Snow Festival

Saturday March 10th - Tashiro Yuki Akari

Saturday March 24th - Ipponsugi Ski Resort Event

Saturday March 31st - Ludens Yuzawa Ski Resort "Pray for Japan"

Kagura/Mitsumata Yuki Akari - Feb 25th

Kagura is one of the best known ski resorts in Snow Country. With its high altitude, large area and easy access from Tokyo it draws a large crowd of dedicated snow lovers. It also has one of the longest seasons in the area.

Before you get to the Kagura area itself you first pass through Mitsumata Ski Area though it is often just assumed to be one and the same. And at that base of this resort is the town of Mitsumata where you catch the ropeway up to the snow.

On Saturday 25th February Mitsumata hosts it Yuki Akari Festival which aims to light up all the surrounding snow.

Candles, fireworks, and sparklers are everywhere and create a wonderful effect on the shining snow. There are games to play, food to enjoy and local sakes to savour.

Head along to the Mitsumata Ropeway Car Park to join the locals who will make you feel very welcome at this celebration. Things start to get going as night falls at 1900 and the actual festival itself starts at 1930.

Kagura opens 23rd November 2011

It is snowing in Yuzawa right now and has been for the last couple of days with some lower temperatures of late. There was enough snow falling in the town last night to warrant turning the sprinklers on and the snow is settling all around. It is good timing too as with tomorrow being a holiday, Kagura is due to open.

They currently have 40cm on the slopes and are good to go for tomorrow. Great news for those of you that have been counting the days until you can strap your gear back on. They are planning to have about 600 meters of slope open.

So its a bus up from the top of the Mitsumata Ropeway to the Kagura Gondola and then you are good to go from there. More snow on the way so it promises to be a good start for the season in Snow Country.