The Spring Park at Tenjindaira

Tenjindaira Ski Resort has a reputation for some pretty serious backcountry terrain and even in-resort the runs are well known for their powder. Tenjindaira is always up in the top snowfall resorts for the whole of Japan and is always on the list for visiting pros - it gets the nod from Jake Burton too in his interview with Outdoor Japan.

What is not so well-known is that in spring Tenjindaira has a great terrain park. Being one of the highest resorts around it goes longer than other areas and in spring everyone wants to ride park. Happy to oblige, there is a dedicated team of park crew at Tenjin who design some good hits.

The park opened today and with Tenjindaira lasting until Golden Week in a normal year there is almost two months left in this season yet. With a 3.5 meter base up there at the moment this winter season at Tenjin may go on past the holidays in early May if the power- that-be decide.

With rafting season kicking off in April, when the snowmelt makes the rapids in the local Tone River serious whitewater, it is possible to ride park all morning when the snow is at its best, and then jump into a raft in the afternoon for some Grade 4/5 rafting.

More photos of the park on the Tenjin blog -  it gets bigger and better as spring goes on.

Japan Rising Campaign 2012

As a thank you to the international community for the amazing response after the events of last March the "Japan, Rising Again" campaign is being launched. As the first year anniversary of the devastating earthquake and tsunami approaches, Japan is still working hard to lure the visitors back by persuading them that Japan is still a fantastic destination.

This campaign is worldwide with things happening all over the place. Over in Yuzawa the accommodations are offering specials for foreign visitors. For further details and to receive a commemorative thank you gift head over the the Information Center outside the West Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station.

Yuzawa Kogen Downhill Race - 1 April

Ever fancied yourself as a ski racer? If so the Yuzawa Kogen Downhill Race could be the ideal debut for you. Very much a fun event open to everyone, this race sees you trying to get from top to bottom at Yuzawa Kogen Resort.

It's 2,000 yen to take part but plenty of prizes up for grabs. You have to get your entry form in by 10th March. The course is a long, cruisy 2,200 metres down the Panoramic Course at the top of Yuzawa Kogen so no need to fear steep slopes or difficult terrain.

Lots of fun and very child friendly. It's the 51st time they have run this race and it has a long history of happy racers.

Yubiso Snow Festival - March 11

Yubiso is a little township that is part of Minakami. You will have passed through it if you have been to the Tanigawadake Ropeway. It is also home to many of the rafting and outdoor adventure companies that have made Minakami a mecca for outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Sunday March 11th is the Yubiso Snow Festival held in Yubiso Park on the way to Mount Tanigawa.

Giant snow sculptures of popular cartoon characters, a sledging zone for the kids and plenty of delicious local food are all there for you enjoyment. It runs from 10 to 3 on Sunday so pop along, and why not take in one of the famous onsen nearby? Or spend some time at one of Minakami's ski resorts that are all within a short drive from Yubiso. Work on the sculptures starts tomorrow so if you are heading up to Tenjin before the weekend you can get a sneak preview.

Right next to Yubiso Park is the Melody Road. Drive at 40 km per hour and grooves in the road play a famous Japanese tune. A pretty ingenious way to get people to keep their speed down.

Tokamachi Anime Festival - Mar 10th

The March events keep on coming and Saturday 10th sees the first ever Tokamachi Anime Festival.

Pop culture comes to Snow Country. People dressed as their favorite cartoon characters, a parade, guest DJs, an all-singing, all-dancing maid cafe combo - it's sure to help the campaign to keep Snow Country hip and happening.

The action kicks off in the afternoon with the fancy dress parade at 1400 and will carry on into the night. You'll have to get their earlier if you would like to don your outfit and take part.

It's the first time for this festival in Tokamachi so it could become a fixture, filling the gap between the Tokamachi Snow Festival and the Kimono Festival (on 3rd May.)

Ishiuchi Yonex RideOn Series Halfpipe - March 25

As the weather gets better the half pipe at Ishiuchi Maruyama is a great place to hang out. Give it a go or just watch some of the local riders put some solid runs together. There are two pipes over at Ishiuchi - a smaller one that is ideal if you are just starting out, or a much larger one if you fancy more of a challenge.

The Yonex RideOn Series has been going through the winter with the big air and slopestyle events already drawing the crowds. Sunday March 25th it is the turn of the half pipe to host the party.

There are Men's, Women's and Kids' categories and if the weather cooperates it will be a great event.

It's March

This winter is flying by. It is March already. Still plenty of snow time left but it has shot by. The snow has been pounding down for a couple of months and it has been close to a record-breaking year in terms of snowfall.

There is still lots of fun left yet and this weekend will be a particularly busy one in Snow Country. Wherever you are there is likely to be some kind of event happening close by.

Banked Slalom at Tenjin

Kandatsu King Freestyle

Yuzawa Snow Festival

Family Snow Walk

Typically the weather gets warmer into March and April so you can expect plenty more outside events to keep you occupied.