Japow!

Geto Kogen (Iwate prefecture) have had 22 metres so far this season.

It has been an amazing season, so much snow. I thought last year was good, this year has been off tap.

I'm feeling for the resorts though- they're doing it tough.

But, I've had some great trips up our local area- Mt. Bandai (Aizu kogen area Fukushima) working around the weather and been getting some good empty powder days.

We might not have the steeps here but the amount and quality of the snow can't be beat I reckon.

Ps- People love Hakuba, Yuzawa, Niseko and rightfully those areas are awesome.

But,

Just quietly, if you want a real Japanese experience and fresh tracks- Tohoku is the go. Just gotta know where to go.

zenagain wrote:

Ps- People love Hakuba, Yuzawa, Niseko and rightfully those areas are awesome.

But,

Just quietly, if you want a real Japanese experience and fresh tracks- Tohoku is the go. Just gotta know where to go.

ssshhhh, Zen.

zenagain wrote:

Geto Kogen (Iwate prefecture) have had 22 metres so far this season.

It has been an amazing season, so much snow. I thought last year was good, this year has been off tap.

I'm feeling for the resorts though- they're doing it tough.

But, I've had some great trips up our local area- Mt. Bandai (Aizu kogen area Fukushima) working around the weather and been getting some good empty powder days.

We might not have the steeps here but the amount and quality of the snow can't be beat I reckon.

Iwate snow is so so good. Used to ski APPI all the time...some really good night sking on the smaller fields in Iwate...not crowded in the evening...too cold for many.

Tohoku is such a beautiful place...I lived there for quite a while.

Chuck some Tohoku-ben down and the locals love it.

Wow, insane and yeah what a season eh Zen! Very very jelly, hopefully I make it across next year!!

You're welcome here Craig.

Try and get you into the surf too.

Arigato gozaimasu Zen-san.

Doitashimashite Kureigu sama.

A few years back, I spent a season doing snow making at Mt Jeans, Tochigi. The resort is crap, but the back country was good fun, without being too intimidating. Spending every fine day in the season hiking and boarding solo around the nearby mountains was one the best snow experiences of my life. Learnt a lot about route finding and avalanches as well.

That's pretty gutsy being out in the back country alone.

I've never been to Jeans but been to Hunter mountain a couple of times. Usually when the Ban Etsu expressway is closed we'd take the local roads out there.

Gunma is a prefecture that I'd like to explore more.

I tried hard to find a partner, but nobody in the dormitory was keen. Being out alone focusses the senses. Have to be very careful when selecting routes.

Only been to Gumma a couple of times, lots to enjoy there.

Hey Zen or anyone else on here, could anyone recommend somewhere nice to stay in Nozawa Onsen?

Nothing super flash, just traditional, good tucker. close to everything.

We've only been once, and stayed at The View Shimataya. Nothing special in itself, but the breakfast was great, and the Onsen really nice.

Others can hopefully give much better advice.

You like the region / resort itself?

Great to hear mate. Can’t really go wrong by sounds

Nozawa is lovely, but I thought the skiing was mostly a little tame. But then I like open, steep, faaaast terrain.

We (two couples) did have a great time there.

Thanks IB.

Is there benefit from staying right near the gondola or is it all pretty easy to get around no matter where staying in Nozawa?

Hey Solitude, was in Nozawa in February - it is an awesome place.

Stayed at Akari House apartments which is above a great little swiss bakery.

Have stayed at Ninjin House previously too, also good.

It is a pretty small village so doesn't really matter if you are right next to the Gondola. Can also jump on the Nagaska double chair which links you to the gondola.

Also highly recommend Nozawa, Solitude. The village ain't that big. From memory, everything is pretty close and easy to cover by walking. Really nice spot that gets loads of snow.