004 Welcome to Myoko 008 A Quick Look At The Resorts 010 What is New This Year 011 What to do in Myoko this season 015 Back to life for a Myoko Resort 016 Onsen Time 018 Sharuru, the Avalanche Dog 020 Myoko Kogen Map 022 Bus Schedules 023 Myoko Essentials 024 Access the Backcountry 026 The Ski Areas Publisher Editor Contributors Photgraphers Advertising Sales Design
Snow Connections Steve Williams Stewart Adamson James Robb Patrick Fux Mikiyo Williams Michael Grove Ashish Bose
On the Cover: The Editor enjoying the wide open pistes at Akakura Kanko Ski Resort on a powder morning.
Contact Information 1606-4 Hokujo, Hakuba Nagano 399-9301 English Tel: 080-3126-0247 Japanese Tel: 080-3422-9005 Email: sales@japansnowconnections.com
Published by Snow Connections
SNOW CONNECTIONS Myoko Connect
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Myoko Connect
Less developed and more traditionally Japanese than Hakuba, more variety than Nozawa Onsen and sitting on a much bigger mountain, more of lived-in and more vertical than Shiga Kogen, more snow than all three.... It’s suffice to say that Myoko has a lot to offer international skiers and snowboarders.
Myoko Connect
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The region takes its name from Mount Myoko, the vast 2,454m mountain that dominates the south-west Niigata skyline and is home to five of the Myoko ski areas. Myoko is actually an active volcano, the second of five big volcanoes that cross Japan in a north-south line. Repeated eruptions in pre-history formed a belt-like geological region called the Fossa Magna that extends to the Pacific. The southmost of the five volcanoes is the symbol of Japan itself, Mount Fuji. Though “active”, Myoko’s last eruption was over 4,000 years ago. When not erupting, volcanoes mean fertile soil and hot springs (“onsen”), and it is as the latter that Myoko became established as a destination for travelers. The granddaddy of the Myoko onsens is Seki, which has welcomed visitors to its iron-rich waters since 1729. Akakura Onsen opened in 1816. There are now seven onsens in Myoko, with waters that range from rusty red to milky white and have different therapeutic effects. Myoko expanded in the post-war period with the Japanese booms in hiking in the 1960s and skiing in the 1970s and 80s, but the European influence of mountain-based leisure has remained secondary. To this day, Myoko is a collection of onsen towns with ski lifts, not a ski resort with onsens.
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Myoko Connect
Skiing got its start in Myoko at Akakura. In 1937, the Akakura Kanko Hotel was built as one of Japan’s first European-style resort hotels. The building of the first ski lifts in the post-war period sparked gold-rush style development, with small rival areas opening up side by side. These areas have since mended their differences and joined up to form the ski areas we know today. The main characteristic of skiing at Myoko is that it snows a lot! A typical season will bring 14 meters of cumulative snowfall, with most resorts hitting a base of 4 meters by late season. Despite this, temperatures are relatively mild, often in a range of -1 to -5C on the slopes. Unlike colder resorts, dress sensibly and you shouldn’t need an extra layer for the lifts or a facemask to protect any exposed skin. Unlike European resorts located high in the alpine, there is also no risk of altitude sickness. The biggest risk for most people is getting stuck in some very deep snow! For information on the separate ski areas in the Myoko region, see the individual guides later in this magazine. Most areas have wide lower slopes ideal for beginners and steeper upper slopes with great tree skiing through beech and birch forests. Rather than being isolated up a mountain somewhere, the ski
areas are all directly linked to accommodation/onsen-centered villages where you can stay, eat, and ease the day’s aches away in the bath. If you have ever wondered how much snow a 75-year-old man can shovel, we’re sure a Myoko local will show you the answer. You’ll also see the vast array of machinery used to keep the roads clear in this climate. Some of it is very impressive. Myoko is located only 25km or so from the Japan Sea, providing local hotels, ryokan inns, and restaurants with a regular supply of quality seafood. Many varieties of fish are at their best in winter due to the increased fat content. Like other hot spring regions, Myoko serves up onsen manju, sweet-filled dumplings, and onsen tamago, runny-boiled eggs, both of which are prepared using hot spring water. Myoko’s unusual meibutsu (famous regional food) is “kanzuri”, an aged chili sauce made with salted peppers, fermented rice, and other natural flavourings and sold in small bottles. During the traditional manufacturing process, salted chilis are laid out directly on the snow for several days to soften the flavour.
Niigata is the premier rice-growing region of Japan, and the endless supply of crystal-clear mountain water ensures local sake brewers have two prime ingredients with which to work their magic. Regular tastings are held around Myoko, but you can always just go to an izakaya pub and try them yourself. Life goes slow in Myoko, and the biggest news of late has been the arrival of the Shinkansen bullet train in spring 2015. The line is an extension of the Nagano Shinkansen that was built for the 1998 Winter Olympics, and now reaches Kanazawa, a historic city home to the Kenrokuen garden. The station for Myoko is “Joetsu Myoko” and trains to Tokyo take just one hour and fifty minutes. When boarding at Tokyo, be sure to get the “Hakutaka” (White Hawk) service. Other services on the line do not stop at Joetsu Myoko. For any down days, the Shinkansen now offers great access to Nagano City with the impressive Zenkoji temple and to Joetsu City in Niigata for shopping and gourmet seafood. An ever-popular day trip is to see the phtotogenic snow monkeys of Jigokudani. You can get up really close to them and they’re really cute!
Myoko Connect
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Myoko Connect
Myoko Connect
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WILL 2019 BE A BUMPER SNOW YEAR? It may seem obvious that a lot of snow falls at Myoko. In fact, Myoko topped 520cm base last season. But have you ever wondered why Myoko Kogen gets huge “un-expected” dumps of snow, or why Seki Onsen sometimes gets twice as much snow as Suginohara, or why it might be snowing at the top of Akakura , but it’s sunny on the other side of the valley? Most places in the world will get snow when there is a big storm system/cold front/low pressure system. But why is it that Myoko gets a lot of snow when there’s no storm and will 2019 be a powder year?
When very cold air blows across warm water, it sucks a huge amount of moisture from the water and forms cloud. In the case of Japan, the “lake” is the Sea of Japan. Moving from the north, the cloud hits the Myoko Kogen peaks and drops the white gold from the sky. This past summer was a lot hotter than usual in Japan thus raising the temperature of the Sea of Japan. Theoretically the cold air should suck up more of the warm moisture meaning more snow….we are not sure but fingers crossed it will be a bumper season!
SETSUBUN Setsubun is celebrated by Japanese as the transition from winter to spring. To have made it through a tough winter and see the coming of spring is just as worthy of a celebration as greeting the New Year. Setsubun is held on February 3rd, though as everyone knows it is still mid winter in Myoko Kogen. The changing of seasons is said to bring evil spirits. To ward off these demons, beans are thrown a the devils. Check out Setsubun festival at Akakura Kanko Febraury 3rd at 14:00.
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Myoko Connect
PISTEN RETIRED You might think being a Pisten Bully is an easy life, just gazing at the green mountains during the summer months. But Seki Onsen’s long serving Pisten Bully has put in the hard work, pisting the lower slopes and base of Seki Onsen. After serving 27 years in the snowiest part of Myoko, it’s time to give the Bully a well earned rest.
Myoko Connect
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Experience a different kind of thrill suited for all ages by zipping over the powder on a snow raft towed by a snowmobile. Your snowmobile guide will expertly navigate through the winter scenes giving you a fun-filled and windy and very bumpy ride. No reservations are necessary. Suginohara Myoko Snow Mobile Land Adult 1,000yen Under 12’s 500yen
Getting naked, hot and wet with a bunch of total strangers is perhaps the most quintessentially Japanese thing to do. The mineral content of almost every onsen in Myoko is slightly different, and many onsens use the healing effects of their particular mineral mix in their marketing. A trip to Myoko Kogen is not complete without a trip to the onsen.
Zip lining is about as close as you can get to flying. This heart pumping outdoor adventure activity offers spectacular views of Arai Ski Resort and a bird’s eye view of your mountain surroundings. The Zip line is over 1,500m in length with a vertical drop of 240meters. You must be over 10 years old and over 120cm, 30kg to ride the Zip Line Adults 6,000yen (additional rides 3,000yen Under 12s 4,200yen (additional rides 2,000yen) Reservations are required. For in-person applications, please apply at the information desk on the first floor of the Village Station. Location Lotte Arai.
The allure of the most epic lines and the freedom of fresh powder fields calls to pretty much anyone who has spent any time on a snowboard or skis. Blazing your own trail and making your turns off a face is what off-piste skiing is all about. Accessing the backcountry terrain has also seen a real gain in popularity with split-boards, great touring skis and many companies flaunting other backcountry specific gear. However, having the ambition and ability to get into the backcountry does not always equate to the best choice for your longevity on this planet with this is mind make sure you use a guide. And nobody knows the mountains better than the local guides. These professionals with a lot of experience in the Myoko Kogen mountains will show you some great terrain that will exceed your expectations but not your ability.
Most monkeys are happy swinging in the trees of tropical jungles, but not here in Snow Country. For our monkeys, there’s nothing like soaking in a hot bath to ease their troubles away. One look at them relaxing in the tub, and it’s you who’ll be singing “Oobee doo! I wanna be like you!” The park is great for kids and a massive draw to photographers. Buses to the Monkey Park leave Akakura Bus terminal at 10:10am and return at 16:00pm every morning in winter. Adults 5,000yen Under 12’s 4,000yen and includes entrance fee to the park. Cash only.
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Myoko Connect
Tatra Beer Hall is a must place to visit for an evening out on your stay in Myoko Kogen. The beer hall as the name suggest is home to Myoko Kogen Beer with its range of award winning ales to sample. The restaurant is a buffet style dining experience with over 120 varieties of both Japanese and Western delicacies. A free pick up service is available and bookings are essential. RESTAURANT TATRA Tel: 0255-86-2600
Zenkoji Temple has been admired for over 1400 years as Japan’s primary center of Buddhist faith. Zenkoji houses the first Buddhist statue to come to Japan, attracting pilgrims from all denominations. Approximately six million worshippers visit every year. The main hall is officially classified as a national treasure. The temple is about a 20 minute walk from Nagano City train and bus station. The Tomyo light festival is definitely worth a visit! Trains from Myoko Kogen Station take about 40 mins
Japanese love their fire festivals and none more so than here in Myoko kogen. Join in the fun at the Dynamite Firework Festival, which confusingly is also called Don Don Yaki Festival. It is located at Suginohara Ski Area. Start from 5:00pm, expect food stalls, Japanese sake and of course fireworks gleaming of the white snow. Saturday 21st January
Enjoy bouldering, a square trampoline, and a fun-wall, all on one floor! The Wonder Wall, unique in Japan has 75 possible routes to the top! Bouldering shoes are available for rental. These indoor activities are great if the weather is not co-operating outside and the young ones need a break from the cold. Located at Lotte Arai
In most of Japan winter is greeted with a bit of trepidation and fear, but not in Myoko. This is yuki kuni- Snow Country! With so much of the white stuff carpeting Myoko’s mountains each winter, learning to love it is a necessity. A great way to love this white carpet is astride a snowmobile. Thrilling snowmobile tours are available with Yukibancho. They will take you deep into the wooded and open areas of Joestu side of Myoko. Hopefully being so far off the beaten track you might get to see some wildlife poking out of the trees. Two courses are available for either beginners or powder hunters. Tel: 0255-70-4177 Open: 08:00 - 17:30
Myoko Connect
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Back to Life for a
MYOKO RESORT
The snowiest resort in the snowiest region in a very snowy country called Japan
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018/19 is the first full season for a welcome returnee to the fold, Lotte Arai. Ambitiously constructed in 1993 by Hideo Morita, son of Sony founder Akio Morita, Arai aimed to take skiing in Japan upmarket with a purpose-built, all-encompassing resort that was closer to what you’d find in North America than the rural-town-with-lifts model elsewhere in Japan. Morita though suffered from chronic bad timing, the Japanese ski market peaked in 1992 and Japanese skiers, raised on groomed corduroy, were simply not ready for Arai’s groundbreaking efforts in pushing powder skiing, an onsite brewery, and spa treatments. There were no fat skis, reverse camber, or craft beer in the 1990s. With spiraling debts, the resort sadly closed in 2006. As the new name suggests, Arai is now in the hands of Korean leisure and confectionary giant Lotte. What has also not changed is the climate, and Arai remains with a very strong shout as the snowiest ski resort in Japan. This is not a claim a magazine called “Myoko Connect” would ever make lightly! In simple terms, that’s just about the snowiest resort in the snowiest region in a very snowy country called Japan. In recognition and appreciation of this manna from the heavens, Lotte Arai keeps 70% of their resort ungroomed. They have not one, not two, but ten offpiste areas. Access is subject to avalanche control - when it snows, it snows big - but the areas can be ridden without avalanche gear. Some zones require a short hike from the top of the covered Zendana quad lift and have the open bowls many dream of.
This year Tak Tsukada, pictured above, is offering a guiding service around the resort. Tak was one of the original developers and surveyors of Arai. Before the resort was built, he both skied and snowboarded down the mountain and marked out where the courses should be placed, so we guess that no-one knows the resort better than Tak. Because of the huge amount of ungroomed and tree lined terrain, Tak decided to set up his in-bounds guiding service. Tak said “guiding isn’t only about finding the steepest lines and deepest powder, but it is also about sharing experiences, making connections and ensuring the best day on the mountain at Arai.” His local knowledge as well as his connections in the ski and snowboard industry have set him up as a big influence in the local towns of the Myoko area. His drive is to help develop the small towns adapt comfortably to the new demand of modern society. With a large winter-based economy that Myoko has there is a large gap in the tourism scene when there is no snow on the ground. With Tak’s new ideas of bringing in people from larger cities such as Tokyo to experience what it is like to live in the country side, and how efficient it can actually be to work while gazing up at a natural land scape getting your hands dirty growing your own rice and vegetables. Whilst doing this in winter he also runs the rental shop, Yukibancho on the main street of Akakura where you are able to rent the Japanese premier snowboard Gentem Stick as well as running the newly developed snowmobile park close to Arai He is one busy man who many of us agree is a credit to Myoko and its future! Myoko Connect
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How to Enjoy a Japanese Onsen Getting naked, hot and wet with a bunch of total strangers is perhaps the most quintessentially Japanese thing to do. There are several onsen (natural thermal hot springs) scattered the length of the Japan. The mineral content of almost every onsen in Myoko is slightly different, and many onsens use the healing effects of their particular mineral mix in their marketing. A trip to Myoko Kogen is not complete without a trip to the onsen.
Step 1.
Birthday Suits Only! No bathing suits or clothing is permitted in the hot springs. You must disrobe before entering. Put your belongings into one of the lockers provided
Step 3. Rinse Well
REMEMBER Refrain from taking an onsen immediately after eating or drinking alcohol Remember no drinking or eating in the onsen, save that for after bathing.
Step 2.
Wash First To the Japanese, the Western practice of washing yourself in the bath is, well‌ pretty gross actually! Every onsen has a row of showers around the outside of the bath. Soap, shampoo and conditioner are usually provided Wash yourself with soap and rinse before entering the baths. Use the stools provide to sit upon and be careful not to splash those around you when showering.
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Myoko Connect
To keep the water as clean as possible. remember to rinse thoroughly so as not to get any soap in the onsen water.
Bathing Time Enter the water slowly to allow your body to adjust to the temperature which can be hot Do not put your towel in the bath. Set you towel on your head or the side of the bath
Step 4.
Step 5. Dry Off Dry o as much as you can before returning to the change room with your modesty towel. Keep the change room as dry as possible.
SHARURU 18
Myoko Connect
MC: Hello Sharuru. How old are you, and when did you start working at Akakura Kanko? Sharuru: Hello, did you know that even though my name is Sharuru, it is taken from the French pronunciation of Charles. If you see me on the mountain, you can either call me Charles or Sharuru. I am now 9 years old, so I am kind of a young grandfather dog, though I feel very young and energetic, especially after a long nap. I have been working at Akakura Kanko for over seven years. That is a lot of snowy days. MC: What were you trained in ? Sharuru: My training is finding someone buried in the snow from an avalanche or if someone is lost in the forest or even in a whiteout. I have a large nose that helps me sniff to search deep in the snow. My senior was NOMO, she was from Zermatt in Switzerland, and I was studying with her for three years. Myoko is a sister city of Zermatt. Our ski patrol captain, Jun Sagara, was sent to Switzerland as a dog handler. His dog was NOMO, a German Shepherd. There, they both undertook avalanche rescue dog training between the winters of 1996 and 1999. As this was a sister city exchange, NOMO belonged to the town of Myoko Kogen.
in the morning? Sharuru: I am an early riser. I get up at 5 every morning. I wait for my handler to wake up and take me for a walk! MC: What jobs do you have to do at work? Sharuru: When I get to work, I jump on the first lift of the morning with my handler. My duties include checking the resort with the ski patrol before opening. You can say that I get first tracks every day. MC: Do you get to sleep at work? Sharuru: As I mentioned, I am now a grandfather and need to take a rest. After working in the morning and while the ski patrollers are still busy, I curl up in front of the heater in the patrol hut and take a well-earned nap.. MC: Have you ever had to rescuse anyone in a real situation? Sharuru: No, not yet. Even though I have to train every day to keep up my skills,
luckily, I haven’t had to find someone buried in a real avalanche. It is part of my training, I know that if the situation arose where I had to find someone who had been in an avalanche incident, I would do my ultimate best to find that person. But we all hope that the situation doesn’t arise at Akakura Kanko. MC: Do you like to be touched? Sharuru: Yes, yes and yes. I love to be patted. In fact, I will mostly go up to you to be patted. But a word of warning, keep your gloves away from me or else I will chew them up. Gloves are my favorite snacks, though I always get in trouble for this fetish. MC: What do you do during summer? Sharuru: In summer, I relax at home a lot with my family. They even take me on summer vacation to places that are very different from the mountains. Summer is hot in Myoko Kogen, and I yearn for winter and the snow, so I can play in the deep powder every day.
Continuing from this affiliation, I am also a German Shepard, and under the training I undertook with NOMO, I will continue my work as an avalanche dog. MC: How were you trained? Sharuru: At first, my training was a simple hide and seek with my handler, then we started on more difficult tasks of training on the snow. Now, I can even search for more than one person. When I find someone, I move on to the next search. I can also find backpacks buried in the snow. MC: What time do you have to get up
Myoko Connect
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Myoko Connect
Myoko Connect
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SKI SHUTTLE BUS TIMES From Akakura to Suginohara 2018/12/23 ~ 2019/03/04 Bus Stop Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal
From Suginohara to Akakura 1
2
3
2018/12/23 ~ 2019/03/04
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Bus Stop
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14:00
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Suginohara Ski Area
08:30 09:00 12:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30
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5
6
7
8
9
10
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
08:00 08:30 09:00 09:30 12:00 13:00 14:12 15:00 16:00 17:00
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Fire Department
08:33 09:03 12:33 13:33 14:33 15:33 16:03 16:33 17:03 17:33
Akakura Kanko Resort
08:03 08:33 09:03 09:33 12:03 13:03 14:14 15:03 16:03 17:03
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Ikenotaira Pension Village
08:36 09:06 12:36 13:36 14:36 15:36 16:06 16:36 17:06 17:36
Hotel Windsor
08:05 08:35 09:05 09:35 12:05 13:05 14:15 15:05 16:05 17:05
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Ikenotaira Tourist Office
08:37 09:07 12:37 13:37 14:37 15:37 16:07 16:37 17:07 17:37
Landmark
08:10 08:40 09:10 09:40 12:10 13:10 14:19 15:10 16:10 17:10
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Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Area
08:41 09:11 12:41 13:41 14:41 15:41 16:11 16:41 17:11 17:41
Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Area
08:13 08:43 09:13 09:43 12:13 13:13
15:13 16:13 17:13
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Landmark
08:44 09:14 12:44 13:44 14:44 15:44 16:14 16:44 17:14 17:44
Ikenotaira Tourist Office
08:17 08:47 09:17 09:47 12:17 13:17 14:21 15:17 16:17 17:17
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Hotel Windsor
08:49 09:19 12:49 13:49 14:49 15:49 16:19 16:49 17:19 17:49
Ikenotaira Pension Village
08:18 08:48 09:18 09:48 12:18 13:18 14:22 15:18 16:18 17:18 18:32
Akakura Kanko Resort
08:51 09:21 12:51 13:51 14:51 15:51 16:21 16:51 17:21 17:51
Fire Department
08:21 08:51 09:21 09:51 12:21 13:21 14:25 15:21 16:21 17:21 18:35
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
08:53 09:24 12:53 13:53 14:53 15:53 16:23 16:53 17:23 17:53
Suginohara Ski Area
08:24 08:54 09:24 09:54 12:24 13:24 14:28 15:24 16:24 17:24 18:38
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One ride : ¥500 per person(ticket only) *The ticket can buy Tourist information, Suginohara Ski Area ticket booth, Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Area Kayaba ticket office, Landmark, Akakura kanko Ski Area shop & Champion ticket booth
Joetsu Myoko Station - Suginohara 2018/12/22 ~ 2019/03/17 Bus Stop
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2
3
4
Bus Stop
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2
3
4
Joetsu Myoko Station
08:45 12:15 13:35 15:30
Suginohara Ski Area
10:30 13:53 15:30 17:05
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
09:33 13:03 14:23 16:18
Landmark
10:43 14:06 15:43 17:18
Akakura Kanko Resort
09:35 13:05 14:25 16:20
Akakura Kanko Resort
10:47 14:10 15:47 17:22
Landmark
09:39 13:09 14:29 16:24
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
10:49 14:12 15:49 17:24
Suginohara Ski Area
09:52 13:22 14:42 16:37
Joetsu Myoko
11:37 15:00 16:37 18:12
One Way : ¥1,100 ~ ¥1,300 per person(cash only)
Akakura - Madarao 2018/12/23 ~ 2019/03/04 Bus Stop
1
2
08:00 16:00
Madarao
Akakura Kanko Resort
08:02 16:02
Tangram Madarao
Hotel Windsor
08:04 16:04
1
2
09:05 17:05
Tangram Madarao
08:30 16:30
09:30 17:30 Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal 09:45 17:45 Hotel Windsor 09:56 *17:56 Akakura Kanko Resort 09:58 *17:58
Madarao
08:55 16:55
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal 08:15 16:15
10:00 *18:00
*Base on requests
One way : ¥1,000 per person (cash only)
1
09:30
Fire Department
09:33
Ikenotaira Pension Village
09:36
Ikenotaira Tourist Office
09:37
Landmark
09:40
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
09:46
Akakura Kanko Resort
09:47
Hotel Windsor
09:48
Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal
09:57
Bus Stop
Bus Stop
1
2
2
Lotte Arai Resort
Akakura Kanko Resort
08:02 16:02
Sekiyama Station
Hotel Windsor
08:04 16:04
Sekiyama Station
08:25 16:25
09:25 17:25 Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal 09:35 17:35 Hotel Windsor 09:46 17:46 Akakura Kanko Resort 09:48 17:48
Lotte Arai Resort
08:50 16:50
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal 08:15 16:15
09:00 17:00
09:50 17:50
One way : ¥1,000 per person(cash only)
1
Bus Stop
1
Nozawa Onsen Chuo Bus Terminal
14:00
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
10:10
Akakura Kanko Resort
12:02
Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal
15:35
Akakura Kanko Resort
Hotel Windsor
12:04
Hotel Windsor
15:46
Hotel Windsor
Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal
12:15
Akakura Kanko Resort
15:48
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
15:50
Myoko Connect
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08:00 16:00
12:00
One way to Nozawa Onsen : ¥2,500 per person (cash only)
Bus Stop
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
Nozawa Onsen Chuo Bus Terminal 13:50
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Suginohara Ski Area
Akakura - Snow Monkey Park 2018/12/23 ~ 2019/03/04
Akakura - Nozawa Onsen Ski Area 2018/12/23 ~ 2019/03/04 Bus Stop
2018/12/23 ~ 2019/03/04
One Ride : ¥500 per person (ticket only) The ticket can buy Tourist information, Suginohara Ski Area ticket booth, Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Area Kayaba ticket office, Landmark, Akakura Kanko Ski Area shop & Champion ticket booth
Akakura - Lotte Arai Resort 2018/12/23 ~ 2019/03/04
Bus Stop
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
From Suginohara Ski Area To Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal
Bus Stop
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Snow Monkey Park
14:30*
10:12
Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal
15:45
10:14
Hotel Windsor
15:56
Myoko Kogen Bus Terminal
10:25
Akakura Kanko Resort
15:58
Snow Monkey Park
11:40
Akakura Onsen Bus Stop
16:00
No need to book in advance. The price for return : Adult ¥5,000 per person, Child under 12 ¥4,000 (cash only) Includes Snow Monkey Park entrance fee Car park to Snow Monkey park will take 45mins by foot, Please make sure leave Snow Monkey Park at 13:45 *If no-one shows up at 14:30, the return bus will be cancelled
Myoko Connect
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“Dropping!� he yelled out as the camera reels rolled into action, the heli hovered above and the perfect line opened up below him. Four or five massive turns, some sluff management and then straight-line-it out the bottom. Smiles and cheers all around, all in a days work for big mountain freerider right. Yeah they make it look so easy, and it makes us all want to do it like them. 24
Myoko Connect
T
he allure of the most epic lines and the freedom of fresh powder fields calls to pretty anyone who has spent any time on a snowboard or skis. Blazing your own trail and making your turns off a face is what off-piste skiing is all about. Accessing the backcountry terrain has also seen a real gain in popularity with split-boards, great touring skis and many companies flaunting other backcountry specific gear. However, having the ambition and ability to get into the backcountry does not always equate to the best choice for your longevity on this planet. Lots of snow = awesome, steep slopes = great terrain, put them together and you don’t always get the sweetest outcome. The snow slides of the mountain, you are in the way, end of story. In most cases, it is the skier or rider that triggers the slide that takes them or others out and the avalanche doesn’t care if you are a hot shit skier or not.
Do you have insurance? Backcountry rescues are expensive!
Gear: Do all members of your party have appropriate winter clothing? Do all members of your party have the essential avalanche transceiver (beacon), probe and shovel? More importantly do they know how to use them in a rescue situation? Do you have a first-aid kit? Rescue gear? Cell phone? Radio? Emergency overnight gear? Do you have enough food and water? Do you have a method of ascending? Ski touring bindings & skins/snowshoes/split-board.
During Trip
Those who duck the posted ropes, ignore signs or venture outside of ski area boundaries should know that each year people die in Hakuba doing exactly the same thing. It is easy to get in over your head very easily and very quickly, but even with a small amount of knowledge and a healthy respect for these mountains, you can make wise decisions to reduce potential risks.
If you are departing via a ski resort, did you fill out a trip route card? What is the weather doing now? Will this affect the stability of your intended route? Is everyone in your group comfortable with the terrain your route takes you into? Are you making safe and informed route decisions for your party?
The following questions and recommendations are a brief run down of what off-piste enthusiasts should be aware of prior to heading out.
Are there other parties in the area? Will your route affect them? Will their route affect you? Who is above you/below you?
Pre-trip Do you have proper training and experience to go outside of controlled resort areas?
Are there signs of recent avalanche activity? Whoomphing? Shooting cracks? Debris?
Do you know your route? Have a map & compass? Have an alternate route plan? Have you checked the weather for today, as well as the weather over the past week? Have you checked recent avalanche bulletins and reports? Do you understand them? Does your group have an experienced “leader” who can make informed decisions to ensure your group’s safety in and out of the backcountry? Do you have the appropriate gear for self-rescue? Is it in working condition?
Are you constantly reassessing the snow stability and your group’s ability? If you are unsure about the snow stability, stay to simple terrain away from avalanche start zones and run out zones and do not exceed your experience or ability! If you are unsure about the terrain it’s best to get a guide to take you safely out in the backcountry and enrolling an avalanche safety course is also a first step in acquiring knowledge that will invariably help you survive.
Slide safe out there!
Have you informed someone of your planned route, back-up route and return time? Do you know emergency contact numbers in case of an accident?
James Robb is a backcountry guide with Evergreen Outdoor Center Myoko Connect
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FAST FACTS
15% BEGINNER
60% INTERMEDIATE
25% ADVANCED COURSES 4 only four but lots of terrain
LIFTS 2
LONGEST 1500m
ELEVATION 310m
NIGHT SKIING NO
SEKI ONSEN With only two lifts, one a somewhat rickety-looking single chair, the easiest thing to say is that Seki Onsen is not for everyone. The resort has its fans though, and they are devotees to powder.
Though a couple of kilometers north of the Akakan/ Akakura Onsen resorts, Seki pulls in powder unseen in other parts of Myoko. Japan’s mountains are known for microclimates, and Seki’s is one of the strongest. It feels strange writing about the equivalent of a New Zealand club field in ordinary terms, but yes, there are two lifts, a double and a pair. They take
you up about 300m in total from the base. The upper of the lifts is a single chair strung only a couple of meters above the snow which can need digging out on big days. This being Japan, paying customers can be seen helping the staff to get things going in the morning What courses there are aren’t groomed as far as we have seen, and they aren’t really somewhere any fun-seeking parents might want to leave the kids while they head off for some thrills. What Seki is about is the large treed area that leads from skiers’ right at the top. It heads down the front of the hill via a number of gullies back to the bottom lift. What do you get? About 200 to 250m of pretty steep and deep, with various microfeatures you should be able to find fairly easily.
DID YOU KNOW
?
Much longer runs are available above the resort for those prepared to hike, but should not be attempted without avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, probe, and shovel)
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Myoko Connect
FAST FACTS
40%
BEGINNER
40% INTERMEDIATE
20% ADVANCED COURSES 17 including Super Ginat & Starlight
LIFTS 5 including one Gondola
LONGEST 8500m
ELEVATION 1124m
NIGHT SKIING NO
SUGINOHARA The southernmost of south, so the park can offer the most fun when the sun the four resorts on is baking the snow. AlongMount Myoko, Sugi- side the snow park run some mellow tree lines provide a nohara reaches up the highest, meaning good introduction to powder riding once the snow has the lowest tempera- settled. They may be a struggle on deeper days. tures to keep that powder fluffy. The Advanced resort’s 1,124 meters Advanced riders and powder hounds should head for of vertical places it the runs off the top lift, the second in Japan hooded Mitahara No. 3 Quad, which provides some great tree skiing off the marked trails. The snowpark on the Two of the longest green Mitahara side has a variety of pistes in Japan run down both the Suginohara and Mi- rails and butter boxes. The table top jumps are usually tahara sides, both are great runs to pratice linking turns. well maintained and range from the small to the very Intermediates large. Much of Suginohara faces
Beginners
DID YOU KNOW
?
A meandering 8.5 km course from the top is also one of the longest trails in Japan, it starts off steep and then becomes gentler towards the base
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Myoko Connect
FAST FACTS
50% BEGINNER
40% INTERMEDIATE
10% ADVANCED COURSES 10 including Forest & Happy Courses
LIFTS 6 including quad lift
LONGEST 4000m
ELEVATION 740m
NIGHT SKIING NO
IKENOTAIRA The middle of the Intermediates Access from the base area resorts on Mount is by a pair lift that gets you Myoko, Ikenotaira up most of the resort’s 640 Onsen follows the meters of vertical. A short classic Myoko mod- ride down the wide run to skier’s right takes you to the el. That is, tons of hooded quad that heads to snow, steepest and the resort top at 1400m. An old course remains highbest views at the top, gentle and wide er up, but is no longer lift served. Ikenotaira is well at the bottom, onsgroomed and offers wide slopes for easy progression. ens at the base. Beginners For those with little ones, there is a large play area at the base with a magic carpet, a fenced-off sledging area. Beginners that are competent in linking turns, the aptly named Wooded Course through the trees on skiers left is a great fun trail that leads back down to the base area.
Advanced Head to skiers’ right from the top for the easiest trees to hit and the two short sections that serve as the resort’s only advanced runs. A separate pair lift gives access to this part of the upper mountain.
DID YOU KNOW
?
About 300m from the base you’ll find the Myoko Kogen Beer Hall. They have a huge buffet with crab, sushi, and barbecued lamb, with a very reasonable all-you-can-drink option. 30
Myoko Connect
FAST FACTS
40% BEGINNER
30% INTERMEDIATE
30% ADVANCED COURSES 10 including Champions & Hotel Courses
LIFTS 7
including One x Gondola
LONGEST 4500m
ELEVATION 760m
NIGHT SKIING NO
SKI SCHOOLS Myoko Snow Sports Akakura 0255-87-3580
AKAKAN
to Akakura Onsen, both pistes With about 760m are very wide. of vertical, Akakura Kanko (often shortIntermediates ened to “Akakan”) is Intermediates can enjoy the whole resort, with views of the second biggest Lake Nojiri, don’t forget your resort in Myoko. The camera. Plenty of opporturesort is centered on nities to try powder riding higher up the mountain. For the Akakura Kanko anyone riding on the joint Hotel, originally built resort ticket, it’s quite a conin 1937 as one of voluted route back to Akakan Japan’s first Europe- from the far side of Akakura Onsen. Leave yourself plenty an-style resort hotels. of time at the end of the day.
Beginners
Advanced
Beginners and families should note that in addition to the gondola, a number of Akakan’s lifts are full hooded to keep you out of the wind and snow. While there only two real beginner runs, one below the hotel and another alongside Lift #15 which links
Lift #20 serves the higher “Maeyama” runs, along with some excellent offpiste, much of which is left free from ropes and fences. Powderhounds should also find plenty of amusement in the Champion area and in runs down toward the Akakura Onsen area.
DID YOU KNOW
?
The area shares the eastern flank of Mount Myoko with its neighbour, Akakura Onsen Ski Resort, which can be ridden on the same ticket for a few hundred yen extra. 32
Myoko Connect
FAST FACTS
50% BEGINNER
40% INTERMEDIATE
10% ADVANCED COURSES 17 including Utopia, Karamatsu and Panorama
LIFTS 14 including quad lifts
LONGEST 3000m
ELEVATION 550m
NIGHT SKIING YES
SKI SCHOOLS Yodel Ski School 0261-72-3200
AKAKURA ONSEN
Akakura Onsen is Intermediates Intermediates are taken care of a wide resort with three the main areas at Akakura Onsen with miles of perfectly pisted courses that of Yodel, Kumado offer speed and space, especially on weekdays. For those and Ginrei in that order looking up the intermediates who want to try some powder but are easily mountain. For those intimated with the steeper slopes, then hit the side of the wanting to hot the groomers with powder usually connected resort on both sides of the piste. The of Akakura Kanko night skiing Panorama Course then access through is great for intermediates who Yodel or Kumado, but want to keep on riding when the sun goes down. remember to buy the Advanced connected pass. Beginners Beginners will be totally satisfied in linking turns throughout the resort’s easier slopes. The wide Karamatsu Course is well groomed and perfect for improving.
If you like moguls then the aptly named Mogul Challenge Course at the top of Yodel is a must. As are the ungroomed courses directly underneath. On powder morning these courses offer a some great thigh burning vertical.
DID YOU KNOW
?
Akakura Onsen has night skiing available from 5pm to 10pm every evenings. For a bonus, on Saturday evenings the slopes are groomed prior to night skiing. Wrap up warm, it does get cold at night. 34
Myoko Connect
Myoko Connect
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FAST FACTS
30% BEGINNER
30% INTERMEDIATE
40% ADVANCED COURSES 31 including Powder Wave & Crystal Bowl
LIFTS 13
including Super Quad lift
LONGEST 2500m
ELEVATION 440m
NIGHT SKIING Yes
SKI SCHOOLS MADARAO SKI ACADEMY 0269-64-3727 NORTH OUTDOOR SPORTS 090-4461-7354 ACTION SNOW SPORTS 090-2817-8988
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Myoko Connect
MADARAO
an idea that should be tried Being about equal elsewhere given the popularity distance from of the sport. The resort offers Nozawa and Myoskiing and snowboarding lessons in English as well as ko Kogen, Madarao Japanese, so international Mountain Resort is visitors can take a short cut perfectly placed for in progressing their way up the storms that dump the mountain and hitting the the white gold on the powder in no time at all.. mountains. No won- Advanced der it is nicknamed Madarao is home to 13 tree run courses that have been MadPow!
Beginners
For beginners and families, Madarao takes great pride in the grooming of their gentler runs. You can also rest assured that the faster riders will be off playing elsewhere on the hill.
Intermediates Madarao has a snowboarderonly course, a rarity and
thinned to produce open spaced tree runs where you can let rip. These gladed runs that unashamedly go by names like “Powder Wave”, “Powder Theater” and “Crystal Bowl” are eagerly sought for their solitude, beauty and most of all for their caches of ungroomed powder. In fact at Madarao 60% of the resort goes ungroomed,
DID YOU KNOW
?
Shuttle buses are offered daily from Myoko Kogen. The buses leave Myoko at 08:00 and leave Madarao at 17:05 and operate from Dec 23rd to March 4th.
FAST FACTS
25%
BEGINNER
40% INTERMEDIATE
35% ADVANCED COURSES 14 including Zendana Bowl & Happy Valley
LIFTS 5 including Arai Gondola
LONGEST 5200m
ELEVATION 951m
NIGHT SKIING YES
SKI SCHOOLS Myoko Snow Sports Arai 0255-75-1160
LOTTE ARAI
Lotte Arai is a purpose-built ski resort where lifts and slopes were developed together with a luxury hotel complex, not built above an existing rural town. Everything is linked, and there are no inconveniences like walking along icy roads
Beginners Beginners at Lotte Arai have four green runs, the most notable being the short Sanroku run at the bottom and the long winding Rindo course down from the Kokenashi lift that runs from the gondola mid-station. Neither piste is especially wide, and the main appeal lies not in the terrain but the full range of English language services provided by the ski school and rental and gear shops.
Intermediates
Intermediates can ride the upper lifts and enjoy the whole 951 meters of vertical. We would recommend guests come with wider powder boards or rent them onsite, due to the limited and narrow terrain that is groomed. Instead of carving practice, what Arai offers is an easy introduction into powder riding in mostly tree-free sub-alpine bowls. When they are open, start in the areas off the covered Zendana lift. .
Advanced
Lotte Arai for advanced riders is all about the eleven conditional off-piste areas. We advise you to dress in layers because these include an additional 150m of vertical accessed via a short boot pack above the top lift.
DID YOU KNOW
?
A lot of the terrain is open and includes multiple natural hits, giving ample opportunities for an alternative to “me in the trees” filming in Japan
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Myoko Connect