Japan Winter Sports Guide 2012-13 by Outdoor Japan

2012-13

Photo: Yasuyuki Shimanuki Rider: Aaron Jamieson

Park

ICON LEGEND

Park

Halfpipe

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Night Skiing

Ski School

Ropeway

Gondola

Quad Lift

Gear Rental

Kids Facilities

Triple Lift

Double Lift

Single Lift

Snow Carpet Resort opening and closing times and lift schedules may vary from day to day and season opening and closing dates may change depending on conditions. Please check with the resort directly before you go.

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HokkaiDo

he general rule with skiing is, the farther north you go, the better the snow. Well, you can’t go any farther north in Japan than Hokkaido, and the area

rightfully creates the biggest buzz for people in search of deep powder. The reason for this is simple; Hokkaido consistently gets the best snow conditions, and Niseko in particular is recognized as a world-class ski resort, rivaling the long-established ski areas in Europe and North America. However, anyone thinking Hokkaido is a one-trick pony will be pleasantly surprised to ﬁnd there are some great ski areas all over Japan’s north island. Kamui Ski Links Furano Kiroro Snow World

Sahoro

Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri Rusutsu Tomamu

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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NISEKO NISEKO GRAND HIRAFU, NISEKO ANNUPURI, NISEKO VILLAGE RESORT

Akazora Apartments Niseko Opening year SPECIAL! We’re oﬀering 10% oﬀ any booking in Akazora to any Outdoor Japan reader, at any time. Simply mention OJ to save on your Niseko holiday.*

Park

Longest Course: 4,550m Top Elevation: 1,030m Base Elevation: 308m

Park

Niseko Annupuri

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 1,156m Base Elevation: 400m Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

Niseko HANAZONO Resort

Niseko Grand Hirafu

Advanced

Longest Course: 5,600m Top Elevation: 1,170m Niseko Village Base Elevation: 280m Longest Course: 5,000m Top Elevation: 1,175m Base Elevation: 280m

Niseko gets a lot of attention, and rightfully so. It is the most international ski resort in Japan and consistently gets some of the heaviest snowfall in the world. The mountain, Mt. Annupuri (which, in Ainu, means White Mountain), is home to three ski resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village (formerly Niseko Higashiyama) and Niseko Annupuri. Collectively they form Niseko United and share a common lift pass. The Hanazono area of Niseko Grand Hirafu is independently managed, and one of the more progressive areas on the mountain, featuring three terrain parks and the only FIS Half Pipe in Japan, which is well maintained throughout the season, and a bag jump, where you can safely practice your freestyle tricks. Niseko Village (which is actually about a 10-minute drive from the main Hirafu

Village area) also has nice facilities, a lot of activities and the Hilton Niseko hotel. Niseko Annupuri keeps the lowest profile of the three, but has some nice areas that can be less crowded. Other nearby resorts are Niseko Moiwa and Niseko Weiss, the lifts are no longer running at Weiss, but cat tours service the area. While a few other resorts may challenge Niseko’s claim to the best powder in Japan, there is no doubt Niseko has the best, and widest, selection of restaurants and accommodation in Japan. The infrastructure is well organized, with efficient bus service to/from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport and a shuttle bus that takes visitors to the various resorts. And on one of those rare mid-season clear days, the view of Mt. Yotei from the slopes is the quintessential image of skiing in Japan.

Stylish new apartments in the heart of Hirafu Village. A stones throw from the slopes and steps away from some of the most popular bars and restaurants Niseko has to oﬀer. www.akazora.com *cannot be used with any other oﬀer

email : bookings@akazora.com tel : +81(0)136 55 5122

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For more Hokkaido information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com) WINTER

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ZONO

e: 4,550m 1,030m : 308m

rafu

,600m 70m 80m

Kutchan-cho, Hokkaido Niseko United: www.niseko.ne.jp

Niseko Grand Hirafu 37% 5 1

40% 1 8

23% 1

Niseko Village Resort 36% 1

32% 4

32% 2

courses

Niseko Annupuri 40% 1

30% 1

Niseko HANAZONO Resort 30% 4

25% 3

63%

12%

courses

NISEKO ANNUPURI (0136) 58-2080 www.cks.chuo-bus.co.jp/annupuri Nov. 23 - May 6 8:30 - 16:30 (16:30 - 21:00) 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,800

Park

By Train: 120 minutes from Sapporo Stn. to Niseko Stn. acceSS By Car: 120 minutes from Sapporo City and New Chitose Airport.

NISEKO GRAND HIRAFU (0136) 22-0109 www.grand-hirafu.jp Nov. 21 - May 5 8:30 - 21:00 (16:30 - 21:00) 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,600

Park

By Train: 120 minutes from Sapporo Stn. to acceSS Niseko Stn. By Car: 120 minutes from Sapporo City and New Chitose Airport.

NISEKO vILLAGE (0136) 44-2211 Dec. 1 - May 5

www.niseko-village.com 8:30 - 16:30 (16:30 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,500 TICKET Kids ¥2,800

Park

By Train: 120 minutes from Sapporo Stn. to acceSS Niseko Stn. By Car: 120 minutes from Sapporo City and New Chitose Airport.

NISEKO HANAZONO RESORT (0136) 22-01 03 Dec. 8 - Apr. 7

www.hanazononiseko.com 8:30 - 16:00

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,600

Park

By Train: 100 minutes from Sapporo Stn. to acceSS Kutchan Stn. By Car: 120 minutes from Sapporo City and New Chitose Airport. More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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RUSUTSU RESORT

Rusutsu, Hokkaido

(0136) 46-3331 http://en.rusutsu.co.jp Nov. 21 - Apr. 4 9:00 - 21:00 (16:00 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥5,100 TICKET Kids ¥2,550

Park

Rusutsu is more than a good day trip from Niseko. It’s an excellent all-round mountain with 37 courses over three mountains: Mt. Isola, East Mountain and West Mountain. Powder lovers will love the big valleys full of deep tree runs funneling down to the modern, efficient lifts and everyone will enjoy the views of the back side of Mt. Yotei and the quieter alternative to bustling Niseko. The ski-in/ski-out Rusutsu Resort Hotel is the most convenient place to stay with hot springs, day care, fireworks during Christmas and New Year and a variety of great activities.

30% 4

40% 7

30% 8

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 7

30% 4

Advanced

Longest Course: 3,500m Top Elevation: 994m courses Base Elevation: 400m

30% 8

Park

Beginner Stn. acceSS By Train: 100 minutes from Sapporo Stn. to KutchanLifts By Car: 90 minutes from New Chitose Airport

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

Longest Course: 3,500m Top Elevation: 994m Base Elevation: 400m

courses

TOMAMU ALPHA RESORT

Shimukappu, Hokkaido

(0167) 58-1111 www.snowtomamu.jp Dec. 1 - Apr. 17 9:00 - 19:00 (16:00 - 19:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥3,600

Park

Tomamu has excellent facilities and a beautiful location. Many courses are suited for beginners, yet a challenging double black diamond course and heli-skiing and cat-ski tours will challenge advanced riders. You can even rent your own course for the day. Tomamu is a destination in itself with a plethora of ways to entertain the whole family. There’s a good selection of restaurants, an indoor wave pool, kids park, ice village, dog sledding, nighttime air-balloon rides, and a variety of spa and relaxation options.

Beginner Stn. Intermediate acceSS By Train: 58 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Tomamu Lifts Gondola By Car: 120 minutes from New Chitose Airport.

25% 1 2 Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

Longest Course: 4,500m Top Elevation: 1,210m Base Elevation: 699m

30% 5

Furano, Hokkaido 1 DAY Adults ¥4,500 TICKET Kids FREE

Park

Furano, in central Hokkaido, is known for blue skies yet manages nearly nine meters of snow each year. There are two sides to the mountain, serviced by a 101-person cable car (Japan’s fastest). The nearby Tokachi Range is a popular backcountry playground. The ski-in/ski-out New Furano Prince Hotel has a new hot springs facility. Join the Host Program and get a tour from a local or a bus tour from January to March to Lake Shikarebetsu’s ice village and bathe in ice bathhouses or enjoy a drink at the ice bar built on the frozen lake. Park

acceSS Bus or car access is recommended: 60 minutes from Asahikawa Airport to Furano Stn.

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

KAMUI SKI LINKS

40% 25% 1 52

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 1 1

40% 1 5

courses

Advanced

40% 45% 12 1

Longest Course: 4,000m 4,500m Top Elevation: 1,209m 1,210m courses Base Elevation: 964m 699m

15 23

20% 2

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 1,209m Base Elevation: 964m

1 DAY Adults ¥3,000 TICKET Kids ¥1,500

Kamui Ski Links is a resort run “by skiers, for skiers.” Those who enjoy powder and tree skiing will understand why this little resort 20 kilometers outside of Asahikawa has so many admirers. Management has no restrictions on tree skiing and have even left several courses in which to play ungroomed. On top of that, the snow quality is excellent. You may find yourself in some short lines for the lifts on weekends, but on weekdays it is nothing but fresh lines down the hill. Be sure to warm up by the fireplace at Café 751 at the top of the gondola.

Park

20% 1

40% 7

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

20% 1

10 Beginner from Intermediate downtownAdvanced courses acceSS Bus or car access is recommended: About 25 minutes Lifts Gondola Asahikawa on Route 12.

40% 7

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 750m Base Elevation: 600m

40%

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 750m Base Elevation: 600m

For more Hokkaido information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)

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40%

Park

20% 30% 52

Asahikawa, Hokkaido

(0166) 72-2311 www.kamui-skilinks.com Dec. 5 - Mar. 28 9:00 - 17:00

jp.hotels.com/en

courses

30% 5

Longest Course: 4,500m Top Elevation: 1,210m Base Elevation: 699m

courses

FURANO RESORT (0167) 22-1111 www.princehotels.co.jp/newfurano Nov. 17 - May 6 8:30 - 17:00 (17:00 - 20:00)

Great getaways for the whole family

45% 2

25% 1 2

Advanced

45% 2

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SAHORO SKI RESORT

there’s Something for everyone at

Shintoku, Hokkaido

(0156) 64-4121 www.sahoro.co.jp Nov. 27 - Apr. 3 9:00 - 18:00 (15:00 - 18:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,830 TICKET Kids ¥3,780

Park

Sahoro is a well-run resort that caters to families. There are 17 nicely-groomed courses, some “semi-backcountry,” a cross-country course and a terrain park. Like Tomamu, it’s a place where you can have fun whether you are a skier or not and it's not for the budget traveler. Two all-inclusive hotels service Sahoro Resort: The Sahoro Resort Hotel, an attractive luxury hotel, and the Club Med Sahoro. Club Med is arguably the most “foreigner-friendly” resort hotel in Japan. English ski lessons are available and lots of organized fun for the whole family.

Beginner Stn. Intermediate acceSS By Train: 94 minutes from New Chitose Airport to Shintoku Gondola By car: 200 min. from Sapporo to Shimukappu IC Lifts

Advanced

30% 1 3 Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 2 1

30% 1 3

courses

KIRORO SNOW WORLD

Advanced

furano 40% 2 1

30% 1

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,030m courses Base Elevation: 420m

30% 1

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,030m Base Elevation: 420m

Akaigawa, Hokkaido

(0135) 34-7111 www.kiroro.co.jp/english/ Nov. 20 - May 8 9:00 - 20:00 (16:30-19:30)

1 DAY Adults ¥5,000 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Park

Kiroro is a relatively new (opened in 1992) ski resort just 30 kilometers west of Sapporo. The resort has great facilities, some amazing views of the Japan Sea and the natural surroundings and gets a lot of snow from mid-December until early May. If Kiroro had one major drawback, it would be a lack of challenging terrain. However, there are a few powder pockets and plenty of gentle slopes for beginners and children. New " Powder Zone" open middle of January to middle of March. Kiroro also has one of the best base lodges in Japan, complete with a hot spring to soak away the day’s bumps and bruises and an adjacent hotel with good restaurants.

33% 1

29% 4

38% 4

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

29% 4

33% 1

Advanced

Furano Tourism Association

Longest Course: 4,050m Furano-shi, Hokkaido Tel: 22-5777 Top (0167) Elevation: 1,180m courses Base Elevation: 570m

Visit us online at www.furanotourism.com www.skifurano.com

38% 4

Park

Longest Course: 4,050m Top Elevation: 1,180m Base Elevation: 570m

21 Beginner Intermediate Advanced by car from Otaru courses acceSS Bus or car access is recommended: About 30 minutes Lifts Gondola or 80 minutes by car from downtown Sapporo.

SAPPORO KOKUSAI

Sapporo, Hokkaido

(0115) 98-4511 www.sapporo-kokusai.jp Nov. 19 - May 6 9:00 - 18:00

1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥1,000

Park

If you ski or snowboard, Sapporo is hard to beat. Residents can get a few quick runs just 15 minutes from downtown at Sapporo Bankei. However, many families make the one-hour drive out to “Kokusai,” which offers more choices for beginners and intermediate skiers and has a nice park. Although this is a day-trip resort, it does attract a spattering of international guests who find it hard to stay in the city when snow is falling. Most will be pleasantly surprised as this coastal resort gets its fair share of powder days and offers some varied, albeit fairly short, runs and a small, but decent park. Night skiing is not available.

30% 2 Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate

Advanced

60% 1

30% 2

Park

Beginner

acceSS By car: One hour from Sapporo city center depending c. Lifts on traffi Gondola

Intermediate Gondola

Longest Course: 3,600m Top Elevation: 1,100m courses Base Elevation: 670m

10% 2

Longest Course: 3,600m Top Elevation: 1,100m Base Elevation: 670m

courses

SAPPORO TEINE

Advanced

60% 10% www.hokkaidopowderguides.com 1 2

Sapporo, Hokkaido

(0116) 82-6000 www.sapporo-teine.com Nov. 19 - May 6 9:00 - 21:00 (16:00-21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,300

BLACK DIAMOND LODGE

Park NISEKO

If someone mentions the Winter Olympics in Japan, you’ll undoubtedly think of the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Yet 26 years earlier, Sapporo hosted its own Winter Games at a resort just 30 minutes from downtown Sapporo. Yet, what might be most surprising is this resort, Sapporo Teine, offers some steep and deep powder fun for intermediate and advanced riders. The off piste terrain is up in the Teine Highland area, accessible without having to duck ropes or elude the patrol. The Teine Olympia is a kinder, gentler area, which has a lively park scene. Night skiing available until 9 p.m. Beginner

Intermediate

acceSS By Car: 30 minutes from Sapporo city center depending c. Lifts on traffi Gondola

Advanced

40% 1

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 1

courses

30% 1

Advanced

courses

30% 1

BDLODGE.COM

JAPAN

30%

Longest Course: 6,000m Top Elevation: 1,023m Base Elevation: 680m

30%

Longest Course: 6,000m Top Elevation: 1,023m Base Elevation: 680m

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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Niseko sNowcats Photos by Niseko Photography

Niseko snowcats are found deep in the snowy mountains of the north island; they detest crowds, preferring to travel in small groups, away from busy ski resorts in search of bottomless powder and steep, forested terrain. Follow their tracks, and you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

kay, so the Niseko Snowcat is not a real animal. However there is nothing fictitious about the volume of snow that falls in Niseko annually; the amount of liftaccessed powder you get at the resort is simply incredible. While it’s indisputable Niseko gets more than its fair share of light, fluffy snow, it’s for this same reason the area has attracted an increasing number of snow enthusiasts. Although there’s plenty of powder to go around, those searching for untouched perfection must venture further afield. Luckily, much of the steepest and deepest terrain is out of reach unless you really like hiking in the snow or you get yourself a snowcat. A couple of long-time Niseko locals chose the latter. Nick Gutry and Aaron Jamison have combined their passion for diesel-powered engines and machines with their penchant for skiing fresh tracks in the backcountry. Nick has been exploring and guiding in the mountains in and around Niseko for more than a decade, and his experience with snowcats spans 21 years.

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Aaron, a professional photographer based in Hirafu Village for the last seven years, was drawn to the area by a love of snow and the outdoors. He is the founder of Niseko Photography and is an oft-published ski/snowboard photographer. His passion for photography is second only to that of skiing untracked powder, and he’s found the perfect way to do both. The two joined forces to create a professional and proficient cat skiing operation that takes small groups into the Yamanashi Range, an inaccessible powder paradise unless you have a snowcat. Their tours traverse frozen rice fields, navigate through forests and climb some steep faces to get to the good stuff. As the snowcat rumbles to the top of a ridge line, panoramic views reveal terrain from Mt. Shiribetsu to Mt. Youtei and all the way across to Mt. Annupuri—without a ski track in sight! The remoteness of this place becomes apparent when the cat rumbles away, leaving you standing in silent awe if

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not for the occasional crackle of the guide’s radio. As you watch your guide ski off into the unknown, your stomach twitches with excitement and a nervous anxiety of what lies below. The radio call comes through and you’re all clear…“Three, two, one…dropping!” The ridge rolls away to gentle north facing slopes, speckled with mushrooms and trees, then juts back around to steep southern facing slopes of technical tree skiing. It’s a wonderland for experienced powder skiers. If you join a tour, it’s just you, your personal guide and photographer, and a professional cat driver. The tours are steep and deep, for advanced skiers/boarders and limited to five persons. All safety equipment is provided, and every customer is fitted with a beacon, with guides carrying avalanche safety equipment. This tour is not for

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the faint-hearted; it is true backcountry skiing. No cozy day lodges, no popping in for a hot wine (some good hot coffee, though), no getting your boots fixed between runs…and no lift lines either! The day draws as the light fades and Youtei turns pink. Loading into the cat and leaving so much untouched powder behind may seem like a crime, but you can take consolation knowing you’ll soon be sharing stories in the bar about getting neck deep in Niseko. You’ll also have some great photos (or video) by professional photographers. If you’ve visited Niseko before and think you’ve skied it all, this is for you. If you’ve never been to Niseko, you don’t know what you are in for. Powder so deep you might want to bring a snorkel.

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NISEKO SNOWCAT TOURS AREA: Yamanashi Range GUIDE RATIO: 1 to 5 persons per guide LEvEL: Advanced TEL: (0136) 22-5764 WEB: www.nisekophotography.com * Contact Niseko Photography for bookings and inquiries.

OTHER SNOWCAT TOURS IN NISEKO For those who want to try cat skiing or snowboarding but aren’t quite ready to go too extreme, the Niseko Adventure Centre (NAC) has started a new service for the 201213 season that may be the answer. Join a tour and have an entire (closed) ski resort in which to play. NAC is a pioneer in outdoor tours in Niseko, and they’ve acquired the whole of Niseko Weiss Mountain for guests’ cat skiing pleasure. Weiss is the last mountain of the Niseko mountain range. The snow falls here from all directions, making for many deep days. Weiss has a lot of open treeless bowls; great for intermediate and some steeper tree runs for the more adventurous.

NAC SNOWCAT TOURS AREA: Niseko Weiss Horn LEvEL: Intermediate and advanced level (13 years old and over) GUIDE RATIO: 1 to 12 persons per guide TEL: (0136) 23-2093 WEB: www.nac-web.com

A photographer is on hand to document all your fun (photos and video), and lunch is served in the comforts of the Niseko Weiss Hotel. The hotel was recently redesigned for the 2012-13 season by photographer Neil Hartmann and features all the comforts a snow lover could want.

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toHokU SNOWBOARD WITH THE LOCALS Nagano ◊ Niseko Alaska ◊ USA ◊ Canada

Photo courtesy of JapowTours.com

www.cloudlinetours.com

he Tohoku Region represents about 35 percent of the area of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Running north-south through the center of Tohoku are the Ou Mountains,

ranging between 1,500-2,000 meters. When the famous poet, Matsuo Basho, wrote The Narrow Road to the Deep North (Oku no Hosomichi) these were the mountains toward

Northern Hokkaido's best-kept secret

FINE, DRY AND AMAZING POW! JAPANESE: www.kamui-skilinks.com ENGLISH: www.ashikawa-tourism.com

which he walked. Today they are full of some of Japan’s least crowded ski resorts. Tohoku may seem far away, but it’s only two-to-four hours by bullet train or you can jump on a domestic ﬂight. Regardless, it’s never too far to go to ﬁnd good snow.

Hakkoda Ropeway

Tazawako

Hachimantai Resort

Appi Kogen

Miyagi Eboshi Alts Bandai Yamagata Zao

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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HAKKODA ROPEWAY

Hakkoda, Aomori

(017) 738-0343 www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp Early Dec. - Mid-May 9:00 - 15:20

1 DAY Adults 5 Times (on Ropeway) ¥4,900 TICKET Kids ¥2,200

The eight peaks of Hakkoda attract Japan's most devoted powder lovers. It is basically backcountry with a 100-person gondola that takes 10 minutes to the top with four trips every hour. Once you get off you can choose from "Direct" or "Forest" trails. You won't get many blue bird days here and visibility can be difficult during snow storms (which is often). So if you are a Hakkoda newbie and want to explore the terrain it's best to grab a local guide. Hakkoda Sansou, across the parking lot from the gondola, is the closest accommodation. Up the road, Sukayu Onsen is a mixed hot spring with a 300-year history and a 1,000-person bath. Beginner Intermediate acceSS By Train: 40 minutes to Aomori Stn. from Aomori Airport. Gondola By Car: 5 minutes from Owani Hirosaki I.C., Tohoku Lifts Expressway.

Advanced

Park

Tour Route Area

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

60% 1

20% 1

Advanced

courses

60% 1

Longest Course: 5,000m Top Elevation: 1,324m Base Elevation: 660m

20%

Hachimantai, Iwate

(0195) 73-6401 www.appi.co.jp/foreign_country/english/ Dec. 8 - May 6 8:00 - 20:00 (16:00 - 20:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥5,200 TICKET Kids ¥3,000

Appi is a giant resort (41K of trails) with a long season (thanks to the many north-facing slopes) plus some great facilities (thanks to bubble era spending). Unlike many resorts in Japan, that have relatively short runs, the average course length at Appi is 2,100m, the longest 5,500m. It’s possible to do Appi as a long day-trip from Tokyo but with two ski-in/ski-out hotels and an annex hotel, which collectively sleep 4,100 guests, why not stay and soak away sore muscles at one of the two natural hot springs after a day on the mountain. Families will appreciate the Kids Park.

Park

Beginner Intermediate acceSS By Train and Bus: 50 minutes from Morioka St. to APPI. By Car: 15 minutes from Matsuo-Hachimantai I.C. orLiftsAshiro Gondola I.C.

Advanced

Beginner Lifts

Night Skiing: please check website

Intermediate Gondola

40% 3

30% 2 1

courses

HACHIMANTAI RESORT (0195) 78-4111 www.hachimantai.co.jp Dec. 15 - Apr. 7 8:30 - 16:30 (12/15�21, 3/25�4/7 9:00 - 16:00)�

30% 2 1

Park

Advanced

courses

40% 3

Park

Beginner By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Morioka Stn. (2Intermediate hours, 26 Advanced Lifts Resort. Gondola minutes), then about 90 minutes by bus to Hachimantai

Longest Course: 5,500m Top Elevation: 1,328m Base Elevation: 500m

30% 11

Longest Course: 5,500m Top Elevation: 1,328m Base Elevation: 828m

Park

40% 1

PANORAMA

30% 1

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

50% 3

40% 1

courses

Advanced

Longest Course: 2,700m Top Elevation: 1,130m courses Base Elevation: 540m

10%

Longest Course: 2,700m Top Elevation: 1,000m Base Elevation: 540m

Tazawako, Akita

(0187) 46-2011 www.tazawako-ski.com 1 DAY Adults ¥3,800 Dec. 14 - Apr. 21 Weekdays 9:00 - 16:00, Weekends 9:00 - 16:00 TICKET Kids ¥1,000

When it snows in Tazawako, and it usually does, there is deep powder and a good variety of courses to enjoy. When it is not snowing, you are treated to one of the great views of any ski resort in Japan, with Lake Tazawa below providing a stunning backdrop. For this reason, Tazawako is a popular ski resort for people in Tohoku, but the lines are still relatively short when compared to resorts in other areas of Japan. The lifts run directly from the Tazawako Onsen hotel area. The selection of runs should keep everyone happy; on one side is a beginner and intermediate area and on the other is a more challenging advanced course.

Park

30% 2 Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

30% 2

Park

13 Beginner Advanced Stn. Intermediate (3 hours), then courses acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Tazawako Lifts Gondola 30 minutes by bus to the ski resort.

30% 4

Advanced

courses

30% 4

40%

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,186m Base Elevation: 578m

40%

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,186m Base Elevation: 578m

For more Tohoku information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 58

20% 5

SHIMOKURA Park

TAZAWAKO SKI RESORT

WINTER

30% 11

Hachimantai, Iwate 1 DAY Adults ¥3,700 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

It’s easy to get confused because there are two Iwate Hachimantai resorts and another in Akita. The smaller Hachimantai in Iwate is a three-lift powder resort known for free riding. Iwate’s Hachimantai Resort, on the other hand, is larger and is a great family ski destination. Hachimantai Resort covers two main areas, Panorama ski area and the Shomokura ski area. Both are well sheltered from the weather, and Panorama features a huge night skiing area. There are high speed lifts servicing mostly beginner or intermediate courses that are wide open, so plenty of breathing room for beginners or kids wanting to bomb down the hill.

20%

Longest Course: 5,000m Top Elevation: 1,324m Base Elevation: 660m

courses

APPI KOGEN

acceSS

20% 1

Tour Route Area

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MIYAGI ZAO EBOSHI SKI RESORT

Zao-machi, Miyagi

(0224) 34-4001 www.eboshi.co.jp Dec. 1 - Apr. 3 9:00 - 22:00 (17:30 - 22:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,300 TICKET Kids ¥2,700

Park

Miyagi's Zao Eboshi Ski Resort is on the other side of the mountain from the more famous Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort. It's much quieter, and the lift lines are shorter on this side of the track and the views are fantastic. Although it's a decent sized resort with well laid-out courses and a variety of ways to descend the mountain, it is more geared for beginners or advanced riders, as there is not a lot of challenging terrain. Powder hounds will be salivating on some of the areas outside the lines.

Park

Beginner Lifts

30% 1

YAMAGATA ZAO SKI RESORT

Advanced

30% 1

20% 6

Longest Course: 4,300m Top Elevation: 1,350m courses Base Elevation: 650m

20% 6

Longest Course: 4,300m Top Elevation: 1,350m Base Elevation: 650m

10 Beginner Station Intermediate(1 hour, Advanced courses acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shoroishi-Zao Gondola 54 minutes) then about an hour to the ski resort. Lifts

Yamagata-shi, Yamagata

www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/index.html 8:30 - 21:00 (17:00 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Park

Ski resorts each have their own personalities; it is one of the joys of exploring new resort areas. Zao Onsen has a big bubbling personality. The town is literally bubbling with hot springs, and the ski resort offers a unique ski experience - skiing among the famous Zao Snow Monsters (juhyo). The resort is big with four gondolas, 35 lifts and a 10K downhill course. Skiers will enjoy the layout more than snowboarders (too much traversing), but the highlight, undoubtedly, is riding among these huge creatures formed of ice and wind. The peak season is February and the juhyo illumination is spectacular. Beginner Intermediate to Yamagata acceSS By Train and Bus: 2 1/2 hours by bullet train from Tokyo Lifts Gondola Station, then 40 minutes by bus to Zao Onsen.

Advanced

40% 3 3

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 1 27

40% 3 3

Park

Advanced

courses

40% 1 27

20% 5 2

Longest Course: 8,000m Top Elevation: 1,660m Base Elevation: 780m

20% 5 2

Longest Course: 8,000m Top Elevation: 1,660m Base Elevation: 780m

courses

ALTS BANDAI

Bandai, Fukushima

(0242) 74-5000 www.alts.co.jp Dec. 22 - Mar. 17 8:00 - 17:00 (17:00 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,700 TICKET Kids ¥3,700

Park

With 30K of rideable terrain, 29 courses and five free-style parks, it’s no surprise ALTS is a favorite of many of the top park riders in Japan and formerly home to the Asia Open. ALTS is one of the most progressive resorts around. They have a cheap backpacker hotel, shuttle buses from Narita and 24-hour English-speaking staff on duty. After crankin’ big air in the pipe, slide into the Riders’ Café for a drink or demo some new gear. After beating yourself up in the park or pike, relax in the hotel's great hot springs. ALTS has some nice terrain for free riding as well, but powder lovers will want to head next door to Nekoma. There are plans to link the resorts this season.

35% 1 1 Park

Beginner Lifts

Beginner By Train: 82 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Koriyama Stn. Lifts By Car: 60 minutes from Fukushima International Airport.

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

courses

GRAN DECO SNOW RESORT (0241) 32-2530 www.grandeco.com Nov. 27 - May. 5 8:30 - 16:45 (8:00 - 17:00)

Intermediate Gondola

40% 3

35% 1 1

Park

acceSS

Intermediate Gondola

50% 1 1

Park

(023) 694-9328 Dec. 5 - May

50% 1 1

Advanced

Longest Course: 3,300m Top Elevation: 1,280m courses Base Elevation: 700m

25% 7

Longest Course: 3,300m Top Elevation: 1,280m Base Elevation: 700m

A modern resort hotel with timeless designs.

Park

Gran Deco Snow Resort is a medium-sized resort with first-rate facilities, which include a gondola and express chairlifts and artificial snow making capabilities to guarantee early and late-season riding. There is also a luxury hotel and SIA certified Snow Academy. Although the resort is best suited for beginners and intermediate riders, there are tree runs for advanced riders and a wellmaintained park. Gran Deco is one of the highest resorts in the area, which means good quality snow. The nearby Hotel Gran Deco has western-style rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool (open in winter!), Jacuzzis, saunas, hot spring baths, restaurants and bars. Beginner shuttleIntermediate bus. acceSS By train: 30 minutes from Inawashiro Station via free Lifts Gondola By car: 90 minutes by car from JR Fukushima Station.

Advanced

7 40% 1

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 1

25% 7

Inawashiro, Fukushima 1 DAY Adults ¥4,500 TICKET Kids ¥3,400

40% 3

45% 4

Advanced

15%

45% 4

15%

Web: www.appi.co.jp Longest Course: 4,000m English Service Centre: Tel: +81(195)73-6401 E-mail: appi_english@ihr.co.jp Top Elevation: 1,590m

courses BaseChoose Elevation:from 1,010ma variety of comfortable rooms with all the amenities.

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 1,590m

courses Base Elevation: 1,010m

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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Enjoy ...

A warm luxury winter experience in Hakuba and Tokyo awaits you!

Chalets & Apartments Tokyo | Hakuba

Phoenix Wing Chalets and Apartments are nestled right at the base of Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort. Our spacious double storied chalets are minutes away from some of Japan’s best skiing conditions and the perfect location for an unforgettable winter holiday. Looking to stay in Tokyo? Why not stay at our serviced apartments in

Restaurant Wing

Nihonbashi, conveniently located near Ginza and Tokyo Station, great location for exploring one of the world’s great cities.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Short and long-stay accommodation. One of few 5-Star resorts in Hakuba. Double storied fully self-contained chalets. Hakuba’s only resort featuring in-room fireplaces! Walking distance to Hakuba Goryu Ski Resort.

Chalet Room and Fireplace

Open-air hot spring spa for private booking. Western and Japanese cuisine served at our popular restaurant. Restaurant and bar with views of the Hakuba Alps.

Phoenix Wing Chalets Hakuba

22305 Kamishiro Hakubamura Kitaazumigun, Nagano, Japan 399-9211 Tel: +81(0)261-75-2988 Fax: +81(0)261-75-7028 Website: www.hpwing.jp Email: info@hpwing.jp WINTER 2 0 1 3

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NaGaNo N

agano is the traditional center of the Japan snow scene, and at the heart of it is the Japan Alps. The prefecture is home to some of the ďŹ nest, steepest and biggest

resorts in Japan, and boasts arguably the most breathtaking scenery. Within Nagano, the sheer volume of ski areas is due to the jagged spine of rugged natural beauty known as the Japan Alps slashing through the prefecture. This area is as much a Mecca for photographers as it is for skiers, with its many onsen, snow-swept valleys and bristling peaks. Backcountry fun here is limited only to your preparedness and daring. Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa and the Iiyama areas are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Togakushi

Nozawa Onsen Madarao

Hakuba Cortina

Okushiga Yakebitaiyama Shiga Kogen Area

Tsugaike Hakuba Iwatake Hakuba Happo

Hoppobundaira Higashitateyama Nishitateyama

Hakuba 47 Hakuba Goryu Norikura Kogen

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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HAKUBA GORYU

Hakuba, Nagano

(0261) 75-2101 www.hakubagoryu.com/e/index.html Late Nov - May 7 8:00 - 21:30 (18:00 - 21:30)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Hakuba Goryu is not the largest ski resort in Hakuba, but it could be the most pleasant. The scenery, with the Alps soaring behind you, and the Escal Plaza, one of the best base lodges in Japan, make it a great place to introduce people to skiing in Japan. There is a ski/snowboard rental shop, three restaurants (including a Subway) and even an ofuro (bath) open until 9 p.m. daily. If you’re on a tight budget, there is a “resting room” where you can wait for the lifts to open (¥1,000; open 11:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.). It’s a common space that fits up to 100 people (no reservations; first come, first rest). Challenge yourself on the Champions expert run. Goryu also shares a common lift pass with Hakuba 47.

Park

35% 1 Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

HAKUBA 47 (0261) 75-3533 www.hakuba47.co.jp Dec. 10 - May 5 8:15 -16:30

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Hakuba 47 is a relatively new resort (opened in 1990) that has been under new ownership the last few seasons. They’ve been trying to take some progressive steps to making a better resort experience, and it is starting to pay off. There are loads of activities, events, an extensive snow park with lots of jibs, kickers and things to launch off, and a great half pipe. The resort also has some excellent intermediate courses, a challenging mogul course and a shared ticket with Goryu, so no shortage of courses from which to choose. Early birds will want to take advantage of the “First Tracks” tour. If you were wondering about the name, the goal of the resort is to offer a great mountain experience “4” seasons and “7” days a week.

Come and enjoy our acclaimed world-class terrain, breathtaking views and quality snow.

30% 1 Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 1

30% 1

Advanced

courses

40% 1

HAKUBA HAPPO

Longest Course: 6,800m Top Elevation: 1,614m Base Elevation: 820m

30% 4

Hakuba, Nagano

(0261) 72-3066 www.hakuba-happo.or.jp Dec. 8 - May 6 8:00 - 17:00

1 DAY Adults ¥4,600 TICKET Kids ¥2,300

Happo is a huge resort that is heaven for skiers who enjoy wellgroomed, long courses. There are many runs, good challenging terrain, and "parksters" will enjoy the acclaimed High Cascade Snowboard Park. Happo hosted the downhill races during the 1998 Olympics and, if you want to test your meddle, head to the top of the men’s downhill course. While advanced riders will love Happo, beginners may get frustrated with the many narrow paths leading down the mountain. If you need a break, the Usagidaira 109 restaurant on the top of the gondola or the High Cascade Café are great places to stop. Note the resort’s popularity means it can get crowded, especially on long weekends.

Park

30% 1 14

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

50% 5

30% 1 14

Park

Advanced

50% 5

20% 2

Longest Course: 8,000m Top Elevation: 1,831m courses Base Elevation: 760m

20% 2

Longest Course: 8,000m Top Elevation: 1,831m Base Elevation: 760m

13 Beginner NaganoIntermediate Station (1 Advanced courses acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo Station toLifts Gondola hour, 45 minutes), then an Alpico Bus to Hakuba (60 minutes).

HAKUBA IWATAKE

Hakuba, Nagano

(0261) 72-2474 www.tokyu-hakuba.co.jp/english/winter/iwatake/ Dec. 18 - Apr. 3 8:00 - 17:00

1 DAY Adults ¥3,900 TICKET Kids ¥2,200

If the crowds at Happo are too much for you, head over to nearby Iwatake. The base of the resort looks up at Hakuba’s highest peaks for a spectacular view while you enjoy the slopes. The resort itself is surprisingly big, making it a great place to go to get away from the crowds and explore the 24 courses. It’s mostly beginner and intermediate runs, but there is a nearly four-kilometer cruiser and a small terrain park. Lift lines are relatively short by Hakuba standards, and you can often find some pockets of powder here after it has been tracked out at other resorts nearby. Park

South Side

North Side

Park

30% 1 12

Park

South Side

Beginner Lifts

North Side

Intermediate Gondola

30% 1 12

15 Beginner NaganoIntermediate Station (1 Advanced courses acceSS By Train: and Bus Shinkansen from Tokyo Station toLifts Gondola hour, 45 minutes), then an Alpico Bus to Hakuba (60 minutes).

50% 1 1

Advanced

courses

50% 1 1

20% 1

Longest Course: 3,800m Top Elevation: 1,289m Base Elevation: 539m

20% 1

Longest Course: 3,800m Top Elevation: 1,289m Base Elevation: 539m

For more Nagano information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com) WINTER

30% 4

Longest Course: 6,800m Top Elevation: 1,614m Base Elevation: 820m

Park

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 62

25% 9

Park

8 Beginner NaganoIntermediate Station (1 Advanced courses acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo Station toLifts Gondola hour, 45 minutes), then an Alpico Bus to Hakuba (60 minutes).

Longest Course: 5,000m Top Elevation: 1,624m courses Base Elevation: 950m

Hakuba, Nagano

Two of Hakuba's Best Ski Resorts

• Hakuba's largest resort with 23 courses • Long season open from end of November 2012 to early May 2013 • Breathtaking 360° panorama view • World-class terrain and powder snow • Japan’s largest snow park • Enjoy night skiing • Great variety of restaurants • Activity centre and childcare service • Ski and snowboard school lessons in English available • Children under 5 ski free everyday!

25% 9

Longest Course: 5,000m Top Elevation: 1,624m Base Elevation: 950m

Park

16 Beginner and theIntermediate direct busAdvanced to courses acceSS By Train and Shuttle: Shinkansen to Nagano StationLifts Hakuba. A shuttle service runs between Goryu and Hakuba Gondola 47.

Goryu & Hakuba 47 Winter Sports Park

40% 3

35% 1

Advanced

40% 3

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HAKUBA CORTINA

Hakuba, Nagano

(0261) 82-2236 www.hakubacortina.jp Dec. 11 - Apr. 3 8:30 - 20:00 (17:00 - 20:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥3,300 TICKET Kids ¥1,700

If you are looking for a place to spend a quiet, romantic ski weekend in the Hakuba area, head over to Cortina. The massive Green Plaza Hotel with northern European architecture will be impressive. If your partner is just starting out; the course right outside the door of the hotel is a gentle slope and great for beginners. In fact, most of the runs at the resort are in the beginner to intermediate range, although powder pockets are there, if you know where to look. The Hakuba Cortina Resort offers a shuttle from Nagano Station for ¥500 (reservation required).

Park

40% 2

Beginner Lifts

30% 5

30%

Longest Course: 3,500m Top Elevation: 1,402m courses Base Elevation: 872m

Longest Course: 3,500m Top Elevation: 1,402m Base Elevation: 872m

HAKUBA TSUGAIKE KOGEN

Otari, Nagano 1 DAY Adults ¥4,500 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Tsugaike is actually located in Otari Village, just up the road from Hakuba. The resort could be considered one of the most underrated, considering it has some huge bowls, a big gondola, terrain park, cross-country course, good night skiing and some interesting runs. There are even heli-skiing tours in spring and good places to hike to get fresh turns. The Children’s Square is great for kids just starting out on the slopes. Most of Tsugaike’s runs are in the intermediate range, but there are a few expert areas as well. To finish off a great day, head over to Tsuga no Yu hot springs, just 100 meters from the gondola.

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

30% 1 9

50% 1 1

15 Beginner NaganoIntermediate Station (1 Advanced courses acceSS By Train: and Bus Shinkansen from Tokyo Station toLifts Gondola hour, 45 minutes), then an Alpico Bus to Hakuba (60 minutes).

NORIKURA KOGEN ONSEN

50% 1 1

Park

(0263) 93-2645 www.norikura.co.jp Dec. 4 - Apr. 3 8:30 - 16:20

Advanced

40% 2

16 Beginner NaganoIntermediate Station (1 Advanced courses acceSS By Train: and Bus Shinkansen from Tokyo Station toLifts Gondola hour, 45 minutes), then a shuttle to Hakuba Cortina (80 minutes). (0261) 83-2515 www.tsugaike-kogen.com Dec. 20 - May 5 8:00 - 20:50 (18:00 - 20:50)

Intermediate Gondola

30% 5

courses

30% 1 9

20% 10 2

Longest Course: 4,630m Top Elevation: 1,704m Base Elevation: 800m

20% 10 2

Longest Course: 4,630m Top Elevation: 1,704m Base Elevation: 800m

Norikura Kogen Onsen, Nagano 1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥3,000

The base of Norikura Kogen Onsen Ski Resort (not to be confused with the smaller Hakuba Norikura) starts at 1,500 meters, meaning the snow quality is excellent, and you’ll spend more time riding than in lift lines. It is a relatively small, local resort, yet the dedicated locals have created a progressive and challenging terrain park and good facilities for beginners to learn to ride. There is no ATM, so bring cash and make sure to pack chains or have a 4WD, since Norikura is nestled deep in the Northern Alps. And after a day on the mountain, don’t miss the great rotenburo at Yukemurikan.

Park

45% 20% 35% Hakuba Goryu Contact : 1 6 1

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

35% 1

Advanced

45% 1

20% 6

Park

0261-75-2101（Escal Plaza Slope） 0261-75-2636（Iimori Slope） Longest Course: 5,000m 20 TopHakuba Elevation: 2,000m 47 Contact: 0261-75-3533 courses Base Elevation: 1,500m

Please visit our Web sites for further details:

Hakuba Goryu: www.hakubagoryu/com/e/ Hakuba 47: www.hakuba47.co.jp/e/

Longest Course: 5,000m 20 Top Elevation: 2,000m Beginner Intermediate Advanced (2 hours, 37 courses acceSS By Train: Super Azusa Express train from Shinjuku to Matsumoto Lifts Gondola Base Elevation: 1,500m minutes. Transfer at Matsumoto, then on to Shin Shimashima (30 minutes).

ACTIVITY SPOTLIGHT SNOWSHOEING Japan is one big snowshoeing playground in winter. Hakuba Village, which sits at the foot of Japan's Northern Alps, in particular has endless terrain for this fun winter activity. Tsugaike Kogen is popular year-round and has a huge forested area with scenic views south toward Hakuba. On the eastern side of the valley, the Minegata area overlooks the village and the awesome mountains hovering above.

Winter Sports Guide Coupon Offer!

Purchase a one-day lift pass and receive a meal voucher worth ¥1,000

Adults ¥4,900 (valued at ¥5,800) Junior ¥2,900 (valued at ¥3,500) Valid until March 17th, 2012 (Except December 29th, 2012 - January 3rd, 2013) This offer also includes vouchers for local service stations and hot springs in Hakuba.

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 63

Please cut out this coupon and bring to the resort.

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SHIGA KOGEN

Okushiga Kogen

Yakebitaiyama Yama no Kami

Terakoya

Ichinose Family Tanne no Mori

Hoppobunadaira, Higashidateyama, Nishidateyama

Giant

Diamond

Hasuike

SunV Maruike

If you include all 19 interlinked ski resorts, Shiga Kogen, in Northern Nagano, is Japan’s largest ski resort area. Surrounded by 2,000-meter mountains, Shiga has good elevation and is a great place to get some early or late season runs in as the season stretches from late November to early May. Shiga Kogen hosted the women’s downhill, slalom, the super giant slalom and both snowboarding events for the 1998 Nagano Olympic Winter Games. One common lift pass allows you to ride about 52 lifts, gondolas and ropeways as well as access to the free shuttle bus so you can get around. If you plan to try all the ski areas, you’ll need to give yourself at least a few days to explore the various terrain. Okushiga Kogen and Kumanoyu remain skiers-only resorts.

With more than 80 accommodations scattered around the area, there is no shortage of places to stay, although it has retained an “old school” feel with most restaurants found inside hotels, some serving Shiga Kogen Brewery’s excellent microbrew. There are many onsen in the area to soak after a day on the mountain, yet the most famous one is within Jigokudani Yaen Koen, where resident snow monkeys lounge in their own hot springs, while visitors snap away with their cameras. Note that the area only has one ATM facility at the Shiga Kogen Post Office in the Hasuike area (Open Mon. – Fri. 09:0017:30 and Sat. 09:00-12:30). We don’t have space to include all 19 resorts in the Shiga Kogen area, so here are a few highlights.

For more Nagano information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 64

WINTER

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Shiga Kogen, Nagano www.shigakogen.gr.jp/english/

Shibutouge Yokoteyama Kumanoyu

Giant Hasuike

Kidoike SunValley

Maruike

HOPPOBUNADAIRA - HIGASHITATEYAMA - NISHITATEYAMA (0269) 34-2301 www.shigakogen.in Nov. 21 - Mid Mar. 8:30 - 16:30 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,400

50% 1

Park

acceSS By Train: 110 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. By Car: 300 minutes from Tokyo.

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

40% 4

10% 1

Longest course: 3,500m Top Elevation: 2,030m

courses Base Elevation: 1,325m

YAKEBITAIYAMA (0269) 34-3111 Dec. 1 - May 6

www.princehotels.com/en/ski/shiga_kougen.html 8:00 - 16:30 (18:30 - 20:30)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,400

35% 2

Park

35% 3

30% 3

Park

acceSS By Train: 110 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. By Car: 300 minutes from Tokyo.

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

Longest Course: 2,500m Top Elevation: 2,000m courses Base Elevation: 1,550m

At Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort Below Hikage Area Mos Burger

www.shirakaba8.com/rental

OKUSHIGA KOGEN SKI FIELD (0269) 34-2225 www.okushiga.jp/information/ Dec. 15 - May 6 8:30 - 16:30 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,400

45% 1

Park

acceSS By Train: 110 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. By Car: 300 minutes from Tokyo.

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

35% 5

20%

Longest Course: 2,200m Top Elevation: 2,000m courses Base Elevation: 1,460m

Explore japan this winter! Snow-Search Japan, the award-winning English guide to skiing & snowboarding in Japan is now available at the Burton Flagship Store in Tokyo.

ACTIVITY SPOTLIGHT SNOWMOBILING A growing number of resorts are offering snowmobile tours in Japan as people discover the thrills of this exciting winter activity. Shiga Kogen, Naeba and Niseko are especially popular. Beginners can practice in special snowmobile parks until they are comfortable taking it out in natural terrain. Advanced riders can charge through powder and even enter one of the growing number of snow mobile competitions such as the Japan Championship Series.

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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SKI JAPAN

Season runs from December 3rd to May 6th

MADARAO KOGEN SKI RESORT

Iiyama, Nagano

(0269) 64-3214 www.madarao.jp/ski/english Dec. 17 - Apr. 3 8:30 - 21:00 (17:00 - 21:00)

(With Mother Natures Blessing)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,200 TICKET Kids <12 FREE

Located in northeastern Nagano, just above Iiyama Town, Madarao Kogen features 16 lifts and 22 courses across a bowl-shaped terrain on Mt. Madarao (1,382 meters). The resort has a nice variety of courses, groomers, a tree run area, free ride park, wave courses and kids park, and the resort is free to kids under 12. They claim 60 percent of the course is ungroomed so, if you like riding powder, there should be plenty in which to play. There is also a joint ticket available for Tangram Ski Circus, a small, pretty resort. This year the resort has a “Zipline Adventure” course, and backcountry tours can be arranged through the resort.

Come in December, March or April and beat the crowds and save some money!

tel. 050 5532 6026 www.nozawaholidays.com

Park

acceSS

Beginner By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano City (1 Intermediate hour, 28 Gondola minutes) then by bus to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.Lifts

Advanced

Park

30% 2 1 Park

Beginner Lifts

40% 3

30% 2 1

Advanced

Longest Course: 2,500m Top Elevation: 1,350m courses Base Elevation: 440m

30% 5

Madarao, Nagano

(0262) 58-3511 www.tangram.jp/foreign/english.html Dec. 21 - Apr. 7 8:30 - 17:30 (17:00 - 20:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,200 TICKET Kids ¥3,200

Tangram Ski Circus sounds like a great place for kids — and it is. The ski-in/out Hotel Tangram sits right at the bottom of this family-friendly resort. Facilities include hot spring baths and a heated indoor swimming pool. The resort features 14 courses on the northwest side of Mt. Madarao, with well-groomed runs, great for mom and dad to get in some leg burners with the kids. The trees look tempting, but beware the ski patrol is vigilant here. However the resort is connected to Madarao Kogen, giving you 30 courses to explore if you get bored with the runs right outside your door.

Beginner City (1 Intermediate hour, 28 acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Gondola minutes) then by bus to Madarao Kogen Ski Resort.Lifts

Advanced

Park

30% 2 1 Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 3

30% 2

Advanced

courses

40% 3

Longest Course: 2,500m Top Elevation: 1,350m Base Elevation: 440m

30%

Togakushi, Nagano 1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Togakushi is an interesting, medium-sized resort. The name “Togakushi” means “hidden door,” and the resort is owned by Nagano City and newly managed by Tokyu Resorts, yet it is still relatively unknown to people outside the area. The best way to describe Togakushi is pleasant. The conditions always seem to be pretty good, and there are often great powder days. Best of all, it never seems to get as busy as the more popular Nagano resorts, and it has retained a very local feel. Togakushi Village is in itself an interesting place. It is famous for soba, and there are some beautiful shrines, temples and onsen nearby to finish off a great day on the mountain. Park

By Train and Bus: Shinkansen from Tokyo Station toBeginner NaganoIntermediate Station (1 Advanced Liftsby bus.Gondola hour, 45 minutes), then less than 1 hour to Togakushi

NOZAWA ONSEN

Park

30% 2 Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 5

30% 2

Advanced

40% 5

1 DAY Adults ¥4,600 TICKET Kids ¥2,100

If you’re looking for the quintessential Japanese ski experience, Nozawa Onsen is the place. This traditional hot spring village sits at the base of a great mountain (Mt. Kenashi, 1,650m). The resort is one of the oldest ski grounds in Japan, getting consistent snowfall. Water and Fire. Water is everywhere in Nozawa, from the snow melting in the streets, to water flowing beside cobblestone roads, to the 30 hot springs scattered around the village (including 13 free baths in town). Fire takes center stage at the Dosojin Matsuri (Fire Festival on Jan. 15). Park

Park

Beginner Nozawa Intermediate Onsen acceSS By Train: 60 minutes from Nagano Station to Togari Lifts Gondola Stn. then taxi or shuttle bus. By Car: 75 minutes from Nagano.

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,750m courses Base Elevation: 1,200m

30%

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,750m

courses Base Elevation: 1,200m

Advanced

Park

40% 2 10

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 2 10

courses

30% 5 1

Advanced

courses

30% 5 1

30% 3

Longest Course: 10,000m Top Elevation: 1,650m Base Elevation: 565m

30% 3

Longest Course: 10,000m Top Elevation: 1,650m Base Elevation: 565m

For more Nagano information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)

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30%

Nozawa Onsen, Nagano

(0269) 85-3166 www.nozawaski.com Nov. 20 - May 8 8:30 - 20:00 (17:00 - 20:00)

WINTER

30% 5

Longest Course: 2,500m Top Elevation: 1,320m Base Elevation: 800m

courses

TOGAKUSHI SNOW WORLD (0262) 54-2106 www.togakusi.com/skimenou Dec. 18 - Apr. 3 8:30 - 16:30

30% 5

Longest Course: 2,500m Top Elevation: 1,350m Base Elevation: 440m

courses

TANGRAM SKI CIRCUS

acceSS

Intermediate Gondola

40% 3

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NiiGata 360p Virtual tour!

ne day in 1986, the good people of Joetsu, a coastal city in Niigata, were deluged by 232 centimeters of snow—in one day. That’s roughly enough to bury a one-story

building. Although this sort of thing doesn’t happen every day, Niigata gets some of the heaviest snowfalls in Japan. The town of Yuzawa was where Yasunari Kawabata penned his award winning novel Snow Country (Yukiguni). It is also Niigata’s most popular of winter sports areas, due to the easy access from Tokyo (77 minutes) and the variety of ski resorts a snowball’s throw from the station. Just over the border from Nagano Prefecture, in the southeastern part of Niigata, the Myoko Kogen area is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets. This scenic, mountainous area stretches all the way to the Sea of Japan coast and features some great resorts in its own right.

YOUR SKI-IN SKI-OUT GETAWAY • En-suite apartments by Nagasaka Gondola, Nozawa Onsen

Brought to you by:

• Full kitchen, Wi-Fi, iPod dock, flat screen TV ` • Spectacular views from all apartments • Special rates for long

www.nozawahospitality.com

NOZAWA

Ski goods,Ski Rental

Joetsu Kokusai NASPA Ski Garden GALA Yuzawa

Iwappara

Charmant Hiuchi

OPEN 8:00~10:00/15:00~20:00 TEL 0269-67-0224 www.compasshouse.jp

Seki Onsen Akakura Myoko Suginohara Kagura Tashiro Mitsumata Naeba

• Guaranteed ﬁrst tracks in Nozawa • 4 Bedroom Swiss style chalet • Professional kitchen, wood burning stove, Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, home cinema • Live-in staff, snowcat shuttle

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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www.nozawahospitality.com

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GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT YUZAWA KOGEN Mt. NAEBA KAGURA • MITSUMATA

GALA YUZAWA STATION

NUNOBA NUNOBA FAMILY IPPONSUGI SKI RESORT

Mt. NAEBA KAGURA • TASHIRO

ECHIGO YUZAWA STATION

NASPA SKI GARDEN

IWA-PPARA WINTER RESORT

KANDATSU KOGEN LUDENS YUZAWA SKI

YUZAWA PARK SKI YUZAWA NAKAZATO KAYAMA CAPTAIN COAST NAKAZATO SNOW WOOD Mt. NAEBA

Mt. NAEBA • SHIRAKABA Mt. NAEBA • ASAGAI

GONDOLA ROPEWAY

Nozawa Onsen

野沢温泉

Craft Beer & Creative Space • Free WiFi, Internet & Video editing stations • Daily Happy hour specials • 55-inch TV with sports • Live acoustic (see web for schedule) • Located across from the Nagasaka Gondola 地ビールとクリエイティブ空間

• WiFi, インターネット • ビデオ編集ワークステーション・アコスティックライブ • 野沢温泉：長坂ゴンドラの向かい側

NAEBA SKI RESORT Introducing our original CraftRoom Beers. Drop in and enjoy.

Yuzawa, Niigata

(0257) 89-2211 www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/naeba Dec. 4 - Apr. 10 8:00 - 21:00 (16:00 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥5,000 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Naeba calls itself "The St. Moritz of the East" and is a popular choice for Kanto trendsetters wishing to get away for a day trip or a quick ski weekend. The crescent-shaped Prince Hotel cuts an imposing figure at the base of this classic ski-in / ski-out resort and features all the trappings you would expect from a Prince-managed resort hotel. Off the mountain, there are children’s services, hot springs and other amenities and, on the mountain, a terrain park, kids park, family snow park and more. Naeba Resort is connected to the Tashiro, Kagura and Mitsumata ski areas by the "Dragondola" which travels 5.5 kilometers in just 15 minutes.

www.craftroom.jp

Park

To Naeba

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

KAGURA -TASHIRO - MITSUMATA

• Huge living room space • Separate dining space • Fireplace and cinema room • Double kitchen great for families and groups • 22 beds for luxury comfort • Underﬂoor heating for a warm, cozy stay • Less than a minute walk to lifts, Nagasaka Gondola and The Craft Room

www.ﬁrsttracksnozawa.com 68

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 68

Advanced

40% 7

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 1,789m courses Base Elevation: 900m

30% 15

Yuzawa, Niigata 1 DAY Adults ¥4,200 TICKET Kids ¥2,100

These three connecting ski areas form one big resort. If you count Naeba, the total rideable area is 368 hectares. From Naeba you’ll be lifted above Lake Tashiro to wider and less crowded slopes and better snow quality, but the area closes at 4 p.m. and the lift line back to Naeba can be long. A better option is to access the Tashiro Ropeway on Route 17. You can then traverse across Tashiro in about 40 minutes to Kagura, known Kagurafor good backcountry options (enter at your ownArea risk) and a long season. The Mitsumata area has a small boarder's park, a few jumps andTashiro twoAreagood slopes for learning. Accessible by the Mitsumata Ropeway on Route 17. Park

Park

45% 3 1

Kagura Area Park

Tashiro Area To Naeba

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

45% 3 1

23 Beginner Intermediate Yuzawa StationAdvanced (77 courses acceSS By Train and Shuttle Bus: Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo minutes) then shuttle bus to one of the resort’s car Lifts parks onGondola Route 17.

35% 5

Advanced

courses

35% 5

20% 14

Longest Course: 6,000m Top Elevation: 1,845m Base Elevation: 620m

20% 14

Longest Course: 6,000m Top Elevation: 1,845m Base Elevation: 620m

For more Niigata information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com) WINTER

30% 15

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 1,789m Base Elevation: 900m

Park

First Tracks Nozawa is Nozawa’s luxury ski-in/skiout family lodge. Enjoy great views of the Nagasaka slopes and down the Nozawa Valley. The best place on the mountain for getting morning powder.

40% 7

30% 3

27 Beginner Intermediate Yuzawa StationAdvanced (77 courses acceSS By Train and Free Shuttle: Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo Lifts Gondola minutes) then free shuttle bus to Naeba Resort (50 minutes). (0257) 88-9221 www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/kagura Nov. 20 - May 22 (Tashiro May 8) 8:00 - 17:00

30% 3

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GALA YUZAWA SNOW RESORT

Yuzawa, Niigata

(0257) 85-6543 www.galaresort.jp/winter/english Dec. 22 - May 6 8:00 - 17:00

1 DAY Adults ¥4,500 TICKET Kids ¥2,200

Park

If you want a quick, convenient day-trip from Tokyo, you can’t get any easier than Gala Yuzawa. The ski resort has its very own train station that doubles as the ski lodge. The amazing efficiency has its drawbacks, however. It means you will most definitely not be alone on the hill. You can, however, get up to the mountain, get in a few runs with friends and be back in time to buy your favorite designer goods in Harajuku. The resort is not for serious skiers but, if you just want to have fun in the snow for a day with friends, you can’t beat the convenience.

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Advanced Descent Course Gondola

45% 1 3

35% 1 2

Park

Beginner Stn. acceSS By Train: 77 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to GALA Yuzawa Lifts By Car: 5 minutes from Yuzawa I.C. (Kanetsu Highway)

35% 1 2

courses

45% 1 3

20% 4

Longest Course: 2,350m Top Elevation: 1,181m courses Base Elevation: 358m

20% 4

Longest Course: 2,350m Top Elevation: 1,181m Base Elevation: 358m

IWAPPARA

Yuzawa, Niigata

(0257) 87-3211 www.iwa-ppara.com/english.html Dec. 8 - Apr. 7 8:00 - 21:00 (17:00 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Park

Although Iwappara looks like a relic of Japan’s bubble era with big pink apartments along the course, it is still one of the more popular resorts in the Yuzawa area. It’s super convenient from the station (five minutes) so it is quite possible to do a day trip from Tokyo, and the main course is so wide open, beginners can practice their turns without fear of being run over by a speedy skier (or vice versa). The views from the top are nice, and the village area around the ski area has a nice selection of restaurants.

40% 2

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 6

40% 2

11 Beginner Intermediate to Echigo YuzawaAdvanced courses acceSS By Train and Shuttle Bus: 77 minutes from Tokyo Stn. Gondola Stn. then shuttle bus from Echigo Yuzawa Station inLifts less than 10 minutes.

Advanced

courses

40% 6

20%

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 985m Base Elevation: 400m

20%

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 985m Base Elevation: 400m

NASPA SKI GARDEN

Yuzawa, Niigata

(025) 780-6222 www. naspa.co.jp/english Dec. 18 - Apr. 3 8:30 - 17:00 (17:00 - 19:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥3,000

Park

NASPA is a relatively new ski resort (opening in 1992) holding on to the past by being one of the only skiers-only resorts left in Japan. The ski hill is behind the deluxe New Otani Hotel and the resort which definitely caters toward families who ski and want to stay in luxury. In fact, you can enjoy yourself even if you are not a skier, as there are public and private hot springs, Jacuzzis, a swimming pool, fitness center and a selection of restaurants. Its location near the station makes for a quick, convenient ski weekend from Tokyo, if you want to get in a few turns (on skis) with the family.

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

37% 1

38% 2

Park

JOETSU KOKUSAI SKI RESORT

Advanced

37% 1

25% 2

Longest Course: 2.2km Top Elevation: 690m courses Base Elevation: 430m

25% 2

Longest Course: 2.2km Top Elevation: 690m Base Elevation: 430m

8 BeginnerYuzawa Intermediate StationAdvanced (77 courses acceSS By Train and Free Shuttle Bus: Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo minutes) then free shuttle bus to NASPA Ski Garden (5Lifts minutes).Gondola (025) 782-1028 www.jkokusai.co.jp Dec. 8 - Apr. 7 8:00 - 21:00 (17:00 - 21:00)

38% 2

Minamiuonuma, Niigata 1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Park

To the north of Yuzawa town is a 634-room, European-style hotel that anchors the Joetsu Kokusai Ski Resort. The runs are relatively short here, but there is a long 6K trail and a 38-degree “Daibetto Slope” that will challenge anyone’s courage. The resort also has an extensive terrain park and two half-pipes; one used in the 2004 World Cup, and regularly hosts events such as the 2009 Nippon Freeskiing Competition. Parents wanting to keep the little ones entertained will like the “Kids Paradise” area outside on the snow as well as an indoor “day nursery.”

30% 3 Park

Beginner Lifts

30% 3

Park

Beginner Intermediate Echigo Yuzawa acceSS By Train and Bus: Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo toLifts Gondola Station (77 minutes) then train to Joetsu Kokusai (15 minutes).

Advanced

Intermediate Gondola

courses

50% 4

Advanced

courses

50% 4

20% 18

Longest Course: 6,000m Top Elevation: 1,017m Base Elevation: 200m

20% 18

Longest Course: 6,000m Top Elevation: 1,017m Base Elevation: 200m

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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MYOKO SUGINOHARA (0255) 86-6211 http://ski.princehotels.co.jp/myoko/ Dec. 18 - Mar. 27 8:30 - 16:30

GET OUT IN THE MYOKO BACKCOUNTRY

Myoko, Niigata 1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥3,000

Myoko Kogen is simply one of the naturally prettiest ski resorts in Japan. Suginohara is another of the Prince resorts, and the facilities are well-maintained. The runs above the gondola are where advanced skiers and powder hounds will have the most fun, but there is a lot to choose from here and some great on-hill restaurants at which to stop and take a break. And you may need to, as Suginohara boasts arguably Japan’s longest top-to-bottom, an 8.5-kilometer thigh burner that will test anyone’s meddle if left for the last run of the day. The stunning view of Lake Nojiri below from the gondola makes it worth the trip alone.

Park

40% 1

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 2

40% 1

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 8,500m Top Elevation: 1,855m Base Elevation: 731m

20% 1

Park

Beginner Stn. acceSS By Train: 120 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Myoko Kogen Lifts By Car: 160 minutes from Tokyo.

Intermediate Gondola

Advanced

AKAKURA ONSEN

courses

1 DAY Adults ¥3,900 TICKET Kids ¥2,700

Myoko Akakura Kanko Ski Resort was one of the first European-style ski resorts in Japan. After merging with Akakura Champion Ski Resort, it has been renamed Akakan, although locals still call it “Shin Akakura.” The unmistakable symbol of Akakan is the Akakura Resort & Spa which sits majestically on the slopes. It’s a great place to stay if you want ski in / ski out luxury. The area averages about 13 meters of snow annually, so there is plenty of fluffy stuff in which to play. Akakan has a nice variety of courses, but the most challenging runs are on the old “Champions” side of the mountain.

Park

50% 2 Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

30% 4

50% 2

SEKI ONSEN

Dancing Snow is all about enjoying the fun of Myoko’s

Longest Course: 8,500m Top Elevation: 1,855m Base Elevation: 731m

Akakura Onsen, Niigata

(0255) 87-2125 www.akakura-ski.com Dec. 11 - Apr. 3 8:30 - 21:00 (17:00 - 21:00)

Park

anyone can take part in, to day tours to local peaks

20% 1

Park

16 Beginner Intermediate Advanced hr., 45 min.), then take courses acceSS By Train: Shinkansen from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. (1Lifts Gondola the JR Shinetsu Honsen Line to Myoko Kogen Stn., then 10 minutes by bus.

beautiful backcountry. From snow excursions that

40% 2

Advanced

courses

30% 4

20% 9

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,200m Base Elevation: 650m

20% 9

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,200m Base Elevation: 650m

Seki Onsen, Niigata

(0255) 82-2316 www.sekionsen.com Dec. 21 - May 8 9:00 - 17:00

1 DAY Adults ¥3,500 TICKET Kids ¥2,800

Park

Seki is the highest ski area in the Myoko Kogen area and, even though there are just two lifts, there is access to many powder runs. This is a local mountain, and they check the weather reports and know when the storms will hit, sometimes dropping one or two meters of new snow overnight. It pays to get up early if you want first tracks. Don’t expect groomers; this is natural terrain and free riding at its finest: tree runs, natural pipes and some good hits. There’s no ATM, so make sure to bring cash.

and a range of specialty tours, we have something for every traveler interested in experiencing something beyond the groomed runs at the base of this beautiful mountain. We keep the groups small for safety and more fun; we’ll work with you to choose the course that’s ideal for what you want—and what the weather and snow is telling us. Introductory backcountry courses, avalanche instruction, and more available.

acceSS By Train: Shinkansen from Tokyo Stn. to Nagano Stn. (1 hr., 45 min.), then take the JR Shinetsu Honsen Line to Sekiyama Station, then 20 min. by taxi.

CHARMANT HIUCHI

Nou, Niigata

(0255) 68-2345 http://charmant-hiuchi.jp Dec. 18 - May 5 8:30 - 16:30

1 DAY Adults ¥3,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,800

Charmant is a locally owned and operated ski resort that most of your friends do not know about, but may wish they did. The resort is literally right on the Japan Sea (you can see it from the top lifts) and gets some of the heaviest snow dumps around. It is also a healthy drive from Tokyo (four hours), but is worth the trip if you enjoy short lift lines and uncrowded slopes. There are lots of ungroomed areas and advanced terrain including a 1,000-meter powder course. The proximity to the sea means there is some excellent seafood nearby, and you can ski straight through Golden Week.

Let us know what you’d like to do! We have all kinds of ways to have fun in this great outdoor area.

Park

20% 1

45% 2

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

20% 1

45% 2

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 2,700m Top Elevation: 1,009m Base Elevation: 501m

35%

Park

17 Beginner Intermediate From Advanced is inconvenient. courses acceSS Car access is recommended: Train and bus serviceLifts Gondola Tokyo it takes 4 hours by car, depending on traffic and weather.

www.dancingsnow.com info@dancingsnow.com

Outdoor_Japan_1214_2012.indd 1

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 70

Longest Course: 2,700m Top Elevation: 1,009m Base Elevation: 501m

For more Niigata information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)

WINTER

35%

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12/12/17 22:07

GUNMa W

hile neighboring Niigata gets most of the attention, Gunma quietly has some great snow resorts of its own. Located in northeast Gunma near the border with

Niigata, Minakami has 10 ski resorts and is just 90 minutes from Tokyo. Ozu-Katashina is another quality area that ďŹ&#x201A;ies under the radar. Katashina town lies in the shadows of mighty Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Shirane and features nearby resorts such the popular Oze Iwakura, Hotaka Bokujo, a boarders park, and Oguna Hotaka, a nice mid-sized resort. Manza, to the east of Katashina, the popular ski and onsen areas of Manza and Kusatsu Resort & Spa are great places to relax before or after a good day on the mountain.

Minakami Houdaigi

Kawaba

Okutone Snow Park Tenjindaira Tanigawadake

2013

Oze Iwakura

Norn Minakami Manza Onsen

Kusatsu Kokusai

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 71

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MINAKAMI HOUDAIGI

Minakami, Gunma

(0278) 75-2557 www.hotakasan.co.jp/hodaigi/index_E.html Mid Dec. - Mid Apr. 8:00 - 16:30 (17:00 - 21:00 Jan.only)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥2,500

Houdaigi ski area is the largest ski area in Minakami and gets better snow than most of the resorts in the area since it is at a higher elevation. Although there are many beginner and intermediate runs, there are a few advanced courses as well, including a killer 40-degree slope and a 2,600-meter cruiser. Parents can let their kids have fun safely on tubes and airboards in the “Kids Land,” and older kids can enjoy the “Action Land” with table tops, waves and banks.

Park

40% 2 Park

Beginner Lifts

acceSS

courses

Advanced

30% 1

Longest Course: 2,600m Top Elevation: 1,400m courses Base Elevation: 830m

30% 1

Longest Course: 2,600m Top Elevation: 1,400m Base Elevation: 830m

OKUTONE SNOW PARK (0278) 72-8101 www.okutone.jp Dec. 18 - Mar. 27 8:00 - 22:00 (17:00 - 22:00)

30% 5

40% 2

Park

Beginner then Intermediate By Train and Bus: Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen (75 minutes) bus to Advanced Lifts Houdaigi (70 minutes).

Intermediate

30% 5

Minakami, Gunma 1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids Free for children <12

Park

(weekends & holidays 6:00 - 24:00)

If rails, pipes and jumps are your thing, Okutone ski area is the place to go in Minakami. The park staff takes good care their loyal customers who come to perfect their tricks at the resort. The night sessions are popular, since they keep the lights on until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, and they even offer Nighter season passes (as well as “Sunset” passes from 3 p.m. until closing time). Okutone has easy access from the main road. It is located right off the main road after you cross over the Tone River. Ifyou want easy access to powder, Okutone can be your choice.

30% 5

40% 1

30%

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 1

30% 5

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,083m Base Elevation: 550m

30%

Park

Beginner then Intermediate acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen (75 minutes) Lifts Gondola bus to Okutone (40 minutes).

Advanced

courses

NORN MINAKAMI

Longest Course: 3,000m Top Elevation: 1,083m Base Elevation: 550m

Minakami, Gunma

(0278) 72-6688 www.norn.co.jp Mid Dec. - Mar. 31 8:00 - 16:30 (16:30 - 22:00 / 24:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,200 TICKET Kids ¥3,400

Situated just three kilometers from the Minakami Interchange, Norn Minakami is the most convenient of the Minakami Resorts if you are coming by car. The resort is great for families. They’ve created “family zones” where the average slope is just 13 degrees and a Day Care Center where parents can drop off the little ones and enjoy some time on the mountain themselves. Norn is open from 7 a.m. to midnight on weekends, so you can enjoy a long day on the slopes and, like all Minakami resorts, is not far from some great hot springs.

Park

30% 2

50% 2

20%

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate

50% 2

20% 2

Advanced

Longest Course: 2,000m Top Elevation: 1,220m courses Base Elevation: 820m

30%

Park

5 BeginnerthenIntermediate Advanced free shuttle. courses acceSS By Train: 150 minutes from Tokyo Stn. to Minakami Stn., Lifts Expressway. By Car: 90 minutes from Tokyo (Nerima IC) via Kanetsu

TENJINDAIRA TANIGAWADAKE (0278) 72-3575 www.tanigawadake-rw.com Nov. 21 - May 5 8:00 -16:30

Longest Course: 2,000m Top Elevation: 1,220m Base Elevation: 820m

Minakami, Gunma 1 DAY Adults ¥3,500 TICKET Kids ¥2,000

Although Tenjindaira gets more guests in summer, when the tram is packed with hikers, than in winter when the area is blanketed in snow, “Tenjin” is a favorite of Minakami locals. The resort itself is relatively small, but lift lines are usually short and the snow quality can be excellent if it’s not too windy up top. However, the secret to Tenjindaira is what you don’t see, which is access to some serious backcountry. This is “enter at your own risk” territory and not a place to go without avalanche gear (and the knowledge to use it). Better yet, hire one of the knowledgeable local guides and enjoy some "Japow!"

Park

30% 1

40% 4

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

30% 1

40% 4

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 1,500m Base Elevation: 750m

30%

Park

10 Beginner Intermediate change to the Advanced courses acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen to Takasaki Station, then Gondola Joetsu Line to Minakami Station, then 20 minutes byLiftsbus to Tenjindaira.

Longest Course: 4,000m Top Elevation: 1,500m Base Elevation: 750m

For more Gunma information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)

OJT_winter_12-13_v1.indd 72

WINTER

30%

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KAWABA

Kawaba, Gunma

(0278) 52-3345 www.g-jmt.com/kawaba/eng Nov. 28 - Apr. 11 8:30 - 16:00

1 DAY Adults ¥4,200 TICKET Kids ¥2,700

Park

There’s something different about Kawaba. You’ll notice it the first time you pull into the covered parking area of the eight-story Kawaba City center house. There are six floors of parking and the seventh and eighth floors are filled with restaurants and ski / board shops. On the mountain, Kawaba is progressive as well with a nice balance of park and powder. Within the 10,790 meters of skiable terrain is the “Powder Zone,’ a section of the mountain left ungroomed for powder lovers. There is a good mogul course, the Free Ride Park (back by popular demand) and a 3,300-meter trail for cruising. Kawaba City also includes a ski school, kid’s corner and locker rooms.

20% 3

40% 1

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 1

20% 3

Advanced

Longest Course: 2,000m Top Elevation: 2,020m courses Base Elevation: 1,290m

40% 1

Park

Longest Course: 2,000m 10 Top Elevation: 2,020m Beginner Intermediate (75 minutes) thenAdvanced courses acceSS By Train and Shuttle Bus: Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen Lifts Gondola Base Elevation: 1,290m 50-minute shuttle bus ride to Kawaba.

KUSATSU KOKUSAI

Kusatsu, Gunma

(0279) 88-8111 www.kusatsu-kokusai.com/winter/english Dec. 15 - Apr. 15 8:30 - 21:00 (17:00 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥3,200

Park

Although Kusatsu is famous as one of the country’s best onsen rsorts, the area also features a quality ski resort that has been around since the Taisho Era and is open nearly six months out of the year. Kusatsu Snow & Spa has an eight-kilometer downhill course, one of the longest in Japan (next to Myoko Suginohara), a Kids Square where the little ones can enjoy activities such as snow tubing, and a variety of Heliport courses for all levels. However, the best part of being at Kusatsu is the fact you can enjoy some world-famous hot springs after a great day on the mountain.

Heliport

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Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

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Advanced

Longest Course: 8,000m Top Elevation: 2,171m

courses Base Elevation: 1,245m

20% 8

Park

Beginner TokyoIntermediate acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen to Karuizawa Stn. from Lifts Stn.Gondola (72 minutes), then 55 min. by direct bus from Karuizawa

Advanced

Longest Course: 8,000m Top Elevation: 2,171m

courses Base Elevation: 1,245m

MANZA ONSEN

Tsumagoi, Gunma

(0279) 97-3117 www.princehotels.com/en/ski/manza_onsen.html Dec. 12 - Apr. 4 8:30 - 17:00 (Sat.17:30 - 20:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,000 TICKET Kids ¥3,000

Manza Onsen is another of one of Prince Hotels signature properties and the hotel’s buildings commands an imposing presence at the bottom of the hill that features a lot of good beginner and intermediate runs and is a great place for families. There isn’t a lot of challenging runs for advanced skiers but the scenery is beautiful, the snow quality excellent and the hotel has a great (albeit smelly) natural rotenburo (outdoor bath) for after ski soaking. The facilities and amenities are on par with what you’d expect from a Prince Resort making for a stress-free ski experience.

Park

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10%

Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

50% 7

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Advanced

Longest Course: 1,500m Top Elevation: 2,008m courses Base Elevation: 1,646m

10%

Park

Longest Course: 1,500m 14 Top Elevation: 2,008m Beginner Intermediate Advanced Manza-Kazawaguchi courses acceSS By Train & Bus: Takasaki Line from JR Ueno Station to Lifts Gondola(50 min.). Base Elevation: 1,646m Stn. (160 min.) then change to the Seibu Kogen Bus to Manza Onsen

OZE IWAKURA

Katashina, Gunma

(0278) 58-7777 www.oze-iwakura.co.jp Dec. 11 - Apr. 10 8:00 - 21:00 (16:30 - 21:00)

1 DAY Adults ¥4,600 TICKET Kids ¥3,600

Oze Iwakura is the largest of the Katashina ski resorts. It was also one of the longest skiers-only holdouts and at last check there were still a few runs that banned boarders (mainly mogul courses). The mountain itself has a timeless, genteel feel to it, where visitors seem more interested in breathing in the fresh air and taking in the views than worrying about the latest snow fashion. If you get tired of groomers, you’ll find some nice powder on the fringes while some areas outside the lines will be tempting. Yet Iwakura remains a skier's mountain at heart, and skiers will enjoy the long, cruising runs, moguls and some challenging steep terrain.

Park

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Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

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Advanced

Longest Course: 3,200m Top Elevation: 1,703m

courses Base Elevation: 1,006m

30% 10

Park

Longest Course: 3,200m 18 Top Elevation: 1,703m Beginner then Intermediate by busAdvanced to courses acceSS By Train and Bus: Shinkansen to Jomo Kogen (75 minutes) Lifts Gondola Base Elevation: 1,006m Oze Iwakura (90 min.)

More information online at www.outdoorjapan.com/snow WINTER

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GIFU Dynaland Takasu Snow Park

lthough it gets less attention from the Tokyo crowd than Nagano, Niigata and Gunma, Gifu has a number of quality resorts that service the Nagoya and Kansai region. Less than a couple hours from the main Gifu ski resorts is the Edo-style town of Takayama, known as “Little Kyoto.” Takayama’s master carpenters built some beautiful shrines and temples here at the base of the Japan Alps. Also in the region, along the border of Gifu and Toyama prefectures are the World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokoyama, known for the thatched roof houses built in “Gassho-zukuri” (praying hands) style. These A-frame farmhouses are constructed to withstand the heavy snowfall that blankets the region each year. If you are looking for good skiing and mixing in some great cultural experiences, Gifu is a great winter destination.

TAKASU SNOW PARK

Takasu, Gifu

(0575) 72-7000 www.g-jmt.com/takasu/eng Early Dec. - May 6 8:00 - 16:30

1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,000

Takasu is well known to park riders. The resort has a large free ride park that includes kickers, rails, boxes and one of the biggest super pipes in Japan. There is also a 600-meter professional boarder cross course and a mogul course. The resort is the training grounds for many of Japan’s rising stars and has hosted a number of competitions including the FIS Snowboard World Cup. Aside from the amazing pipe and park, winter sports enthusiasts of all levels can enjoy the openfaced free ride terrain including a 4,800-meter trail, one of longest in western Japan, and several other 4,000-meter trails. There’s even some backcountry tours through Dainichi Valley.

Park

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Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

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35% 3

Longest Course: 4,80 Top Elevation: 60 courses Base Elevation: 95

Advanced

30%

Park

BeginnerTakasu Intermediate and ACCESS By Bus: A bus leaves Nagoya at 8 a.m. stopping at both Lifts Gondola Dyanaland. The trip takes about 2 hours, 45 minutes.

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 4,800m Top Elevation: 600m Base Elevation: 950m

DYNALAND

Takasu, Gifu

(0575) 72-6636 www.g-jmt.com/dynaland/eng/ 1 DAY Adults ¥4,800 TICKET Kids ¥2,000 Dec. 8 - Apr. 7 Weekdays 8:00 - 16:30, Weekends 5:00 - 16:30 (17:30 - 23:00) Dynaland is the largest of the Takasu ski resorts. There are 19 runs; the longest a 3,200-meter thigh burner. There is a shared ticket to neighboring Takasu Snow Park and two places on the mountain that connect the resorts. If you want to get out on the slopes first thing in the morning, the Hotel Villa Mon-Saint is right in front of the resort and there are 5 a.m. openings for first tracks on selected dates. The resort has a resident DJ who will take music requests and you can do some good for Mother Nature while having a lunch break since the Dynaland Eco Project collects proceeds from resort restaurants to support a Gifu tree planting project.

Park

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Park

Beginner Lifts

Intermediate Gondola

40% 3

32% 2

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 3,20 Top Elevation: 1,43 Base Elevation: 98

28%

Park

Beginner Intermediate Takasu and ACCESS By Bus: A bus leaves Nagoya at 8 a.m. stopping at both Gondola Dyanaland. The trip takes about 2 hours, 45 minutes.Lifts

Advanced

courses

Longest Course: 3,200m Top Elevation: 1,430m Base Elevation: 983m

For more Gifu information visit OJ Online (www.outdoorjapan.com)

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