Please note that all reviews in this section of Snow Japan are those send in by our readers, and not the views of Snow Japan.

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RESORT NAME : Yamagata Zao Onsen, Yamagata Both READERS NAME : Deano DATE VISITED: Jan 2009 SNOW CONDITIONS: Packed powder on groomed areas, knee deep powder otherwise PROS : Enormous choice of runs from beginner to expert, very relaxed feel about the place CONS : Walking between lifts, flat spots REVIEW: Zao has such a variety of runs on excellent snow that a skiier or boarder of any skill level can have a superb day out in any weather scenario. The areas where you end up walking, schussing or swearing between lifts are a nuisance. You can plan around them mostly but it would be better if they were sorted out. Zao is definitely a great resort for beginner and intermediate level skiiers and boarders - they are well catered for. For those looking for a bit more adventure it is there to be found - the Yokokura wall is the most obvious of these, there are a couple of good mogul runs and there are some good runs under lifts and cable cars if you do some careful investigation first. With some planning you can sneak among the snow monsters for a special treat but the powder is often too deep to sustain momentum. Nothing beats jumping in the hot springs at Zao after a solid day of skiing or boarding to get ready for the next day's adventures. Zao is famous within Japan as a top notch hot spring with a particular mineral content that is credited with all sorts of health properties. At night Zao can be a bit dull with no obvious entertainment venues that a western visitor would easily recognise. Night skiing is a fun option for those with extra energy and we had one magical night boarding in thigh deep powder as it had started to fall just as the day session ended. A great option for night time is to head back down to Yamagata City (or even to stay in Yamagata City) - about 25 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus. The Nanokamachi area (about 20 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by cab from Yamagata station) is full of variety in entertainment and eating/drinking options. The area in front of Yamagata Station also has lots of choice but is less charming than Nanokamachi. For families,a group of friends of varied skiing ability or a quiter type of ski tourist looking to enjoy both skiing and a charming bit of Japan - Zao is an excellent choice - you will not be disappointed. OTHER REVIEWS of Yamagata Zao Onsen Resort (51 in total) READER JOURNALS submitted about Yamagata Zao Onsen Resort (9 in total) READER PHOTOS submitted of Yamagata Zao Onsen Resort (918 in total) This Resort Review was submitted : Thursday 2nd September 2010, 8:52am   YAMAGATA ZAO ONSEN - READER RANKINGS (Vote Here) GENERAL SCORE SNOW CONDITIONS COURSES TERRAIN LIFT SYSTEM APRES SKI 78 ( 35 votes) 78 ( 35 votes) 73 ( 35 votes) 70 ( 33 votes) 60 ( 32 votes)

RESORT NAME : Appi Kogen, Iwate Snowboarder READERS NAME : Tim DATE VISITED: Jan 3 - 15 SNOW CONDITIONS: Powder PROS : Deepest powder! REVIEW: This is the second trip back to Appi. It snowed everyday of what seemed like at least 30 - 40cm. The powder off the side of the groomers was incredibly lush, waist deep. There was even a day the groomed run was knee deep.. thats how much snow was falling. Food was quite expensive but good range. Very friendly. OTHER REVIEWS of Appi Kogen Resort (35 in total) READER JOURNALS submitted about Appi Kogen Resort (4 in total) READER PHOTOS submitted of Appi Kogen Resort (27 in total) This Resort Review was submitted : Monday 28th June 2010, 10:17am   APPI KOGEN - READER RANKINGS (Vote Here) GENERAL SCORE SNOW CONDITIONS COURSES TERRAIN LIFT SYSTEM APRES SKI 75 ( 28 votes) 68 ( 28 votes) 71 ( 27 votes) 83 ( 26 votes) 70 ( 19 votes)

RESORT NAME : Kagura, Niigata Snowboarder READERS NAME : Vincejp DATE VISITED: Many times since 2008 SNOW CONDITIONS: Usually better than other lower resorts in the area PROS : Big resorts, famous for backcountry and tree runs, cool patrol CONS : Crowded, far REVIEW: I usually go to Kagura early in the season and late in the season. Eearly because it's not crowded like it is usually and also because it's one of the first resort to receive big amount of snow. This year 2010, was unbelievable, there was so much powder in December, you couldn`t actually ride it unless you were on one of the steepest side of the mountain. Sometimes, not all areas are open (Tashiro usually opens later). Late because it's also not crowded and it`s one of the last resort to close (it`s not unusual to go there until golden week !). They also start operating an additional lift from early March which leads you to one of my favorite run in Kagura. The resort is big, you can easily stay 2 days there without getting bored especially if you take the Naeba ticket. The park is fun to take a break off the slopes or to have some fun before taking the gondola back to the parking. Tashiro will be good for beginners (beside some flat parts which requires to have speed not to stop). OTHER REVIEWS of Kagura Resort (57 in total) READER JOURNALS submitted about Kagura Resort (65 in total) READER PHOTOS submitted of Kagura Resort (594 in total) This Resort Review was submitted : Wednesday 23rd June 2010, 10:11am   KAGURA - READER RANKINGS (Vote Here) GENERAL SCORE SNOW CONDITIONS COURSES TERRAIN LIFT SYSTEM APRES SKI 77 ( 65 votes) 78 ( 64 votes) 72 ( 64 votes) 65 ( 62 votes) 41 ( 56 votes)

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Please note that all reviews in this section of Snow Japan are sent in by our readers, and not necessarily the views of Snow Japan.