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It looks like we'll be staying in Yudanaka - all the snow resort websites I looked at were booked out. Made a reservation at the Shimaya ryokan and I guess we will use bus/trains to get to the snow Are there lockers or similar where a person can store walking shoes and other gear while out on the snow - what's the usual practise?

So is the travelling easy from Yamanouchi to the ski resorts?

it looks like hotels for Feb are filling fast. How does anyone rate staying in Yamanouchi town? we are looking at Shimaya Ryokan

Thanks for the latest. I suppose there are a few restaurants and bars around the village?

Thanks to all for the advice. The idea of some culture shock is not a worry - I have been to some fairly out-of-the-way places over the years, it can be a bit of a buzz! Will there be ski hire in the Shiga/Myoko area?

Hi, I'm new to this forum and planning a first trip to Japan. My wife and I are planning a trip in early Feb '13 for a week or so skiing. We are confident late '50s intermediate skiers. Skied mostly in Aus and a little in Europe (Austria) - groomed runs. We are thinking of the Shiga Kogen area or Myoko Kogen. Looking for good intermediate runs and not bothered with partying/apres. Also would like to try a little powder. Are we looking at the right sort of area? Any suggestions welcome. Also should we take our own skis - Volkl RTM 80s for me and Rossignol Zenith Z1W for my wife.