dyna8800

tripler, I was there on a weekday, when there was about a foot of new pow, so I feel your pain. I almost hiked up... In no way am I saying that it is good that it is closed, but I understand their reasons. But it also makes me rethink going there if all the best stuff is going to be closed. Kijimadaira went from a "must go" resort to a "well, maybe only on a weekend" type of place. It also is pretty small, so without that one other lift going, one could see all the terrain in just a morning.

ippy, I liked your review, it was really good! Now all we need to do is to get some pics up...

Originally Posted By: Karnidge Nice one. Did you get any visuals? Ummm, yes, but I am working on sorting out the pics and choosing which ones to post. Maybe later today or tomorrow...

Thanks ippy. I am actually working on a Japan ski guide.

I won a free lift ticket to Ryuoo Ski Park compliments of Snow Japan (thank you!) and used the opportunity to check it out during the holidays. As I promised to SJDavid, here is my trip report, also uploaded to the main database. Executive Summary Ryuoo is very popular with snowboarders, as it was one of the first to open up to boarders back in the days when skiers ruled the world. Although many other resorts boast of bigger parks, or halfpipes, it is one of the few with a "big air" feature, in other words, a huge airbag to land on after jumping. You could throw some big jumps all da

Judging from the numbers of skiers/snowboarders going on weekdays, most places simply cannot afford opening all the lifts. Also, Kijimadaira is more family oriented, as well as having many school groups during the week. I will post a formal review in the next day or so. There were powder stashes galore there, no poaching necessary, right next to the groomers.

Muikabochi-san, what did you end up buying? Too bad I did not see your post sooner, I went through this exercise last year, going to various outlets like Autobacs, Tire-kan, etc. I agree with your opinion of not buying secondhand tires or taking a chance on auctions, as the purchaser has no idea of the storage conditions, how they were driven, etc. Why gamble? The tires at Costco ended up being the least expensive. Blizzaks were highly recommended (but were the most expensive) of the lot. Also got new wheels, as it saves a lot of wear and tear on installing/taking the tires off

Thanks for the heads up, I have seen those previous news articles, and I guess that my point was that they have a "naming contest" going on. Perhaps this will also prevent people from being stranded up top if/when heavy winds make the gondola shut down...

One more thing, forgot to mention that the 2.5 km run from the "top" to the bottom (previously only accessible by gondola) has been opened up. There even is a contest to name the course...

JR View Plaza has a special deal for the 20th anniversary of Gala Yuzawa Resort. On Thursdays from January 20th until March 17th, the price for round trip shinkansen from Tokyo and Gala lift ticket is JPY 6,900. Coincidentally, 6,900 is exactly the price of a one way ticket from Tokyo to Gala Yuzawa. The special is not mentioned on the Gala resort page, but it can be found on the JR Ski Ski page. With the Southern area of the resort finally open, it should be a fun way to spend a Thursday. See you on the slopes,

I drove from Togari Onsen which is just down the road from Nozawa, up and over the mountains on 292 to Myoko (Akakura). Actually wanted to take the road that passes by Madarao, but 292 is a little bit wider. There are some places in the mountains which are very narrow...glad there was no snow on the road. It took about an hour and a half. You would need a car/bus hire with a good driver.

Yes, that is the top part where it is steeper, about 21 degrees.

At long last, here are a few photos... View of Norn from the parking lot View of Norn Ski Center from No. 3 Center Quad Ski Course C Ski Course E

I recall they also had heli skiing at Sugadaira and Kusatsu...

Thanks everyone for the feedback! Having some difficulty downloading photos from card reader, so need to find cable to attach camera directly to computer. Good idea iiyamadude to put into the Reviews section as well. Hopefully I can upload some photos next week or so!

Thanks to Snow Japan, I got a ticket to Norn in the Minakami area of Gunma Prefecture. Here is a review. Photos to follow! Ski Resort Minakami Norn Norn is conveniently located just 3 km. from Minakami IC off the Kanetsu Highway. This close proximity of the resort makes it very accessible, without the long mountain road drives required to reach many other resorts in the area. Another selling feature of the resort would be the long operating hours, extended on the weekend days. On Saturday, the resort opens at 7 am, and with night skiing, it stays open until midnight! On S

Plus ya gotta love the Engrish on their website, especially for weeke days. It still says that there is a charge on weekends and holidays! English=incorrect info, Japanese=updated correct info. Parking availablefor 5,800 cars Parking free on weekedays. There is a charge on weekends and holidays, and during the year-end period Dec. 29-Jan. 3. Parking for the Asagai Ski Run is always free! *Naeba Prince Hotel guests may park free anytime. -Parking Fees: 1,000 yen per vehicle (Nighter parking just 500 yen from 12:00 noon to closing) All time free parking from Mar. 2 (Mon.).

Hey, thanks for the correction. The website says parking fees applicable only during year end...that's much better!

Originally Posted By: muikabochi Not many around here thankfully... even Naeba is free now. Naeba website still has the price for parking, weekedays as well as weekends, free for hotel guests, 1000 yen for non hotel guests, 500 yen from 4 pm for the nighta...

I note a trend starting about last year, many resorts have stopped charging for parking, even on the weekends. Any resorts still collecting fees for using the parking lot?

Morrow Snowboard Boots 23 cm (US size 6) These are a few years old but still in good shape. Got these from a mate to sell. 2,500 yen plus shipping (Yu-Pack or Takkyubin COD) Payment via bank transfer (Shinsei Bank) preferred. Either contact dyna8800 by PM (if available) or send an email to classifieds@snowjapan.com and we will forward. (After that any correspondence will be between yourselves). Thanks.

KevKastle, Good questions...but you can always qualify your answer with a follow post with comments. My thinking is that it costs money (lift ticket, train fare, gasoline, tolls, etc.) but it is on a weekend. How far you need to travel depends on where you live. For example, Muikabochi, who lives in the heart of Snow Country, can be selective about when he goes, but Mamabear, visiting from Australia, might be more inclined to go, seeing as how she has a limited holiday here. Up to your interpretation!

So, the question is, if you could only ski or ride one day, and it was a choice of go/no go, which would you chose?

Naspa has the Kids Ski Garden complete with character Pingu and magic carpet...

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