So despite a forecast for rain today, I decided to take my chances and head up for Kurodake's first day this year.
They held an opening ceremony at about 10 am, and stopped the lift (note; non pluralized to indicate there is only one) to ensure that EVERYONE was there to watch.
After riding the ropeway to the top, it was snowing and conditions were generally quite good. There was about 30 cm of pow but the 2 pistes were groomed so you had to chance it through the mountain bamboo.
Good points: It was open, it's an hour from where I live, parking is free.
Bad points: There is one pa