Thundercat 60 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Well, my friend and I took the night bus to Yamagata Zao on a Friday night. This is something that I'll never do again. The seats were obviously made for children... knees pressed into the seat in front... shoulder to shoulder... at least I was in the aisle! Not enough beer in the world to make it a comfortable 8 hour journey (although I did try ) So we were both wiped out by the time we got to Zao at 7am. Saturday 6th. Very wintery! Super strong winds and heavy snow. I was actually amazed that they were running the lifts in those conditions. Decided that in our slightly drunken~hangover that we'd be better off hitting the onsen and a few beers (which we did in style) Lodge Scole (listed on Snow Japan) is a great option for staying in Zao. Comfortable rooms, super friendly staff, great food and drinks (There is an awesome bar on the first floor). We were even treated to a live jazz piano performance as a special event. There is also a really great bath in the basement! Mao from Zao is super sweet! Night view from Lodge Scole Sunday 7th. Wintery! Winds reduced a bit but still heavy snow fall. Visibility was very low so we weren't greeted with any stunning views. Somehow we were able to hit up every run (including a 'private' piste that we hiked up to the top of at the end of the day!) Snowy trees Jizo half buried in the snow at the top of the mountain. Very cold and very windy up there. Cleared up a bit in the Diamond Valley area Very tempting! View from the top of the 'private' run. Walking around town (ghost town) Outside of Lodge Scole (blurry shot because of the beer I think!) I'll continue this later! It's beer o'clock! Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Fabulous. Took a peak at some of your other pics too - brilliant! Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Beautiful, both on the slope and in town. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 You've convinced me to go in March - reckon it'll be ok around the 14th - 16th? Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 Monday 8th (The day!) Woke up to this sight out the bedroom window of Scole. The rest of the day was pretty magical. We hiked the peak three times and boarded inside the snow monsters. It was a very unique experience and the powder was thigh deep. It was very challenging because of drifts and having to pick your way through the trees. We even went off the back of the mountain once for a really steep super fun powder run. The day just wasn't long enough... Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted February 13, 2010 Author Share Posted February 13, 2010 Our lines Tuesday 9th From winter paradise the spring conditions. Sadly it was raining on the last day we were there which is a shame because it snowed throughout the night. We were expecting some excellent conditions and instead we got soaked. So, would I go back to Zao? Definitely a tough choice... my thoughts on Zao are that it's more of a resort to bring your family to because there are things to do aside from just boarding. Make it a holiday trip instead of thinking of it as a boarding only trip and you'll enjoy yourself much more. If I hadn't had 'the day' on the slopes I probably won't have enjoyed the trip very much. You have to be very careful about choosing lines off piste because there are countless terrain traps and flats. If you get a chance to come flying down through the snow monsters do it! Just make sure that it's a clear day because a lot can go wrong if you can't see! It's also very challenging so make sure you have the skills! The groomers in the Kurohime area were definitely my favourite because they a long and fast. I guess I'd go back to Zao (and bring a pair of skis with me to tackle all those flats! ) Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Wonderful photos. So glad you got the fine day. I hope I can time it so well, would be gutted to go and not get a glimpse of it all. Link to post Share on other sites
ILoveZao 8 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Very nice, Black Mountain. It is always a great feeling to get one of those days during a stay. If you come for 1 day and get bad visibility it can be frustrating. Like you said many people are here for the experience and not just for the skiing/snowboarding but I rate that high as well Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted February 13, 2010 Share Posted February 13, 2010 Did you go up and get any of the night monsters BM? Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted February 14, 2010 Author Share Posted February 14, 2010 I thought about it but it was a little too expensive. 2500Â¥ per person to ride the ropeway. Good enough during the day! Link to post Share on other sites
HelperElfMissy 42 Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Great photo's. Thanks BM. I enjoyed reading that very much Link to post Share on other sites
seemore 66 Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Great Photos again Mate. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 It is expensive, I agree. And understand why you decided to not do it. But - as an one-off experience, I would certainly recommend people going to do it. Link to post Share on other sites
minus 1 Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 Nice report Black Mountain. Link to post Share on other sites
spook 0 Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 awesome pics! Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 great pics BM. What system you using? Link to post Share on other sites
Jynxx 4 Posted February 14, 2010 Share Posted February 14, 2010 What a beaut day you had ! Top photos! It's a grand place up there. When I was skiing, it was challenging and I was not disappointed. I was thinking, geez, I wonder how it will go on a snowboard and I don't know anyone who have done so. If you thought it would have been better with skis, I can dig that. Link to post Share on other sites
grungy-gonads 54 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 They are fab photos. Those monsters though - are they on the skinny side? Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 **** it - going to book a trip tonight for March - god my wife is going to hate me when she finds out. which'll be when I am in Zao. Neck deep in powder. Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 For all the talk of N (the H one), H, N (the N one), SK and Y, I reckon Z is one of the "must see" places in Japan. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Y? Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Yuzawa Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 I know. But y is z a must see? Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted February 15, 2010 Share Posted February 15, 2010 Good large ski resort. Nice onsen village. Unique scenery. Link to post Share on other sites
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