qyan 0 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Hi there, I am planning for my first japan trip and I hope to do some skiing as well as to catch the Cherry blossom. I am planning to fly in to Nagoya, visit Osaka, Kyoto, Takayama and also go to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. In addition I would like to do 1 day of skiing but I am not sure where would be the best place to go for skiing in between these places that I am visiting? Also I am not sure if April is a good time for skiing. Would really appreciate if someone can advise me on the skiing season and a good ski resort. Thank you. Sarah Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Hi qyan and welcome. It's certainly late in the season with a fair few places already closed. The places still open are enjoying their spring skiing season, so it will depend if that appeals to you. In this area where I am, in Niigata, the only place open really is a resort called Kagura. You can check out the daily reports on here in April for the last few years in popular places, will give you a good idea: http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/nowcalendar.php?month=4&year=2010 http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/nowcalendar.php?month=4&year=2009 http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/nowcalendar.php?month=4&year=2008 http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/nowcalendar.php?month=4&year=2007 http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/nowcalendar.php?month=4&year=2006 Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 There is still usually skiing to be had in April, keep in mind what Muika said though, that it will be Spring conditions. Some beauty days though to be on the mountain, blue skies, sunny, riding in a t-shirt. I've been to Kagura at that time and had fun, Hakuba-47 also and it was still top to bottom riding (just....the VERY bottom of the run had groomed ribbon of snow to take you across the concrete!) Keep your eye on the reports and you should be able to ride somewhere Link to post Share on other sites
hellyer 216 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Generally plenty of snow in Shiga Kogen in April. Higher elevation than most Japanese resorts Link to post Share on other sites
TJ OZ 0 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Goryu / Hakuba 47 on the 9 May this year. A week earlier was top to bottom at 47 and good condition right to the base. The northery aspect means it can hold the snow longer. The start of the Kurobe / Tateyama tour, which by the way is a fantastic trip, is only about 40 minutes drive away from Hakuba. Sounds like an awesome trip you're planning. Link to post Share on other sites
RobBright 35 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Yeah, went to Kagura April this year, think it was the 12th, and there was snow top to bottom. Bit sticky mind, but it was certainly possible and a bluebird day too. Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted July 12, 2010 Share Posted July 12, 2010 Quote: Is April a good skiing season in Japan? Well. No, absolutely not. Not compared with the main season. It's spring and warm. Not for everyone for sure. But..... if you like those spring conditions, tons of fun still to be had. Link to post Share on other sites
qyan 0 Posted July 13, 2010 Author Share Posted July 13, 2010 thank you everyone for your advice. may i know which ski resort in Shiga Kogen is good? Saw quite a few at the following link. http://www.snowjapan.com/e/shiga-kogen-guide/shiga-kogen-resorts.html Thank you Link to post Share on other sites
iiyamadude 6 Posted July 13, 2010 Share Posted July 13, 2010 They're pretty much all connected, and you use the same ticket at all, but it is a big area. The two extreme areas are best for me - Okushiga Kogen / Yakebitaiyama and then Yokoteyama / Kumanoyu. Link to post Share on other sites
thursday 1 Posted July 13, 2010 Share Posted July 13, 2010 when does Shiga Kogen close? Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted July 13, 2010 Share Posted July 13, 2010 Manages to keep open until late May http://www.snowjapan.com/e/daily/shiga-kogen-now.php Link to post Share on other sites
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