muikabochi 208 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 This morning started off really cloudy, then it snowed and by lunchtime we had the sun out and blue skies. Time to ski. So I went to close-by Joetsu Kokusai for the afternoon. I realised today that I am rarely at a skijo in an afternoon. Apart from quickly changing weather conditions again - quite quickly clouded over - late afternoon brings with it different colours. The snow was decent at the top Atema part, but like sand down at the base. But I had fun. I always want to like Joetsu Kokusai and I think I would more if the lifts were better. Sometimes you feel like you are there for sightseeing as much as skiing. OK in a chilled out kind of way, but not if you want to be, er, skiing! The two lifts connecting the main area to Atema are the worst culprits as they as both basically two-way "connecting lifts". So people pulling funny faces to each other as you go past. Or maybe that was just me. Having said that, Atema always has the best snow at JK and so worth getting to. 'The Overlook'. (It's not really called that). Peace! The Atema area at the top of Joetsu Kokusai Lots of scenery like this at JK. Looking over to Minamiuonuma Not open today Not that busy today Late afternoon Having fun! Link to post Share on other sites
norcal 5 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I hate you..... ....because that looks awesome and I was working all day lol. Great pics, as always. That snow looks so inviting! Link to post Share on other sites
snowbender 3 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 Cheers muikadude! Link to post Share on other sites
Mick Rich 78 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 I hate you..... ....because that looks awesome and I was working all day lol. Great pics, as always. That snow looks so inviting! & also I hate you because that looks awesome, I'm still unable to ride and you take better photos than me!!! Link to post Share on other sites
tokabochi 9 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 ...about those connecting lifts up there. Polite people share a good morning when passing in the opposite direction....... Link to post Share on other sites
pie-eater 207 Posted February 16, 2012 Share Posted February 16, 2012 That moody one at the bottom is well cool. I remember the snowman on the lift in a previous season. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 16, 2012 Author Share Posted February 16, 2012 Yes the snowman seems to be a feature of that lift! And yes it is strange people going both ways on the lifts. It wasn't busy but you can still see the 'ah, gaijin' kind of response in some people. Link to post Share on other sites
Hokkaidough 4 Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Cool! Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 Yes the snowman seems to be a feature of that lift! And yes it is strange people going both ways on the lifts. It wasn't busy but you can still see the 'ah, gaijin' kind of response in some people. this kinda cracks me up/pisses me off (depending on the situation and my mood).....even in the hugely populated area of Tokyo and Yokohama, where there are thousands of us Gaij roaming around........there is still a surprise on peoples faces when you walk around the corner, or into their shop etc Are they EVER gonna get the fact that YES, non-Japanese people do live in Japan?! Link to post Share on other sites
charlotte 0 Posted February 17, 2012 Share Posted February 17, 2012 I know what you mean about - depending on your mood. Sometimes I take it lightly, other times it annoys no end. Fab photos again muika, thank you! Link to post Share on other sites
lin 0 Posted February 18, 2012 Share Posted February 18, 2012 A group of my friends are over there at the moment, staying in the 'Overlook' Looks good. They also plan to visit Hakkaisan and Maiko. In fact, your photos were one of the reasons they got onto the idea. Link to post Share on other sites
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