Popular Post Kansaiash 6 Posted January 23, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted January 23, 2013 Myoko Kogen Jan 6-8 2013 Sunday January 6th 2013 Resort: Suginohara Snow Condition: Groomed but not hard on the runs and day old stashes off-piste. Weather: On the way to the mountain in the morning we had glimpses of blue sky but once we arrived the weather was overcast all day. Luckily the cloud was quite high up so visibility was still good. The day: Being the end of the New Years holidays I was a little concerned the resort would be very busy but I guess everyone had already gone home because we didn't really have to wait for a lift all day. This was the first time visiting Myoko Kogen so I wasn’t really sure about where to go. I remember reading about tree runs at Suginohara and terrain traps on the forums but couldn’t remember exactly so I was a little hesitant about straying too far off-piste. Also I was boarding with my girlfriend who is only a beginner so I stayed with her most of the day. We went pretty much everywhere except the top of the mountain. When my girlfriend had had enough for the day I got a few runs in by myself and had a lot of fun bombing down under the gondola. Monday January 7th 2013 Resort: Suginohara Snow Condition: Surprisingly still very good in the morning with the groomed runs still not being super hard packed and icy. By the end of the day one or 2 of the runs were starting to get icy. The off-piste (yes I was still finding stashes) had a slight crust but was still enjoyable. No new snowfall. Weather: The weather was much clearer this day with clear blue skies. The day: We didn’t get as early a start this day but it really didn’t matter. The place definitely wasn’t busy. In the morning I boarded with my girlfriend and in the afternoon she took a lesson so I went off exploring and looking for tree runs. By far my favourite run of the day was under the lower hooded quad avoiding the big drop skiers left. Although there wasn’t nice fresh powder I still had fun playing around in the trees and managed to find mostly untracked snow all day. Unfortunately about half way through the day my bindings started to give in, firstly my high backs started to become loose, I tried to tighten them but they continued to loosen. This was annoying but bearable. However soon after a second problem arose with my buckle not releasing so I was unable to get out of my bindings. The only way I was able to release it was with a screwdriver from the work bench. Thankfully the screwdrivers are attached to the workbenches so no one can steal them but this made it challenging to get my board off. If you saw anyone trying to stand on the work bench with one foot on his board during this time it was probably me. Tuesday January 8th 2013 Resort: Ikenotaira Snow Condition: Soft groomed runs, slightly crusty/heavy snow off-piste. Weather: The morning was very clear again in the morning but became very overcast in the afternoon. The day: This trip was booked through a website where you are not able to choose the hotel you stay in and although I requested to stay near Suginohara I was put in a hotel that was at the bottom of the Ikenotaira resort. This wasn't a big deal and was the reason why we decided to go to Ikenotaira on the 3rd day of our trip. I was very surprised at how few people there were at this resort, I know it was a week day but I had to ask myself how does this resort make any money. As the day went on it started to get a bit more crowded but nothing like the crowds I have seen at other places this year. I spent the day boarding with my girlfriend with her now confidently linking turns down the groomed runs and me ducking off into the trees where ever I could to see what was around. I would love to go back to this resort after a bit of a dump as there looks to be some serious potential in the trees. Another thing that I liked about this place was the craft beer factory where we had dinner twice during the trip. They offer 90 minutes all you can drink local craft beer for a small price. Ikenotaira turned out to be a great place to stay and I want to get back there again in late Feb or early March. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Nice. Fairly expansive views from Suginohara and Ikenotaira, I see. Link to post Share on other sites
ippy 66 Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 ikenotaira is definitely the underrated part of myoko. I havent been there since season 2, but it could be fun to have another look. Trouble is unless im in the area for a few days its always suginohara, then akakan, then seki, then ikenotaira. Next year if im still here i think ill pick up the myoko pass because i kinda miss not being there (even though im much happier with the nozzie pass). As for making money, i dunno how it is nowadays, but when i was last there (2008/09), they were nice and busy on weekends. Its a huge family place. It was also park rat friendly. Loads of kids in their late teens/early twenties just chilling out riding the weekend, then spending time in the little welcome place in the net cafe/karaoke/games center/onsen/cafe at the foot of it (probably near your accommodation). I always admired ikenotaira for its forward thinking. I hope it has paid off. However prince resorts have been (allegedly) trying to drive myoko into the ground, so who knows... Link to post Share on other sites
BagOfCrisps 24 Posted January 24, 2013 Share Posted January 24, 2013 Great stuff! Ahh I remember. Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 4 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Great report and photos Kansaiash.We will be there shortly even more excited now Link to post Share on other sites
panhead_pete 27 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Hey Roscoe - see you next week. Drop me an email if you like panhead_pete at hotmail.com Looks like there will be a good storm next week Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 4 Posted February 1, 2013 Share Posted February 1, 2013 Hey Roscoe - see you next week. Drop me an email if you like panhead_pete at hotmail.com Looks like there will be a good storm next week Will do Pete we leave Tuesday First week at Shiga and catch up with Snow junky.Then across to Myoko and catch up with you should be great may been reading every ones reports and pictures.When do you head off I will email phone number etc.Packing now have to work at kawana Monday then take off from the Goldie tues am. Link to post Share on other sites
panhead_pete 27 Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 Im flying Friday Roscoe and arrive Myoko Sat morning. Have a great time in Shiga, there's some fun runs there if you get the snow that's forecast You bringing Junky with you to Myoko? Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 4 Posted February 2, 2013 Share Posted February 2, 2013 No he's at Madro now then to Shiga and we are meeting up for a slide. before they head back to Aus. Link to post Share on other sites
Ross 4 Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Bags are packed.finnishing the paper work for the business off to bed then off to the airport.Hello Japan great to be back. Link to post Share on other sites
iiyamadude 6 Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Thanks Kansaiash, hopefully getting out there on Monday. Link to post Share on other sites
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