Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted February 4, 2014 Share Posted February 4, 2014 Did you not research those things before you booked? Look out for the flats, seems to be a theme with snowboarders there. I researched some stuff but its nice to hear some things from people that have been there. But thanks for the advice on keeping eye out for the flats Bring poles. I saw a number of boarders carrying collapsible poles to use in the sight-seeing areas (which are the only real problem areas I could see for boarders). My kid just borrowed my poles as needed. Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Take a look at the map of the place and try to work out where there's some flat. The one I can remember is getting from the 'left side' of the mountain over to Utopia (?). Even on skis and getting some speed up, there was a bit of walking involved. Sorry that isn't more descriptive! Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 I think it's the bit between (upper) Chuo and Paradise areas. Link to post Share on other sites
Slagfart 0 Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 Sadly I was there the day before yesterday and there were no monsters!! I got almost to the very top (1 lift short) but had to turn around due to conditions. The rain has melted them all away. My eyes rained too... Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 5, 2014 Share Posted February 5, 2014 But you need to get to the very top to see the monsters. That's where they are (the main feature). When I have been there are no/few 'monsters' lower down. Link to post Share on other sites
Thundercat 60 Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Yeah, the only way to the top is the ropeway, not chairlifts. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Should have said - sorry you didn't get to see them. I would be very annoyed if I went to Zao and missed out on that. Link to post Share on other sites
Slagfart 0 Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Awwww! Nuts. Link to post Share on other sites
Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted February 6, 2014 Share Posted February 6, 2014 Slag, that's sad to hear you missed out on the snow monsters. Where at Zao were you skiing? Link to post Share on other sites
systemsguy 0 Posted February 7, 2014 Share Posted February 7, 2014 Nice pics ILoveZao, keep coming! Link to post Share on other sites
DCx3 2 Posted February 10, 2014 Share Posted February 10, 2014 Anyone going to be in Zao 23rd to 26th of Feb? Would be nice to have a cruise with someone else other than my girlfriend haha Link to post Share on other sites
Rock-hand 0 Posted February 12, 2014 Share Posted February 12, 2014 Planning to head down this weekend (15th/16th), but the wind is forecast at 50-60km/h. What are the chances of the cable cars/gondolas closing in those conditions? Link to post Share on other sites
klingon 10 Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 I would guess pretty good if the winds get that strong! Link to post Share on other sites
Rock-hand 0 Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Shiiii, that's what I thought, might have to postpone and try again in a couple of weeks. Showing 90km/h on the forecast now Link to post Share on other sites
ILoveZao 8 Posted February 13, 2014 Author Share Posted February 13, 2014 Monsters have recovered a bit actually. It's not fun up there when there's huge winds even if the ropeway is open. Best to try and come when nicer weather is forecast -- if you can, of course. Link to post Share on other sites
onsen tamago 0 Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 Good to hear. Link to post Share on other sites
onsen tamago 0 Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 (about the monsters) Link to post Share on other sites
DCx3 2 Posted February 13, 2014 Share Posted February 13, 2014 looking like there is going to be a big dump on zao this weekend! Link to post Share on other sites
beowulf 1 Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 I have been to Zao twice this year and it has been really good on each occasion. I put this down to only choosing to go when there has been practically no wind and a good dump of snow the night before. However, I have a question for Ilovezao. I have been going to Zao for the last nine years, so i know it pretty well, but I have only ridden "The Wall" once, about eight years ago when it was ice. Since that time it has never been open on subsequent visits. IloveZao, how often do they open it and when they do open it what are the conditions like? While I am at it...why do not they put maps of Zao on the hooded lifts, so that people can discern where they are on the mountain while heading up the mountain? Zao is a ski resort that would make most maze makers proud, so a map on the lifts would go a long way. I think I might write to Zao and suggest they do this. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted February 14, 2014 Share Posted February 14, 2014 just in case I'd send another letter to the Daily mail......that should sort the problem Link to post Share on other sites
DCx3 2 Posted February 20, 2014 Share Posted February 20, 2014 I want to know some information on the so called 10km run or 9km run. Where abouts is the start and where is the finish? Does this run include some relatively flat bits where boards might stop? ? Link to post Share on other sites
beowulf 1 Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 I want to know some information on the so called 10km run or 9km run. Where abouts is the start and where is the finish? Does this run include some relatively flat bits where boards might stop? ? I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure you start at the top of the mountain (near the buddha) and then head down the Zangezaka - Juhyougen Course, which leads into Utopia. This is the only place for snowboarders, which might cause them to get off their board, but if you "gun it" from the top of Sailer Course you should be fine. From Utopia you just follow your nose as it connects to the Hyakumannin Slope, which leads onto the Omori Giant Course, which eventually leads you to Omori Slope or whatever course you want to take. As far as I know this is the 9/8 km course, which does not feel quite so long. As a snowboarder I quite enjoy doing it, but only when visibility is good. Skiiers must absolutely love it because there are some places where they can really pick up some speed. Oh yeah you finish at Omori Parking. Link to post Share on other sites
DCx3 2 Posted February 21, 2014 Share Posted February 21, 2014 Cheers Beowulf Link to post Share on other sites
SKI 15 Posted February 24, 2014 Share Posted February 24, 2014 How are those monsters doing these days ILoveZao? My friends are considering going this next weekend and invited me. Umming and ahhing. Link to post Share on other sites
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