Metabo Oyaji 71 Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 Some of those shots are giving me vertigo! Link to post Share on other sites
tokabochi 9 Posted January 24, 2014 Share Posted January 24, 2014 Damn, great photos muika Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 24, 2014 Author Share Posted January 24, 2014 Thank you. You should have come toka mina2, that one was taken in the Gondola on the way back down. Lots of zoom. I was surprised to see that image myself actually, but it sure looks nice. Is the nighta at Okutone any good, Gunma Boarder? Link to post Share on other sites
ippy 66 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 love the pictures as ever, but thoroughly enjoyed the rant! As a brit, i do love a good moan. Its a genuine art form and the basis of all good humour if you ask me! More rants please Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 Thank you. You should have come toka mina2, that one was taken in the Gondola on the way back down. Lots of zoom. I was surprised to see that image myself actually, but it sure looks nice. Is the nighta at Okutone any good, Gunma Boarder? It's as good as I've ever seen. The whole resort is pretty much still ridable but some runs aren't lit so it presents a unique challenge. Not the best angle for the sunset but the view of Tanigawa with the last rays of light as well as Shibutsu in Oze is pretty nice. Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 Brilliant, muika. Just proved how amazing the views are from up there. Pity it's pretty much a rubbish skijo! I think the problem is people think of Tenjindaira as a "skijo". Just think of it as a slow gondola leading to a couple of short lifts that accesses some amazing slack country, off-piste and winter mountain climbing opportunities that has the added benefit of having some amazing view. I should also mention the slack country and off-piste is all depended on whether the descending course is open. If not the AV danger is too high and they would probably not appreciate you trying it. I have had some amazing runs in my life but I would say dropping in to one of the chutes leading away from the "skijo" up the mountain was the best. bottomless fresh powder steep terrain and beautiful views. That said I will never go back there unless it is with a tour or with a group of highly skilled fully equipped BC riders. I was neither of these things and after finishing the run I just keep smiling thinking to myself don't go up there and do it again, but it was soooo good, no no no staying alive is better, I don't know it was pretty good........ Common sense prevailed and for the rest of the day I stayed with the far less dangerous off-piste that is accessible from the lower of the two lifts. That area is still really good. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 But.... Tanigawadake Tenjindaira is a "skijo". And the lift ticket is for the skijo. Yes, I know there's all these wonderful opportunities for backcountry people. But I'm not one of them. And neither are I would guess most people. So for most people, it's a rubbish skijo. Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 True. Good snow though Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 Oh yes, the snow was good, even if tracked out somewhat from the previous day. Not for beginners that's for sure. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 Yesterday the downhill course was closed btw. They said there was a natural avalanche last Sunday and has been closed since. Didn't seem to stop all those ants! Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 I think your AV pics are a good enough reminder to stay away when the bottom run is closed. I have never seen an avalanche happening at Tenjin but I did see one after it finished the first time I ever went (also first experience at a skijo in Japan). I had been riding the bottom course all day and one time when coming up the gondola the course was wiped out. I probably should just go to Tenjin for the views......... Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 When you say 'the bottom course', which do you mean GB? Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 The one that goes down to the bottom of the gondola. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 and where do you go from? Presumably not the main official 'road' course? Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 I'm so bad with course names. Does Tenjin have an English map? I can read "ta" "something I can't read" "sawa" (or zawa) course. The one that goes off from the top of the number two lift. It also says expert course. On the far left of the course map on their website. Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 Ah ok got it. I know the place by left, middle and right lift. And excruciatingly slow gondola of course. Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 But some of your pics were from the gondola, right? Let's go with excruciatingly slow gondola...... with a great view Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 Correct, some of them were. But it actually might have been quicker to hike up to that point and take the photos than use the gondola. If you miss one of the gondolas, you're done for an hour until the next one turns up. They should announce it, 'next gondola car coming into station in about 10 minutes'. Be there or take an onsen and have some lunch in the time it takes for the next one to arrive! Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 25, 2014 Author Share Posted January 25, 2014 Here's a video I took of one of the gondolas on it's way out of the station Link to post Share on other sites
Gunma Boarder 14 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 They should really at least have a foot bath and some magazines for you while you wait. Were they still displaying art? Last year they had a big painting on the wall presumably for something to stare at while you wait. Link to post Share on other sites
scouser 4 Posted January 25, 2014 Share Posted January 25, 2014 Fab photos. Link to post Share on other sites
Tubby Beaver 209 Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 The Gondola at Teine is a rival for slowest gondola ever.....it takes forever to go from Olympia to Highland Link to post Share on other sites
pie-eater 207 Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Here's a video I took of one of the gondolas on it's way out of the station Blimey that is slow. I've been sat here watching that since 10pm last night and it still hasn't left the station! Link to post Share on other sites
muikabochi 208 Posted January 26, 2014 Author Share Posted January 26, 2014 Just wait a bit longer pie-eater and you might be able to see some movement. Link to post Share on other sites
pie-eater 207 Posted January 26, 2014 Share Posted January 26, 2014 Will do. I wish it would stop fannying about though and jolly well get a move on! Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts