I do salute the Akakura ​Onsen Ski Area for their brave decision to at least hope to open tomorrow, the 12th. Only problem, of course, is that there is nothing to slide on except very wet grass (the last of our snow having been washed away by the pretty heavy rains that began last night). It has gotten a little colder in the past few hours; the winds turned northerly and the fog rolled in—but not cold enough for white stuff to start falling.

Oh, well, this happens! There have been several years where we wondered if we'd get a white Christmas, and then the stuff came pounding down. Impossible to tell, although I'm sure there are a lot of nervous people at the resorts watching as next week's openings approach. In the meantime, be glad you're not here! It is gray, gray. gray, in that way that only the pre-season brings (at least in spring we have warmer temps each day to look forward to).

Hope to be back soon with more pleasant news!




Akakura Kanko:

Friday, December 18


Akakura Onsen:

Saturday, December 12 (not happening)


Ikenotaira Onsen:

Friday, December 18


Myoko Suginohara:

Saturday, December 19


Seki Onsen:

Sunday, December 20


Myoko Ski Park:

Sunday, December 20


Kyukamura RunRun:

Saturday, December 19


Tangram Ski Circus:

Saturday, December 19


Madarao Kogen:

Friday, December 18



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