What's my line? Shiga Kogen, January 2010

This view is from the top of the lift at Higashi Shitate at Shiga. Literally powder everywhere...all you can eat...and you're close to more of it if you're willing to explore just a bit. That's my hint...no giveaways but a damn good hint. BTW...the only tracks are the ones you see...go a little and you get your own buffet line.

What's my line? The view from Giant - Shiga Kogen, January 2010, post 6

Shiga Kogen's Giant is a moderate length speed burner course. When groomed, you can go as fast as you dare...and watch epic skier yard sales as you go by.  When moguls dot its surface, avoid it. When there's powder, use the speed and carve the edges. Almost no one knows...at first. Here's a great line on the second day we were there. Still fresh - just stay left and turn on the afterburners.

Found it - Shiga Kogen Jan 2010, Post 5

You always wondered where it was - is it mythical or real? Now you know and it's at Shiga Kogen.

Japan totem poles - Shiga Kogen, January 2010 Post 4

You find them in the weirdest places. No one is certain as to whether they mimic Native Americans, Australian native traditions, or spin up with some combo of these and Ainu traditions. This one's at the top of Higashi Shitate at Shiga Kogen.

Shiga Kogen Jan 2010, post 3 - narrative 2

The second day (Sunday) started out with a small bit of sunshine. Eventually, powder was tracked out...okay, then it started snowing again. Did I mention that I love Shiga? We were tipped to go high...duh, but it helps when you're as sick as I was becoming. So, we took the egg gondola (some folks call it Higashi Shitate) then went on to higher places. Yes, I'll get you started on your powder search but you need to do some work yourself. Back leg was so painful at this point, I was thinking about stopping...for about 37.3 seconds.

Shiga Kogen Jan 2010, post 2 - narrative 1

These were the best conditions I've seen at Shiga in years. Our drive up there was uneventful until the last 45 minutes or so. Then, we hit heavy snow. My friend, Yoshi the ski monster, drives a 4WD version of the old Suzuki Samurai - called a Cricket. Snow tires and 4WD on, we powered through enormous flakes and very slippery roads...at one time passing folks on a hill who were stuck because their FWD cars (without chains) didn't have enough traction. Yoshi and I both top 200 pounds and then some. Add on our gear and we had traction. Powered by 660 ccs of raw, turbocharged power...yes, you read that correctly... we owned the mountain. The next time someone says that they don't know if a 1800 cc motor is enough for the mountains, remember this.

Day one - powder so heavy and visibility so low. Still, with that much powder, falling was a giggle - not a problem. The photo shown is after one short run...no falls, just one face shot after the other. The weird grin is not drug-induced but common thoughout the resort. We were laughing, hooting, and carrying on so much I thought they would haul us off. The smiles were universal. Green runs were good...anything with any pitch at all was a secret garden.

Better news - although it was Saturday, it wasn't crowded. There's a reason resorts groom runs - most people prefer it. Mother Nature voted them down this weekend.

Shiga Kogen Jan 2010, post 1

I always love Shiga Kogen. So do these critters. They're called okojo. It's a Japanese version of a ermine and maybe the most famous inhabitant of Shiga Kogen. The are spotted in color in summer and pure white in winter. Alas, I've never seen one nor have any of my friends. Still, it (and the monkeys) give you something to look for when riding the lifts...well, besides illegal lines.

Shiga Kogen Web Cam

You say "Sure, Bubba - you're going to Shiga Kogen and it's great but I want to see it myself."

Hey, no problem. Just click here and you get a live webcam in front of the Prince Hotel. No need to thank me...just saying....

More pictures after this weekend and hopefully some video too.

Three-day weekend plans

The upcoming 3-day weekend looks incredible from here. Nagano resorts have been getting pounded and another foot or so of snow should fall between now and Saturday morning. This is on top of existing powder and a good base. Shiga Kogen, with 70 some-odd runs, some lift-assist backcountry, and the best apple pie in the world is on the agenda. Pictures and more to come.

Whosoever rides...

A few years ago, my daughter was learning to ride and did some research on this.

Note the size of Shiga Kogen, one of the best resort experiences in Japan...and where I'll be in a couple of weeks! This is a tiny fraction of the area. It's good for lift assisted touring...just cruising the acreage. But, when powder comes, it's among the best then too.

Snowboarding in Japan? Maybe I should call this site raining in Japan?

Pretty much everywhere got rain last night. Back to the beginning in many places. Tokyo is almost warm enough for shorts. I'm thinking izakaya and sake tonight...it's killing me. Ullr, why hast thou forsaken me?

It's raining

Most of the resorts are reporting rain at lower and mid levels. Shiga, among a few others, has snow at higher altitudes. There is hope for tomorrow. Even Niseko may get some rain. I'd cry but that would just make what little snow is left melt.

Might be a night to listen to some old Louis Armstrong and drink sophisticated beverages.

Snowboarding in Japan by the sea?

Okay...that's not really the ocean. But it sure looks like it. Shiga Kogen is always pretty but sometimes it is simply stunning. This was one of those days.

It's snowing in Japan in some places with snow coming for more

With many predicting a less-than-stellar year, it's good to hear that Hokkaido is getting snow and snow is predicted for Shiga Kogen and Kagura. Yesterday's Ullr Revival is beginning to pay off. Burn an old snowboard while drinking a PBR - can't hurt ;-)

Hakkoda Japan snowboarding - shelter from the storm

Just an old picture. You ride an old lift up. Then you get off and hike 2 hours. Then, you chill in a cabin that blocks the wind and is warmed by other bodies and an infrequent heater. The author on the left - a one-time riding buddy on the right.

Shiga Kogen invaded by terrorists

Note:
The unsuspecting snowboarder in Japan may face peril even when resting. Click the photo to enlarge it and see the intensely "camo-ed" terrorist approaching.