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.

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?

Still too soon for snowboarding in Japan

Don't wax the board yet - with every positive powder prayer, rain seems to follow. Only Hokkaido seems immune or less affected by Ullr's rage (global warming). Next week will tell - Nagano and Niigata have a shot at snow but they also have a shot at rain. Cover your bets - Colorado has powder.

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.

What's my line? Marunuma (Japan) powder a few years ago

A few years ago, we caught Marunuma during the week. Fresh powder, small resort, and no one there all day. These are the moments we pray to Ullr to experience. This is the essence of the snowboarding (or skiing) Japan experience.