17 replies to this topic

[norcal]

So I finally made it out for the second time since being back in Japan. Went to Shiga Kogen this time, and it was great. Still being new at snowboarding, I didn't hit the powder too much. I did once, but got stuck, haha. Someday...someday!

Higher up there was soft snow, but towards the bottom it was icy and packed down. I don't have anything to compare it too or rate it on, but it's alot better than when I was in Korea, lol! (Snowboarding on a huge block of ice)

The place is busy, but not packed. It's very spread out which is good, doesn't get congested at the lifts. We had to wait maybe 2-3 minute at the longest to get on a gondola. No complaints there.

I'll be back there for sure, its an awesome place. My friends love that place, and I can see why. We'll check other places for sure, but Kogen is a once that I'll frequent next season.

btw this is my first review, so I know its not the best, lol. Also I didn't have much time to snap pics, as we were trying to get as many runs as possible. But here's a few decent ones:

[muikabochi]

Thanks for sharing norcal.
Great views there.

Is that first shot taken from Ichinose looking north?

[norcal]

Originally Posted By: muikabochi

Thanks for sharing norcal.
Great views there.

Is that first shot taken from Ichinose looking north?

um....maybe? haha I really couldn't tell you. I just followed my friends and snapped pics where I could. Next time I go out I'll try taking more helpful pics, haha.

[DiGriz]

That's almost certainly looking down from top of Ichinose across to Diamond, with Yakebitai off on the right.
Last shot looks like up in Terakoya, but not enough detail to be sure.

[TubbyBeaverinho]

I concur Jim

[TropicalPow]

Great photos thanks,

These and other photos from the main island get me thinking that maybe I need incorporate a week or so on Honshu into next years Niseko trip.
I am probably a couple of years off the much longed for season long Japan ski safari but even a short visit would be better than none I guess.

[TubbyBeaverinho]

For sure Tropical Pow, Honshu should not be underestimated, some great areas to ride down here

[grungy-gonads]

OK so what will the mountain in the background be then? Arai area with Myoko just out of shot to the left perhaps?

TropicalPow, you need to go back (?) to Niseko?
Why not just try a different holiday?

[DiGriz]

gg, not sure. angle of the shot makes it difficult. kurohime perhaps. i think arai might be hidden by myoko from that viewpoint.

[norcal]

Few more snaps from my friends camera:

[TropicalPow]

You might be right Tubby & Grungy, I do like the Niseko pow but I will see if I can talk the others into adding a week on Honshu.
More good photos norcal.

[muikabochi]

Got it, can see now.

[SKI]

Originally Posted By: Slippery Jim

gg, not sure. angle of the shot makes it difficult. kurohime perhaps. i think arai might be hidden by myoko from that viewpoint.

No I don't think Arai will be blocked looking from Shiga Kogen, it will just be a bit nondescript.
My guess is that is Myoko and Arai will be to the right, the lower mountains.

[muikabochi]

It doesn't really look like Myoko but that must be the angle, I would guess it as being Myoko as well.

[SKI]

Yeah with Madarao the one just in front of (?)

[ippy]

i popped here today. It was fun. Im being brief. Its a rare change. There was also about 6 minutes of snow. Also a rare change. Wheee...?

[iiyamadude]

You 'popped' there?!
Which area did you get to?

[ippy]

ive covered the lot of it now. However, when i say covered it, it comes with three disclaimers:

1. I couldnt see jack shit today.
2. 'covered' does not necessarily mean i rode it all, some resorts (kiodike or whatever it is, it was sufficient to just see it to know i wasnt going to bother).
3. Id say my times been split about 80/20 riding under lifts and in trees/riding groomers. The olympic course was fun, and theres a semi fun course looking across from it (ninatokanantoka, ill look this stuff up later when i plan on whittering about it), but really the groomers hold almost zero appeal now. Even the ones on yakebitaiyama (ill check the name later), got old really quick.