64 replies to this topic

[Toque]

Many people seem to be expressing an interest in spring/summer backcountry skiing. Many of the places I go might not be suitable for a beginner BC skier though.
Norikura at 3026 metres sits on the Gifu/Nagano border and holds skiable snow into the summer. It's a great place to learn about spring/summer skiing as it is relativly safe and there are plenty of people on the weekends weather permitting if something should go wrong. Access is also very good as Norikura has Japan's highest road which reaches 2700 metres. A person in reasonable shape should be able to reach the summit in 90 minutes.

There are lots of runs up there but this is the main part. 3 runs. Most people ski the middle one. The 1st run on the right is usually used to hike up and the 3rd run on the left which is skinny is a fun little chute which doesn't get skied as much. All 3 runs end on a plowed paved road at 2600 metres.


The SDF was up there and had organised a race complete with electronic timing




You get all kinds up there. This is a large group of Snowbladers all using poles.


Don't take your good boards. Rocks can be dangerous

[Toque]

There are steep runs up there as well for the more advanced skier. Most of them are illegal though. So be prepaired to pull the gaijin card.

I had to cut the slope as there was a lot of fresh snow. It all slid onto the rocks below. Not a place to fall.

top looking down


bottom looking up
I skied the lookers right path through the rocks. real fun

[Toque]

The Norikura Skyline road opens May 15th each year. This year it was delayed because of bad weather. You can catch buses in Takayama Gifu and Hirayu Onsen Gifu.

[Fattwins]

that ski looks nasty. you need that puged next year man.

[Toque]

The ptex is holding pretty good
Do I really need to get a pro to fix it?
I really have no idea

[Fattwins]

number one you have to cut away all that garbage p-tex then fill the hole. just keep the water out dude. drip and sand it down. A pro wil have the tools to weld it in.

[montoya]

great write-up!

curious, though, who determines the "illegal" runs? the park ranger or something like that?

[Toque]

I'm not sure about that but I was told last year that some of the steeper runs are closed because they are in the water supply area.
There arn't any signs though. Just that you might get yelled at.

[Fattwins]

or it could be that they just want to yell at you

[r45]

Where do you approach this area from Toque?

[Toque]

Its in a park and is now closed to private vehicles. But you can catch buses from Takayama and Hirayu both in Gifu-ken

There used to be access from the Nagano side but as far as I know they have closed this road except for service trucks

A long way from Hokkaido r45

[Toque]

 Quote:

Originally posted by Fattwins:
or it could be that they just want to yell at you

Well I am a shifty guy

[Karnidge]

Toque. How easy is it for you to get to Nagano/Hakuba in winter (and vice versa)?

[Toque]

Takes about 3 hours. Sometimes more. Sometimes less.
It's not so bad because once I'm onto the Nagano side of the alps there isn't to much snow until when I'm almost in Hakuba. The road is narrow and curvy though getting to Matsumoto

[Fattwins]

next year you can go with me karnidge.
its about 5hours from kyoto but we must pay for it.

[I'm Sexy]

Hello what meaning 'the circus that is'?

[Toque]

There are always strange and funny things going on up there. Just like at a circus.

[Fattwins]

Ive never been to the circus.
hey norikura has a little bakery on the way down through the resort. the owner is my wifes father's friend. he cooks everything outside it a wood stove.

[Toque]

Well they're are strange and funny things at the circus

[bong]

Also so cruelty going on with animals, but that's a different story.

Are you planning on going up there Toque?