Early on 29th March I set out to Shiga Kogen. It's about 2 and a half hours from here in my region of Niigata. Early on it was actually quite cloudy but things soon turned for the better as I approached Shiga Kogen.

Shiga Kogen is a big place, and I had decided to ski in the Yokoteyama and Kumanoyu area because the scenery up there is good and my camera would be happy.

Anyway, here's some photos from Yokoteyama. Check out the Zao-like "Snow Monsters"!

From the top












No, this isn't Zao!


Mt Asama




A tree. (I like trees).

Great stuff. I see Asama is still smoking a bit there.

Better than Zao for the time I would say?

Cracking pics.

My less impressive photos of Yakebi and Oku will be up later on.

Yes definitely.
Thank you for them, looks like winter returned.

Fabulous yet again

Snow Monsters! I wonder how big do they get in winter? Looking fairly decent even there.

I was really (pleasantly) surprised to see them too.
The snow up there was pretty good.

I can't remember them being bigger than that even in peak season.
Good timing mate!

I plan to go mid-season next year to take a peak. I think a 4-day trip to Shiga Kogen is called for.

The place is just so big isn't it. I remember that part in the middle had some good courses (Giant?) and Yakebitaiyama has lots of space and trees to play in.

Definitely. A day just isn't enough. I would like to spend 4 days or so there as well. I'd base myself around Ichinose and go from there.

Amazing...
Cheers Muika

We spent 4 days there and it wasn't enough.... We didn't really get to do Yakebitai or Yokote.

Yes - the more the better!

Nice photo.
I spent a few weeks in Shiga Kogen in February, the snow was generally really good even if maybe not as much as usual. Actually I am glad it was not as cold as maybe usual - it was still very cold!

Friend of mine is moving down to that area next month, which I am very pleased about. Must take the trip looks great.

a very belated response to the post, i know, but decided to comment anyways..
sweet pics!

reminded me that i was actually up at shiga kogen a day earlier on the 28th over at yakebitaiyama & terokaya, ichinose.. wish i could rewind back to that day and enjoy it all over again.

Yes me too. I really enjoyed it there and in Hakuba those few days.