Our initial motivation to join this tour was to:
1. Experience the famous Japan powder.
2. Pick up some appropriate technical tips.
3. Stay safe.
4. Minimise the navigation, transport and language challenges.
5. Enjoy the scenery.
6. Enjoy the company of like minded enthusiasts.
7. Embrace a different culture.
8. Have a holiday and relax.
Happy to report that all 8 expectations were met and we had a great time.
Our priorities did seem to reverse order when on the spot cruising around enjoying the scenery from 9am-3.30 through Shiga Kogen’s 19 resorts. Our preference was to keep mostly to marked trails of varying slope and terrain with forays into the trees and fresh powder following a 250mm dump on day 6. Still the best snow on Honshu for the time of year and our guides knew where to find it.
Helpful pointers were offered with encouragement and enthusiasm in abundance.
Perhaps our exertion was not up to spec...ha ha, but we did not get tired or muscle sore much to everyone’s surprise, given we are well into the silver hair phase!
The guiding was relaxed but professional and sensitive to individual’s preferences. A deep passion for, and knowledge of the area was very apparent and worth heaps to us all.
“ We go up!” – “ We go down!” - “Just follow the guide!”
Completely stress free but maybe a glimpse into the secret agenda of routes planned for the day would have heightened our sense of anticipation/trepidation! There’s a challenge for the master!
The infrastructure of the resort is understated but efficient and very under utilised... hense never any queue dramas for lifts , coffees or food.
Transport was modern and efficient ....door to door! With stories unavoidable! Ha ha.
Accommodation at Aibiya Hostel was wonderfully comfortable, spacious and authentic with a perfect balance of friendly inclusion, service and privacy...like a lodge in New Zealand.
The jumbling, old retro town of Yudanaka had an endless variety of “ Ma and Pa” dining rooms serving fantastic, authentic Japanese cuisine at minimal prices... gorgeous!
Our cultural evening was a treat to remember too!
Over all a great experience for a couple of Intermediate level, globe-skiing Kiwis!!
Just Do It!!
See our video here