Writing this at 8.45pm, tired after a full day's skiing. Nazowa did not disappoint - plenty of dry powder snow on a firm base. Plenty of green runs also made skiing easy so that we soon gained enough confidence for red and even black runs.
Resort has two gondolas and plenty of short and longer chairs. Easy to fins nearly empty runs too. Place fills up on weekends but we are enjoying the place with no queues and not too many out of control skiers, although Ross was cleaned up from behind by a Japanese gentleman who did not seem to understand how to offer assistance. Ross not impressed.
We have covered about 60% of the runs already, a favourite being Skyline which mixes reds with greens and gets into the trees. The gondola takes you to the top of an easy 8k run back down. The mountain is only authored boy height so oxygen is not a problem but unlike Australia, the snow does not melt and freeze every day. Which makes for crisp, dry powder.
Not that we have ventured off the groomed slopes. Maybe later.
The experience is so much richer for being immersed in Japanese culture, from the slipper wearing, to the language barrier, the excellent food, the terrible sweet treats available from vending machines and the friendly and helpful, if at times puzzled, locals.
Nozawa Onsen, is a charming village, filled with naturally hot baths or Onsens. Enjoyed the one in our lodge this afternoon but may venture further afield to the public ones. Must wash before entering, naked. Lots of rules.
We enjoyed a terrific lunch today, presented beautifully and reasonably priced like the whole ski experience here. The place is crowded with Aussie tourists like us. We were politely asked to use the supplied brush to clean snow off our boots before entering and the local skiers also removed ski boots and wore slippers. Maybe tomorrow.
Tonight we found a popular small restaurant and enjoyed more interesting food. We will not starve.
I'm tired so will insert one more picture and close for bed.
Sayonara!
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