5/4 Spring Backcountry
May 4, 2008
The bus ride from Norikura-Kogen to Kuraigahara has started from yesterday and this morning, there were so many skiers, snowboarders and hikers packed into 6 buses to go up.
It was so good weather. We could see all Northern Japn Alps, Utsukushigahara and Matsumoto-city.
We got to see a ptarmigan!
Probably around 300 people are at the mountain. They look like ants
Tatadamidaira from the view around the peak
The snow is spring snow. It is not the best but enjoyable enough.
For now, you can ride back to the ski resort. It is hard to see though “Dirt Gap” by a staff. We are wating for you to join our Spring Backcountry Tour.
4/30 Rock Garden?
April 30, 2008
Norikura is not so famous for rock climbing though our staff are trying to find bouldering spots
They have found some good rocks and called them “Norikura Rock Garden”.
With pre-lesson at our climbing wall and bouldering at the garden for 2000yen/half day. Please try it.
4/24 MTB Guide Tour 08
April 24, 2008
Finally, mountain biking season has come to Norikura.
We are looking forward to having good time with you this season too.
It would be in July to open all the trails though we posted the detail of our MTB guide tour for this season. We are looking for your coming.
4/21 Krabi Climbing
April 21, 2008
It has been a while since the last post. One of our staff visited Krabi in Thailand.
There are rocks and so many climbers from locals and all over the world.
Hiring a local guide and try to climb 5.6 to 5.10 routes.
And look this beautiful scenery. Should NORTHSTAR create a climbing tour or something?!
4/4 Stretch and Conditioning
April 4, 2008
It was a while ago, we had “Stretch and Conditioning Lessons” for staff.
Instructor is Mr. Hirano who belongs to Sports Club RENAISSANCE Matsumoto as a personal trainer and he came NORTHSTAR for MTB tour for a local shop Mitsuwa.
It is not for Sumo or Karate Kick but stretching…
And what the “Blue Man” has are called “Stretch Pole“.
Lying on the pole and stretch your back, hip joint, etc and making your body nutoral. It is a body conditioning method started from Japan and MLB is now using it for their players.
4/2 Last Riding?
April 2, 2008
It had been snowing for couple of days and staff went out for the last riding at Kyu-ka-mura, only one opens by this weekend.
It was not the best condition though we could enjoy the heavy powder.
It was good enough for the last ride of the season.
4/1 Last Winter Backcountry
April 1, 2008
Norikura-Kogen Ski Resort closed last weekend though many of people went up to the backcountry and there were more people than the ski resort.
CORAL, Surf and Snowbaord shop in Osaka had backcoutry tours. Hiking up from the top of the ski resort(1900m).
It was fine and our body temparature went up. At those hiking situations, patagonia Capilene Series are so popular among our guests and staff. The staff in the picture wears Capilene 2. They are breathable and if you get sweat, it would dry so fast. Also you can wear Houndini over so that you can protect yourself from the wintd and sow when you hike.
We hiked up to 2500m high and rode in the bowl of Kuraigahara Hut side.
We had lunch at Kuraigahara Hut.
After the lunch, we planned to hike back up to the ridge. But since it was getting bad weather, back up to the t our course and rode a natural hlaf pipe at the secret spot.
…even though it was the end of the season, the condition was not too bad. We enjoyed the ride.
But it has been snowing since Sunday evening and we are back in the winter. Having 20cm of snow. Since Kyuka-mura is still open, we are enjoying last powder run. Also you can enjoy Spring Backcoutry Tour in May.
3/26 Kids Snowboard Camp & Spring Backcountry Tour
March 26, 2008
Kids Snowboard Camp was taken place last weekend. 8 kids riders joined the camp. Some of them could clear 5m and 8m kickers in the park. We are hoping them to be great riders someday not only with good techniques but also a good heart.
…and the detail of Spring Backcountry Tour has been renewed. We have more buses to Kuraigahara than last year. The seson will never end!
3/16 Seasons by The Collective Film
March 16, 2008
The winter season is almost ended and I started thinking about mountain biking more. Our director started road bike training from today. Many of MTB filsm have been released already thorugh, finally 3rd film from the Collective will be in stores. Probably Chanmpion Visions will distribute it in Japan. The teaser is on the Collective home page. It looks soooo nice!
3/15 Backcountry
March 15, 2008
We went to Norikura Backcountry.
4 hours hike to the ridge around the peaks. It has been warm and had no snow, the trail was packed and it was easy to hike up.
It was a great weather and tempeature went up to 2℃.
The pictures look good but the condition was not that good. The snow was hard and crusty. It is almost like a spring mountain in May.
But I just put some good looking shots here.
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