“Earning your turns!” … and what a view!  In a fast food society, earning your turns is so “old school” yet that is what Yamaken and I did.  Check that view!

On a beautiful blue bird day, we climbed up to see what the conditions of the snow pack was like and to evaluate the stability of the terrain was.  No doubt, due to the fact of Norikura’s high elevation the snow pack had great bonding and had a high percentage of safety.  Backcountry is about percentages… I wonder how many people spend the time to dig a pit, evaluate the snow and then enjoy the ride.  Safety first and then… have fun!

On Thursday Ken and I took our winter staff into the backcountry. The weather was great and we all had a good time hiking and riding together. We also saw some of our friends while we were hiking up so in the photos you will see some skiers.

We still have some rooms open for this weekend and we are expecting snow this week. Please let us know if you would like to get some end of the season powder here in Norikura.

Though it may be turning March, it’s not spring just yet in Norikura. Although the plums are just blossoming down the mountain from Norikura Kogen, the ski hill is still up and running. The ski lifts will tentatively be open for one more month. Which means if you still haven’t pulled your skis or snowboard out of the closet yet this season – it’s about time! Hurry up and plan your end of winter trip to the mountain for some fun in the snow.

Rooms and Learn To Ride snowboard lessons from NORTHSTAR have limited availability, so please write or call us as soon as possible to make a reservation. NORTHSTAR’s end of season Thank You Camp could be a perfect opportunity to take your last run on the slopes. This camp special will only be available from March 28-29 and will include a FREE activity, one night of lodging, and two meals for ¥7800 per person. Please see our LTR page for more info on prices for lessons, our Events page for more upcoming activities and camps, or our Spring Backcountry page for the next season of fun here with NORTHSTAR outdoor adventures.

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.