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Where it's at
Zao Onsen in the Yamagata Prefecture is one of
the oldest ski resort in Japan and have been On Piste since
the 1920's. Situated around 3½ hours from Tokyo,
it's an easy to reach spot, accessible from the city by motorway.
Because of its history, there are certain traditions here,
like riding the tram to the top of the mountain to see the
famous "Juhyoo" snow capped trees also known
as "snow-monsters" because of the thick packed layers
of snow. |
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Going on piste
The mountain has an altitude of over 4000 ft, with a mix of
courses for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, but
it is thought of more as an easy-going family resort. The
resort cover a massive terrain, with a mega 42 ski lifts.
Because the resort is so popular, you need to book your ski
lift tickets the night before or you could find that by early
morning, the only lift spaces left are in the late afternoon.
For the intrepid skier, try "The Wall" course,
it's a ridiculously steep terrain with a 30 degree slope,
though only 1000 ft long. The terrain is patterned in a European
Alps style. There is also some fantastic opportunities for
off-piste anarchy with freeriding and crazy jumping on the
snow-monsters runs.
The Japanese ski all night, using lights around the piste
for the ultimate romantic late night ski. The best time to
visit Zao Onsen is late January to early March, but book early!
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Other things to see and do
If the icy terrains get to much, you can relax in the many
steaming hot springs situated throughout the cute resort town.
It is said to have a fantastic, futuristic alien atmosphere,
partly because of the amazing trees and landscape. |
