Shan in Japan

It's been nearly 2 years since I've seen and touched the stuff. It's white, cold and great to slide on - it's snow I'm talking about! First news of nearby resort Kagura opening up with real natural snow got my attention immediately and I was on the early morning Shinkansen out to Yuzawa. Met up with the guys who run www.welovesnow.com there, and headed for the gondola. It seemed a bit strange not seeing any snow around at the bottom of the gondola. I was looking at the autumn leaves still in bright firey colours as we ascended, but at the top snow become more and more visible. There was only one run open and big crowds, but it was great to be out there. Weather was primo and I was skiing in my t-shirt - spring skiing conditions. Snow was not very deep and grass patches started to poke through as the afternoon sun warmed up. I was on my telemark skis and took a few runs to find my legs. By the time I found my legs and began connecting some turns, I was knackered. Finished the day with beers, onsen and yakiniku. Just the way it should be. This is just the beginning