The first person’s alarm went off at 6 am, blehhhh. And then to proceed to ring every 15 minutes another three times. Such a pet peeve of mine. If you’re sharing a room, don’t hit snooze! It was impossible to go back to sleep so I just got ready and put on all the layers: synthetic tank, base wool layer of shirt and leggings, fleece leggings, thermal shirt, and sweater. Fleece jacket, coat, and snow pants to come later. Breakfast started at 7 am. It was hopping in the dining area and I managed to get a spot at a table with some people I didn’t know. Breakfast was really yummy - eggs, salad, hashbrowns, rolls, yogurt, cereal, oj, tea, and coffee.

Still a bit chaotic. I tracked down my boots and skis which were labeled. I need to get goggles from the rental guy, but he wasn’t in the entry way anymore. After waiting, I found him outside where he told me to go wait inside. He took pity on me since I already had all my gear on, boots included, and gave me a pair from the truck. They weren’t in great condition, but worked well enough. I headed towards the slopes with K and J. It was an uphill walk of about ten minutes, and so not comfortable. Ski boots are not made for walking in. I hadn’t even done up my binding yet. By the time we got to the entrance station, I was already exhausted ha. I took a break, while they headed up to the black diamonds.

I spent my time on the greens, only beginner for me. Some of the beginner trails were too easy but others just perfect. One was actually quite narrow. Sadly, it was snowing the whole time so we couldn’t see any of the surrounding mountains. It’s supposed to be a fantastic view. On a gondola ride up, I did get to see Japanese serow! It’s a type of goat-antelope. It was foraging for food in the snow, really big looking with its winter coat. I liked the upper trails much better because it was less crowded. It’s so annoying to have to worry about crashing into people left and right, including all the snowboarders who just sit down on the middle of the slope and hang out. I slid out once on a sharp turn with three snowboarders around me. I was riding the gondola back up when I realized my phone was no longer in my pocket. I had taken a photo shortly before I fell and forgotten to zip the pocket back up. Cue the suppressed panic. I retraced my steps and checked the area where I fell. No phone. On to plan #2 - check lost and found. I went to the nearest information desk and with a mix of English and Japanese told her what happened. After describing my case, she asked her coworker if one had been turned in. She returned with my phone in hand! Yes!! I’m so glad no one stole it. It was just a tad wet but working fine.

I headed to the top of the peak for lunch. I definitely felt the altitude (1676 m). Everything I skied down and moved back up, ears popping. Without coordinating anything, M, Am, and later J, K, and S showed up so we had a nice lunch party. I was glad for the respite as the wind had really picked up with the snow. Visibility was dropping sharply and there was a lot more snow on the slopes. Such powder. We were supposed to get snow all through the night and tomorrow too. Post lunch we split up. I did a couple more runs before calling it quits. So tired. I trudged back the hotel with all the gear before grabbing my camera and heading back outside! I crossed the street to play in the snow. My feet just kept sinking down, down, down. 90 cm, about 3 ft, on the ground. I made a snow angel finally! I really like the cold and snow when I have the right clothing!

We played some Settlers of Catan before dinner with B and F. Dinner was okay. Way too much meat that I couldn’t eat with only two potato fries, but the fish was good. After dinner, the party started in a giant basement room. A bunch of people went to take naps. I could barely keep my eyes open at this point as well, but they had ice cream for dessert there. I was pleasantly surprised by the alcohol choices - Angry Orchard cider! It was all American booze thanks to the military base and Navy guys at the event. They even brought snacks. I got to have Cheetos! After hanging out and meeting some people, I ended up in bed around 9 pm and read for an hour. My body was done. It was a little bit easier to fall asleep this night despite the noise. I think M came in around midnight, but he was quiet. I have no idea what time it was when the other two came in. Thank goodness I was really tired and not bothered as much.