Ringing alarms early in the morning again. A bit later today as I got up at 7. By the time I got to the dining area, there were not a lot of people up. Too many hangovers. Breakfast was good again, with some Subway sandwiches as well today. M and Am were going cross country skiing with me today! It was their first time so I was going to show them the basics. After some thorough googling in Japanese, I found out the place I wanted to go to, Minekata, was actually closed and had been for two years. Since we needed rentals, we decided to do a different trail at Iwatake. Minekata is supposed to have amazing views, but it was still snowing anyway. Am is from a non snow country so she was so excited to help me clean off my car! It was really cute. Luckily the brush and scraper I just bought came in handy. I even lent it to another guy unfamiliar with snow and helped him clean off his car. I’m glad I know how to deal with snow!

It was about a twenty minute drive to Iwatake. The central part of Hakuba clearly had heated streets and sidewalks because everything was free. It’s a great way to use all that hot springs water. There wasn’t too much snow on the ground, mostly just packed down stuff. The parking lot was a bit scarier, high and fluffy, but I didn’t get stuck! The tires did their job. There was a huge line of people waiting to get lift passes, but we just asked at the English info counter about the cross country track and rentals. She said the trail was still ungroomed, which is like the norm for me and my backyard woods skiing.

We got our skis easily enough inside the building from the rental shop. Cost us 2700 yen for one day rental which is kinda steep, but since there’s no lift pass involved, it’s still cheaper. After dropping our shoes off at the car, Am decided she needed a larger shoe size. An Aussie guy from a ski school told us they had a map of the cross country trails inside too. When putting our skis on we had to be careful because we sunk really far into the snow! It was impossible to put your skis on that way ha. A couple of skiers had been before us so no trail forging. It was snowing and peaceful and beautiful. Doing downhill and cross country back to back made me remember how much I love cross country. The other downhillers thought we were crazy ha. One fall on a steep slope and barely any falls from the newbies! They did a good job. Later in the run, the snow picked up and it definitely got colder. It was actually comfortable skiing. You always sweat so much though this trail was less intense. There were too many uphill sections that you had to walk up.

We got passed by the trail groomer once which ruined the tracks we were following. Everything was flattened. He later told us that we had to turn around and go back because the rest of the trail would be finished tomorrow (Am got most of that conversation). Somehow he changed his mind (our poor faces maybe) and said if we thought we could do it, go ahead. So we did. I prefer the ungroomed stuff, ha. We only ended up doing the 3 km trail because we missed the turn-off for the 5k. They weren’t kidding about the lack of signage. After we returned our gear, I drove back into Hakuba to find some lunch. Visibility was really poor. We managed to park at the station and check out a cute restaurant/cafe in a log house. Jars of things and sun dried tomatoes around. Our waitress spoke fantastic English too. The decor and staff was really amazing as well as the food. Everything homemade, nothing artificial or containing preservatives. Even the cheesecake was made with raw milk products.

We barely made it back to the hotel, ha. I took a wrong turn and had to drive through really deep snow on some narrow streets. Then when I parked at the hotel, I got stuck in a snowbank, but reversing out worked. Totally picked a new parking spot, ha. I packed up my things. Both B and M were ready to go so we set off around 3:30 pm. I had to clean off the car again - fifth time today?? The snow kept accumulating. The wind had lessened so it was a bit easier to see at this point. Once we passed some of the gazillion tunnels on the way back, there was no more snow and clear roads. B told me while snowboarding, the snow was up to her knees! All the powder.

Somehow, while playing games during the ride, we didn’t realize that my gps was on silent. We missed the exit to the train station I was bringing them back to. B panicked because she had to catch the train around 6 pm or she wouldn’t be able to make the last bus. The next exit was mine in Tomioka! We way overshot. I drove them to Annaka instead and they were still able to make the train. Back home and bed for me. Completely wiped out.

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.

Big ski trip in Hakuba, Nagano this weekend. Ski check #2: I had planned to ski in Gunma, Nagano, and Hokkaido as this is probably my only chance ever. I picked up B and M at Matsuida Station about a 25 minute drive away. They had a much further distance to travel. I still had time to go home after school, pack, and cook dinner. We drove another two hours from Matsuida to the hotel, Lady Diana, in Hakuba via the expressway. With three people, the tolls only cost us about 1000 yen a piece and saved us an hour driving time. The roads were really straight and snow-free although I’ve never driven through so many tunnels. I broke my tunnel length record three times on that stretch - 4475 m long. We stopped twice, one at Beisia for B’s meds and once at McD’s so B could get some dinner. I managed to get a pair of waterproof gloves at Beisia. I knew I’d need some this weekend with all the snow! A bit later down the road, I realized I forgot my phone charger, noooo. At least I had the car charger.

Things were a bit crazy inside the hotel as we had a 141 people participating in this weekend from thirteen different prefectures. Some JETs, some private teachers, some people in other professions like the military. We booked out the two adjoining hotels completely. Luckily B had been there before, and knew the way through the building to our rooms. I took a slightly cheaper room that didn’t have an en suite toilet, but one right across the hall. I was rooming in a small basement room with the fake plastic tateami where we could barely fit the four futons. It wasn’t really clean, but it’d do as a place to crash. The heater was a kerosene one and you were supposed to keep a window cracked with it on so you don’t suffocate on the fumes. Scarily enough, we only had one thin futon layer and a thin blanket to go on top. It was a down blanket, but still! I slept in my wool and fleece leggings, and a fleece jacket. The blanket was short enough that it only reached halfway up my chest.

I hung out a bit upstairs before heading to bed at 10:30 pm. I should have grabbed a pair of the earplugs. It was still loud in the room, and people were up late. Two of my roommates came in around 2 am and I felt like I barely drifted off before then. So much noise.They also kept the heat on overnight and I don’t think the window was open because it smelled quite gassy. Don’t know how I survived!

Today was my first time skiing in Japan! And my first time skiing in 9 years. It’s about a two hour drive to Minakami in the north of Gunma where we went skiing at Hodaigi. Sadly the lack of snow made itself known there as well. The ski slopes were mostly okay - some grassy patches and icy slopes. The drive was like Japan’s usual - windy, curvy, and mountainous. I met up with two other people who were snowboarding. Renting wasn’t difficult, all the ski stuff was called ski set, ha. Had to fill out a form, pay, and keep my receipt for when I return them. When buying my lift pass, the lady spoke English so again no problems. Either way, the two people I was with speak Japanese and could translate. The runs were pretty long. We stuck to the green so both of them were beginner snowboarders. Skiing came back to me pretty well. I’m glad it’s like riding a bike. The views were stunning - all the snow covered mountains. I spotted a couple other foreigners, including some ski instructors.

Parts of the ski resort were still closed because the snow conditions weren’t safe enough. The blacks looked super scary and high up though. The greens were a little bit too easy so we tried a partially red/green trail next. We get to the top of the ski lift and it looks like the trail is closed. There’s a bunch of signs warning about off-trail skiing and to watch out for rocks and things. So instead we have to go down the solid red/intermediate side. It looks quite terrifying from above. Somehow I made it down alive, heart pumping. It was super icy and slippery and my skis almost slipped out from under me several times. After I get down, I see the other side is open after all. Cries. I decide to brave the other side, deciding it couldn’t possibly be worse.

There was a quite a flat stretch where I had to push myself with the poles and do the awkward shuffle with the skis. The first bit was a bit snow less, but much less steep than the other side. This was more of an enjoyable ride down. The whole trail I’d consider a proper intermediate, not partially beginner!

It was pretty different from the three ski places I’ve been in the US. Less fancy halls for rentals and foods. Kinda the bare minimum needed. We ate at a cafeteria partially down the slopes. There were three places to eat in total. No snow machines here, all natural snow. The lift passes were also cards that you scanned to get on the lift, not tags to attach to your zipper. I had to learn how to walk in ski boots again.

The two specks by the trees are
my friends by the top

Post-skiing, we went to an onsen, Takagawara, which has been recommended to me multiple times. I didn’t realize it was so close, only 10 minutes away! The long, hot soak was good for ensuring a lack of sore muscles. Very interesting decor. There were two black bears in cages on the way in. Three mixed bath pools, and one ladies only built along the river. Very picturesque. There were actually some other foreigners here as well. My first mixed bathing experience. Everyone wears towels into the water. Most of the dudes just have a small towel they hold in front not so carefully, while the women are wrapped up. It was interesting...the towel is really floaty so it just billows around in the water. It was more freeing to go without in the ladies bath. This was also much cooler than others I’ve been to. There are wooden boards sectioning off the water where the temperature differs.