december-2011
december-2011
december-2011
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THE POWER<br />
With perfect powder snow, fantastic resorts and unique cultural<br />
attractions, Japan is a winter wonderland like no other<br />
OF POWDER<br />
WORDS RACHAEL OAKES-ASH<br />
PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS HOCKING<br />
Japan is known for super light,<br />
super dry, and super abundant<br />
powder snow. Throw in more<br />
than 500 ski resorts and a mere<br />
two-hour time diff erence between<br />
Sydney and Tokyo and you’ve just found<br />
the perfect location for a snow holiday this<br />
northern winter.<br />
The ski resorts of Japan are unlike<br />
any others in the world. Expect to fi nd<br />
slope-side vending machines selling<br />
hot coff ee in a can, mid-mountain onsen<br />
(hot spring) and the occasional monkey<br />
scampering across the slopes.<br />
Most ski resorts off er a mix of<br />
accommodation, from traditional<br />
Japanese-style rooms with futon mattresses,<br />
tatami mats and rice pillows through to full<br />
Western-style accommodation with ensuites.<br />
You can choose how much of the Japanese<br />
culture you would like to immerse yourself<br />
in while schussing down some of<br />
the most pristine slopes around.<br />
MYOKO KOGEN<br />
Myoko Kogen is known as the<br />
“heart of Japan” and features a<br />
combination of ski resorts. The<br />
family-oriented destination serves<br />
up a mix of wide-open gentle<br />
slopes and a terrain park for<br />
freeskiers and boarders. It’s also<br />
home to the longest run in Japan<br />
at 8.5km.<br />
There’s backcountry skiing<br />
for the more advanced skier and<br />
boarder at the smaller resort area<br />
of Seki Onsen, which is known<br />
for very high snowfall (up to 14m<br />
a season). Myoko is not known as<br />
a party destination, but there are<br />
a handful of bars and restaurants<br />
ADRENALINE //<br />
055
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