As a warm wet weather system moved in across Nagano & Niigata, we quickly changed our plans from hanging out in Myoko to driving to Mt Norikura where snow was forecast, in part due to the higher elevation. Our change of plans paid off because whilst it was raining in Myoko we scored a couple of days of fresh snow at Norikura. As to be expected, the snow was rather heavy but at least the tracks were fresh. There was barely anyone there and we were able to get fresh lines on-piste for a couple of hours.

The only limitation was that Honshu was having a shocker of a season and the snow was a bit thin on the ground, which was particularly noticeable in the off-piste areas, so we had to explore very tentatively. The off-piste terrain was OK, but the unusual shape of the ski resort doesn’t lend itself well to long lines in the trees before it flattens out. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t conducive to heading up into the backcountry, but we’ll hopefully get back there another time.

We stayed at the Alpine Inn Mizushiro (Water Castle) which was very inexpensive and the hosts were incredibly lovely and the husband spoke English very well. For breakfast we were served an egg and salad (as is pretty classic at Japan ski resorts) and there was nice coffee and homemade bread. As we hadn’t pre-booked dinner at the pension, they drove us to and from a little restaurant, Abbey Road, which had simple fare such as katsu curry and other fried chicken. It was like old-school Japan where people were allowed to smoke inside and the walls were caked with a grey film from all the smoke!

Overall the main strengths of the ski resort were its elevation and lack of crowds. The off-piste was OK but we won’t be putting it up on any pedestal for being an amazing ski resort for powder hounds. See the Japan ski resort ratings for how we rate Norikura against its peers.
See our video here

We fled from the Australian powder crowd in hakuba. After a snowstorm we had the ski area with a few locals for us. not a western one. a day later we climbed Mt. Kendamine with splittboards. what a view on the top, over all mountains in the region. very spectacular. down in the fresh powder, that was just great. I always wanted to climb a volcano in winter, it was really a great experience. I would recommend everyone who goes to the region to stay at the Alpine Inn Mizushiro www.mizushiro.net the owners are super nice, warm welcome, super delicious food and they will be happy to help you with any questions. highly recommended!
See our video here