Kiroro's Face Shots

MONDAY, MARCH 19th, 2007

KIRORO SNOW WORLD

JJ talked me into making the Monday bus trip and full day out to Kiroro. This season we've had nothing but great days out here, and with snow all day Sunday we knew it would be good. Weekdays on ski hills in Japan are great, especially in mid to late March, when many people consider it "spring time". This label doesnt work here in Hokkaido, as Spring doesnt really hit until May here, whereas its warming up now already in Osaka and Tokyo.

My penchant for cutting things as close as possible almost made this day not happen. I was on the subway by 753, changed trains, got to Sapp Station, ran with a board on my back to the JR ticket counter, argued that he was mistakenly overcharging me, then ran to the bus stop by 808, bus leaves at 810am! I only sweat for the first 10 minutes of the bus ride, then life was good. The deal is only 5300yen ($55), includes 90 minute bus ride there and back, full day lift ticket, and a hot spring after.

Kiroro didnt disappoint yet again. There were a few Irish folk with us as well as JJ's GF. The Irish guys were just happy to have a little snow on the groomers, and when we pulled Ed into the trees for the deep stuff he was overwhelmed. Once again we stayed at the Nakamine area of Kiroro exclusively. The tree runs along the runs A, B, and C (original titles I know) were all stellar, but we soon couldnt hold off any longer and had to go into "the stash". We thought of alot cruder names for it last time with Sherri, but they can't be typed here. We rode from 1015 right until 430pm, and probably couldve spent another 2 full hours finding more and more untracked lines, there was that much.

The last run was the one though, the one where you can lean onto your back leg and just surf through perfect powder. Its our 'ski-out' route dropping down onto the wave course, and the perfect ending to the day. Actually the best thing after a full on day like this, is the onsen after, having a nice long hot soak, then a beer on the bus ride home while nodding off... solid day.