Up early, the snow still falling. Seems rain at base meant snow on the mountain, all night. Gondola still closed because of adverse conditions at the top, so we ride the side double a couple of runs, enjoying fresh powder on the groomed trails.
Finally the gondola opens up, but only halfway up the mountain. From there up the quad, and it's deep fresh powder all around. Goggles fogging, thick balls of snow falling, visibility bad. I borrow some nice goggles and carry on. Gloves soaking through, fall and buried in powder neck deep.
Notes to self:
* don't follow everyone else into double-black diamonds
* buy a helmet
* buy expensive goggles that don't fog
* don't buy expensive gloves that get soaked
Break for lunch and then into the onsen for extended soaking -- always better to quit while yer ahead. Others finally start dropping in, tired and wet and happy. More bathing, more lounging and beering. Bus at 5:30 to Nagano station, quick and dirty ramen then train back to Tokyo.
More notes to self:
* buy a snowboard bag that'll hold boots and gear
* ship gear to hotel before hand, ship home when done (or even better: to next hotel for next trip)
* preventative advil stops muscles aches dead
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