G'day all,
Thought I might post a little story about my time in Myoko and maybe some hints for stuff to avoid.
Had a good flight up. Day 1 - bought a JR East Pass in Narita, then navigated our way to Myoko. Ted had printed out the directions so it was no sweat getting there - just had to follow them. Love the little carts on the bullet train and just had to buy beer though it cost a fortune. Ted bought some sake, didn't like it, but that was to change.
Got into Myoko and called the bloke at Pension Mont Cervin
(link). Somebody answered in Japanese, I tried to explain, not sure if they understood, but someone turned up after awhile and picked us up no worries. They have a pretty good set-up there and not too difficult to communicate with. They treated us really well, good food, helped us hire skis and introduced us to a hot spring that was brilliant. I became addicted to sitting outside with the snow falling. Just needed a beer (I wish) to make it perfect.
They said the snow was not as great as usual
but it beats some of the icy crap I've skiied on in Oz. Ted, my never-failing secretary, had printed out discount coupons for the different resorts and I think, even with the crap exchange rate, it was still cheaper than Oz. We had a day at Akakura Onsen, one at Akakan, then another at Suginohara. Liked the last one best myself, specially the long cruisy run, but Ted liked Akakan.
Day 5 was the biggest, stupidest cock-up ever.
We decided to use a spare day on our JR Pass and go to Hakuba. It doesn't seem far but we didn't get there till after lunch. On the train we met a couple from Sydney who were heading to Hakuba. They got in a bit late the night before and managed to find their way to Tokyo but then couldn't find a train to Hakuba. So they spent the night in Tokyo, had to fork out extra for a hotel, then had caught local trains all the way through. So they'd paid for a day and a night on their package that they couldn't use. You think the agent could of given some good directions.
Anyway we got an afternoon pass, had some good skiing, then had to repeat the process all the way back to Myoko. Didn't get back till real late and had Maccas for tea in Nagano. Next time we'll just get the shuttle to Nozawa I think.
Last day was the best by far. They had a huge dump of snow and Ted and me were just whooping it up! Best day of skiing in my whole damn life. Didn't even have to get off piste to get some nice soft runs.
Day 7 it was back to Tokyo (turn directions around, thanks Ted) and off home.
Things I'd do next time:Try to stay for longer
Ski Ikenotaira and maybe Seki Onsen
Take the shuttle to Nozawa (natch)
Buy beer in bulk somewhere in Tokyo and take with me. Vending machines are expensive.
That's it amigos. May come and edit again if I think of anything else, plus maybe post some photos.
I'm looking at the cams several times a day and wishing I was still there. Think I'll buy myself a little cottage and retire there.
Chiao for now, Bob (and Ted)
