Kagura opening day - amazing conditions out there!

Kagura's season started on Friday 23rd November, and with style: the conditions were fantastic.

Even the lowest slopes in the Mitsumata area had knee-deep powder runs. Friday was a cold day, though thankfully as the morning progressed the snow held up, allowing for better visibility.

Usually on the first day of the season, there isn't a great deal of snow around: this gives you a chance to get your legs ready for when the snow dumps arrive. There was no such luxury this time round: from the very start, the powder was up to knee deep. It was amazing to have such conditions at the end of November. My leg muscles were begging for mercy after an hour or two, but it was impossible to stop.

Saturday was more of a blue sky day. There was still plenty of powder snow to be found, as shown on the picture below (clicking on the image gives a larger version).

Blue sky & fresh powder snow in Kagura, Sat 24 November

Kagura main gelende, Sat 24 November

Outside Echigo Yuzawa Train station, Friday 23rd November

The ski season couldn't have started better. Looking forward to plenty more days like these...