2025-2026 Ski season thread

[MarkO]

Just got back from Japan last night. It was part of a Japan/Taiwan vacation, but we squeezed in a couple days at Shiga Kogen. It's on the Ikon, so my lift tickets were free, but cost $57/day for my son (adult window price). We essentially had the entire mountain to ourselves skiing weekdays. The lifts and hotels are a bit dated, but you can't beat the price. $200/night for a hotel room on the mountain that included a full buffet breakfast and a 7 course dinner. We stayed at a traditional Japanee lodge, so we slept on futons on the floor. They had a nice natural fed onsen in the lodge which was nice to soak in after a day in the deep pow. It was an overall awesome experience, and we'll probably go back next year. The only thing that sucks is the 12 hours of a flight, but when you add it all up, it's a better deal than skiing out west and a waaaaaay better experience.

As for the snow. Not sure if they average as much snow as they've been getting this winter, but they got dumped! If you're not used to skiing deep, deep pow, Japan might not be for you. They do a good job grooming, but if you duck into the woods, or seek the higher elevations, do not stop! But if you do, do not get out of your skis! The pow is so dry and light you will sink down to your thighs.