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Peak to Peak multi resort program at Myoko Kogen

snow action team 13.03.2015

Whenever I visit a new mountain resort I have a mixed feeling of anxiety and anticipation, probably fear of the unknown combined with the expected exhilaration that riding new slopes provides. There is also the question as to whether I’ve made the right decision in travelling here? Will the trip be worth the effort and expense? These emotions I imagine must be akin to visiting a new planet for the first time?

Myoko Kogen was such an experience for me this northern winter. I knew more about Mars than Myoko Kogen! So how do I minimize my anxiety and maximize my pleasure while visiting this winter wonderland? I’m travelling with my wife and her BFF so enabling them to have the time of their lives will go a long way to my level of enjoyment. It’s the Mars and Venus conundrum. Selfish on my part, hell yes, but I only have 5 days to make the most of my time here. With a significant difference in each of our abilities and experience (the BFF has a grand total of 6 days on snow) in a region consisting of seven resorts, within at most 20 minutes of each other, maximizing my pleasure was always going to be a challenge.

Myoko Snowsports can look after you chasing pow or starting out © Myoko Snow Sports

Myoko Snowsports can look after you chasing pow or starting out © Myoko Snow Sports

The task was daunting but the eventual solution so simple and easy. Myoko Snowsports to the rescue. What can I say about this operation other than they exceed expectations.

Firstly the wife and BFF jump onto a Super Four Adult program that caters for their varying abilities. So now I find myself alone and free to explore. I’m also wondering where is the best place to ski, how does the weather affect the different resorts, where is the best POW, is there any steeps worth attacking, how do I travel between resorts and do I want to waste my time figuring out the lay of the land? Again, Myoko Snowsports to the rescue.

The Peak-to-Peak program took all the unknowns out of the equation. Transport from the door of my lodge every day, an experienced English speaking guide who pushed my ability in varied terrain and an opportunity to experience the best riding the region had to offer. It doesn’t get much better. Take away the anxiety and maximize the pleasure.

Riding fresh POW in the trees at Madarao, steep bumps at Tangram Circus, hiking for freshies at Akakura Kanko and first tracks through knee deep POW at Suginohara were just some of the highlights of the adventure into the unknown. Discovering this Martian landscape with my favorite Martian, Marvyn (a Frenchman who hangs out in Anglesea and understands an Aussie sense of humor), ensured I didn’t get myself into danger or lost in translation.

There are plenty of flat learner runs on the lower slopes

There are plenty of flat learner runs on the lower slopes

There are a lot of mountains, a staggering variety of terrain and a tremendous amount of quality snow in the Myoko region and I wanted to experience as much of it as I could in a relative short period of time. Myoko Snowsports delivered the experience to such an extent that I’m now aware of how much is on offer and I’m going to have to go back. I’m impressed. The effort and expense was more than worth it! – Greg Cansdale

Madarao's tree skiing is legendary, helped by the terrain modifications they add in over summer © Madarao

Madarao’s tree skiing is legendary, helped by the terrain modifications they add in over summer © Madarao