Today we resumed our snowboarding lessons at Hiraku. An early-ish rise, saw us clothed and ‘breakfasted’ and up to the pro shop by 9am. Toni bought a knee brace and I had my right leg ankle strap replaced (kept slipping) before we made for the ski lessons.
We just made the 10am start, we had to wait a little bit for the shuttle bus, and then we began day 2. On new instructor took us back up the King chairlift and had us practicing our first turns down the somewhat steep slope. We learned chicken turns, J or hockey turns and C-turns, including cascading turns (right then left).
After lunch we resumed lessons, and took a ride over to the Holiday lift. This proved to be a welcome change of pace, and we were deep into lovely powder. The ascent was longer but not really as steep, except for the end, which was awesome.
We took a rest after class, and I went back up to the top of the Kogen run for a final stab. Legs and ankles were a little sore from start to end, but I made good time down. Still having a little problem on – of all things – flat surfaces where the powder is slightly coated. Embarrassing!
Afterwards we went back to the hostel for warmth and to enjoy a hot cup of cocoa. Our dinner was at a local Japanese restaurant where we ate sashimi, sushi and steak as well as the usual suspects – miso soup, tea etc. It was all very nice, and filling!
Later we hit the local onsen (hot springs) which is a really rejuvenating experience. We split into the mens and womens (no mixed bathing) section and showered before getting into thermal springs with snowflakes falling on to our faces. An odd experience.
See you all tomorrow! Pictures to come.
