Mont Blanc

There is a free shuttle bus from Echigo Yuzawa Station. A new facility is built in the central mouth, lockers are also easy to change widely. Locker is free to open and close for 1 day at around 400 yen. It is very convenient for people coming by Shinkansen from the city center that is not a car. JR 's Shinkansen Pack is cheap anyway. If it is weekdays it is 9700 yen and roundtrip from Tokyo station, 1 lift ticket is attached. This is a surprise because it is cheaper than the cost of a rare Shinkansen. The first lift in the central entrance had become a really good thing. It was like an amusement park attraction seat, comfortable to sit and comfortable. All lifts I wish this would be the case. The slopes are also spread and slippery, and can be enjoyed as there are kickers of about 5 m and half pipes. Moreover, I think that Hatsuka Stone side is gentle slope and few people and it is very good for practicing beginners.

Stayed at Garden Villa Ishiuchi which was right next to the resort and our expectations were high. Unfortunately the slopes are like rice paddies and in steps and with no real good long runs. Snow conditions were very wet compared to others and it was very crowded. They have a new lift with Gondolas which we did not get to try out but probably due to this, their lift prices are about 20% higher than others nearby.Worst is that they do not allow Snow scoots or Snow Motos but we did not find out until we were on our 4th lift near the top. When we bought our tickets we were told that it was ok and also there was nothing on their home page to indicate otherwise. So we got our money back and went to Iwappara Ski Resort for the afternoon which was awesome! Better snow conditions, wide long runs, lot less people and no discrimination against your equipment of choice.

Ishiuchi Maruyama ski resort after a long absence.It was the first use of a new gondola, but it was a nice gondola and lift that was easy to ride because it was clean and fast and the seats were good.The course was good and stable.By all means, please use Ishiuchi Maruyama.