The BBQ theatre arena aka Morino car park

Everyone tucks in

After a quick Morino heli scout of the back range for future lines the riders started strutting their stuff on the jumps. 13 year old Kadono Yuki was really impressive. Possibly a new Japanese Shaun white in the making. He’s already up there at the top professional level in Japan and he’s still got the best years ahead of him – One to watch. 36 year old Veteran rider Yoshino Michihiko was going huge on the hip, using the whole length of the hip and almost going into orbit.

Park shaper Toshi on the bottom kicker

Towards the end multiple riders were hitting the jumps in tandem and the last run was a free for all with all riders going in unison.

Thanks to Happo Kaihatsu, Igari-san & the High cascade team and all the riders who came together to make it a great event!

The combination of a complete lack of wind, faster snow conditions on the run-ups and the Heli shooting meant all the riders were really pushing it on the Jumps. Takumi Ikegami was busting some perfect methods on the hip whilst red bull rider Shinji Okada was doing some epic spin twists on the 25m kicker

Takumi Ikegami with a perfect method on the hip

Heli and pro-riders

Going big on the hip

Hopping the Heli

First Children production team introduce themselves

Voekl team rider Keiji Okamoto wins at Jenga!

Surprisingly, after all the late night shenanigans, everyone managed to make it out the door the next morning. 15cms of fresh overnight (not bad for mid April!) and the sun was starting to poke out. Today would be a great day to hit the High cascade super park!

10cm in the car park 15cm on the mountain

The 25m kicker at the bottom

Discovered a new function on my camera!

The riders took a while to get warmed up but by the afternoon there were some spectacular aerobatic displays. Tomorrow is set to be another stunning spring day for the scheduled heli filming session.

Not the normal Japanese mountain cafeteria affair here. Instead theres a great choice of Italian and French fusion course lunches, fine wine and panoramic views of the mountains. Highly recommended!! Almost like being back in Europe drinking plonk and eating crepes and baguettes on le terrace!

Virgin Cafe at the top of the Alpen Quad

Yukie admiring the view from our table

Glass with a view

I ventured out with my camera the other day to see what captured my imagination.  The winner was this lovely pond at the base of Wadano, the dock still covered in new snow.  It  was so pristine and calm that it almost made me want to jump in… almost.

Steep, deep powder, stunning sunny days AND great deals on the best lodging in town… what more could you ask for?  Hakuba has had an enormous snowfall this season and this spring will be as good as it gets: a huge base of snow, bluebird powder days, breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps, and virtually no lift lines!  With seven excellent resorts to at our doorstep, Hakuba easily accommodates all levels of skiers and snowboarders from gentle family slopes to epic backcountry chutes.  Come and see why its our favorite time of the season to live and ski in Hakuba!

And now the best news… book now for low season rates from March 1st!

Morino Lodge

Special March Rates:  from 5,000 yen pp per night including breakfast.

Wadano Lodge
Special March Rates: from 4,000 pp per night including breakfast.

* Discounts for kids 16 and under*            **Ask about renting out the entire lodge for big groups**

Morino Chalets Our 5 self-contained cottages are perfect for accommodating small groups and families.  Enjoy the privacy of your own cottage with all the support of Morino Lodge nearby!

From only 40,000¥ per night !

For more information please visit us online:

Morino Lodge Homepage: http:/ www.morinolodge.com

Send enquiries to:  info@morinolodge.com

We look forward to showing you all that Hakuba has to offer!

Too much snow?!!!  How dare we say it!

The lot at the lodge

Too much powder? Is it possible?

To us  feisty  Fidos who strain at the leash for waist deep powder days like this, we couldn’t imagine we would hear ourselves  say it was just “too much powder.”   But last night’s dump on top of this week’s phenomenal snowfall meant most of Hakuba was simply trying to dig itself out of the doghouse today.

But every dog has it’s day, and tomorrow the powder hounds will unleash for yet another bitchin’ day in the snow.  

Powder Looms large around the Lounge.

No, it's not art! 2x4s keep the snow from busting the windows.

Even big, bad pontoon skis were no match for the onslaught of snow

The HANDRAIL is ANKLE high!