Located in Toyama Pref. (mid Japan) and standing as the wall against the Sea of Japan.
Skiers from all over Japan visit Tateyama to enjoy the first slide of the year on light powder snow. A series of peaks around 2800m refuses to receive anybody between December and early April. Protected from any air pollution, thanks to restriction of private traffic, and protected from any human contacts for half a year, TATEYAMA is very beautiful and attractive mountain range.
It starts to snow in early October and after half a year, depth of snow becomes 15 – 20 m at coves and hollows.
From April to June, telemarkers can enjoy corn snow under bright sun of Spring.
In mid-late November, telemarkers can enjoy deep light heavenly powder snow, but unstable winter weather makes it difficult to enjoy the whole area freely or sometimes to reach to the area. Several huts welcome telemarkers with hot springs, good food and good beer till late November. It is also comfortable to sleep on snow at the camping site. A couple of good hotels are also running business for tourists.
This year from November 23 - 25, we enjoyed the first slide at TATEYAMA.
The snow depth was around 2 meter. Snow conditions were different at each spot, from light powder snow to icy hard snow. I have never seen so many telemarkers at the same time. It was like a clouded ski resort.
Please include as one of your choices when you are planning to enjoy mountains in Japan maybe in May.