Nevertheless we ventured out, it was our second last day and we didn't want to waste it sitting inside. The gondola was on wind hold so basically the only chairlift running was the King Quad. Marg made it as far as the chairlift, took one look at the weather and pulled the pin. A good decision, we told her later.
We went up the chairlift, the first part of the ride was deceptive .... not much wind, a bit wet, reasonable visibility and then we hit the wind, and whiteout conditions. By the time we get to the top of the lift, we decided to head straight in for hot chocolate. And that was where we stayed. Until lunchtime. We then ventured out and skied back down the hill. We had about 50 metres of fresh powder ... stopped and said this isn't too bad and then hit the wind. The snow lower down was slushy and not really fresh powder, and the wind almost blew you backwards and sandblasted every inch of exposed skin. Great for exfoliation, not so good for an enjoyable day's skiing.
That was our one run for the day. We had managed to message Marg - Facebook and wireless at the hot chocolate stop. She went and bought Gyoza's and potatoes and we came home and cooked a lunch of Gyozas and wedges.
John, Casey, Marnie, Sheree and I went up to the Hotel Alpen for a spa and a swim in the afternoon - didn't brave the Onsen. We had Mexican for tea at a local place.
They had mood lighting, we almost had to read the menu by candle light and a very flash ladies bathroom, with lots of added extras. Had to take a photo for Anthony and John as the men's bathroom was not quite so luxurious.
It was really cold and windy walking there and home ... so not sure what ski conditions will be like for tomorrow. They are forecasting strong winds and blizzard conditions and possible lift closures. We will see - we did discuss going to Sapporo a day earlier if that is the case, but that would take a bit of organising, changing bus transfers and finding accomodation.
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