The snow monsters are after you!

This weekend, to make up for our week of work, we went skiing! Our friend Kyoko had a voucher for a hotel in Yamagata Zao, and so us and 6 other people from Yamagata went on a skiing weekend. Zao is completely beautiful, with gorgeous views, lots of snow, snow monsters (trees, see photos!) and natural hot springs everywhere. I'll let the photos do the talking...

Cool dragon snow sculpture

BBQ lamb for dinner

Alex and Kyoko on the mountaintop

There were traditional clothes in our apartment, so obviously we dressed up!

There was a public bath, from natural hot springs, in the hotel. I went in the evening after skiing but when I went again in the morning there was nobody there so I was able to take some photos. You clean yourself first using the showers by the mirrors then relax afterwards in the baths! They smelt a lot of sulphur but were lovely and warm for a cold aching body after skiing! 

There was an outside bath too. It's a little dark, but you can still see how cool it is!

Doesn't he look like a pro?

These trees are 'snow monsters' - they're caused by lots of snow and wind. Aren't they cool?

I do not look like a pro :( I'm gettting better slowly though

It was sunny and lovely, especially on the second day. 

Zao is a really lovely, relaxed ski resort and I would recommend it to anyone. From Sendai it was a hour and a half bus journey, and it made a great weekend away. Hopefully we'll get another chance to go before the winter is over!