Tenjindaira Ski Resort

Riding down the slopes of Tanigawadake

C. Rio Jan 15, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Minikami legend Glenn "Hercules" Willis</p>

<p>Exiting the safety of the ski resort for fresh powder</p>

<p>Quick check to make sure our avalanche beacons are on...and we are off</p>

<p>Waiting to go down one at a time through a dangerous section</p>

When all of the other Minakami area ski resorts are tracked out and you're forced back on to groomed slopes, there is one resort that still has fresh powder. Rapidly changing weather patterns and high velocity northern winds from Niigata are both a blessing and a curse for Tenjindaira ski resort. Although this resort gets a great deal of snow, bad weather leaves near zero visibility, and high winds often close lift access. As a result, days after storms pass, there is still fresh lines to be had. There is also a huge area of backcountry possibilities, making this a local favorite.