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A Winter Ski Adventure at Ryuoo Ski Park

On January 27, 2024, I went on a one day ski trip to Ryuoo Ski Park in Nagano with my friend. We took a highway bus from Shinjuku to Ryuoo, booking our ski clothes, snowboard, and tickets a week in advance.

Arriving at Ryuoo Ski Park

We reached Ryuoo around 6 AM and picked up our gear. A problem came up, the rentals only accepted cash, and we didn’t have enough. Luckily, a kind Japanese man helped us by exchanging money via LINE Pay, saving the day. After breakfast and a short rest, we hit the slopes.

First Time Skiing Challenges

It was my first time skiing, and I fell many times. Watching others glide easily was intimidating, but I kept trying. Ryuoo’s mountain offered many slopes, and while it was tough, the challenge made it exciting.

A Cold Afternoon and Warm Food

At the top of the mountain, it was -3°C, yet I still ordered an iced latte, earning a few odd looks. We also had Japanese curry, which turned out to be surprisingly delicious. By chance, we ran into the same man who had helped us earlier and thanked him again.

Skiing and Skilled Riders

Later, we watched advanced skiers tackle steep slopes with ease—truly impressive. Skiing down as snow fell around us was magical and unforgettable.

A Surprise Encounter

On the bus ride back, I unexpectedly met friends returning from Hakuba, another ski area in Nagano. We caught up briefly and shared some chicken before heading our separate ways.

Returning to Tokyo

We arrived in Tokyo around 9 PM and finished the day with a comforting bowl of ramen.

A Memorable Experience

This first ski trip to Ryuoo Ski Park gave me challenges, new tastes, and even a stranger’s kindness. It was a day full of snow, surprises, and memories I’ll never forget.