Myoko Kogen Ski Resorts with Snowboarder Billy Halloran / The Greenhouse Myoko
In Episode 17 of the Snow Country Stories Japan podcast we travel to Niigata Prefecture and into the deep snow of Myoko. Located in the southern tip of Niigata, Myoko is true snow country – a legendary place blessed with some of Japan’s deepest and most reliable powder. The area takes its name from Mount Myoko, a volcano standing 2454 metres (8051 feet) in height. The mountain is a major feature of the wider Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park on the flanks of which sit five ski resorts collectively known as ‘Myoko Kogen’.
In this episode I speak with Billy Halloran, a talented snowboarder and operator of The Greenhouse Myoko, a self-contained lodge tucked away in picturesque village near the base of Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort. Originally from New Zealand, Billy found his way to Japan and fell in love with the snow country lifestyle and culture that comes with it. During the interview we discuss each of ski resorts that make up Myoko Kogen – Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Ikenotaira, Suginohara and Seki Onsen – including the fantastic backcountry and tree-riding on offer. We also discuss the resort of Lotte Arai, which is not officially part of Myoko Kogen but located in the area, should be considered by anyone heading there to ski or snowboard.
Billy’s snowboarding and enthusiasm for life in the snow country is best attested to by the beautifully shot film ‘As Above, So Below’, produced by film maker Gordy Duff. The film captures the essence of life in the snow country and Billy speaks well about the importance of prioritising what you love and the value of community. The images included above are taken from that film and I encourage everyone to take the time to watch it, as it shows of Billy’s talent as a boarder and the beauty of Myoko Kogen.
As we discuss in the interview, Billy operates The Greenhouse Myoko located in a beautiful little village near the base of Suginohara Ski Resort. It’s a comfortable, cosy and convenient guesthouse well setup for groups of friends or families wanting self-contained accommodation in easy striking distance of the Myoko resorts. For anyone interested in staying there, you can get in touch with Billy via The Greenhouse Instagram - using the link above - or the Tanoshii Tours website. As Billy explains, training courses and tours are all in the pipeline and set to be rolled out soon. The Greenhouse offers complimentary pick up of guests coming by train to Myoko Kogen Station with the option of including a car in your accommodation package - allowing you to drive yourself to the resorts of Myoko Kogen and others nearby including Madarao, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen.
I’d like to thank Billy for making time to speak with me, showing me around The Greenhouse and providing the images used on this page. All images are the property of Billy Halloran and / or Gordy Duff and cannot be used without their written permission.
I really enjoyed my chat with Billy and time spent in The Greenhouse. If you are thinking of heading that way this winter, especially if you’re a group of friends or families looking for private accommodation, don’t hesitate to get in touch and see what they can do for you. I hope you enjoy and safe riding!
The Greenhouse Myoko
https://www.instagram.com/thegreenhousemyoko/
Tanoshii Tours
https://www.tanoshiitours.com/
https://www.instagram.com/tanoshii.corp/
Billy Halloran