On January 17 (Sat) and 18 (Sun), 2026, I went snowboarding at Snow Resort Romance no Kamisama (Kijimadaira Ski Resort). The first day started with thick fog, making it honestly a bit scary to go fast. However, the fog gave us a stunning sea of clouds, and it turned out to be a memorable two-day trip worth making!
🎿 Quick Summary (Family & Relaxed Skier Perspective)
- 8:00–10:00 AM: Heavy fog with poor visibility → Safety first, slow skiing was the right call
- No fresh snow for several days meant icy, firm groomed runs in the morning (great for advanced skiers and carving enthusiasts)
- As a “reward” for the fog, we saw a beautiful sea of clouds
- Around 10:00 AM it cleared up and warmed; by noon, snow softened and became easier for kids and families
🌫️ Morning: Thick Fog, Scary to Go Fast
We started skiing first thing in the morning, but the fog was so thick that visibility was very poor. Going fast felt dangerous.
On top of that, there had been no fresh snow for several days, so the groomed runs were quite icy and firm. Speed picks up quickly on these conditions, which might be fun for advanced skiers, but with kids, it felt risky. Our family took it easy and skied at a relaxed pace.
📸 Photos (Foggy Morning Atmosphere)
Heavy fog in the morning with very limited visibility. We kept our speed down and prioritized safety.
Almost whiteout conditions. It was hard to see bumps on the sides or other skiers, so we stayed cautious.
☁️ 8:00–10:00 AM: Sea of Clouds as a Reward for the Fog
From around 8:00 to 10:00 AM, the fog was intense, but because of it, we were treated to a stunning sea of clouds visible between the fog layers. It was absolutely beautiful.
Instead of just thinking “poor visibility = disappointing,” we got to experience the unique beauty of the mountains. This is what makes skiing in the mountains so interesting!
📸 Photos (Lucky Sea of Clouds)
A stunning sea of clouds appeared when the fog cleared for a moment. It was a perfect morning reward.
☀️ 10:00 AM Onward: Sunny and Almost Too Warm; Afternoon Skiing Became Family-Friendly
Around 10:00 AM, it cleared up considerably and warmed up—almost to the point of feeling a bit too warm. By lunchtime, the snow softened nicely, making it much easier for families and kids to ski.
The firm, icy feeling from the morning eased up, and we could ski with confidence during this time.
📸 Photos (Sunny Contrast)
Visibility improved dramatically after 10:00 AM. We could see the slopes clearly, which made skiing much safer.
🗓️ January 18 (Sun): Quick Morning Session Before Afternoon Plans
On the second day, we had plans in the afternoon, so we only skied a few runs in the morning before heading home.
It had been warm the day before, and it seemed like there was some rain overnight. As a result, there were chunks of icy snow scattered on the slopes, making conditions a bit rough. We made the right call to keep it short and not push too hard.
📊 Conditions Summary (Notes)
January 17 (Sat)
| Weather | Fog → Sunny → Cloudy |
|---|---|
| Temperature | -1°C (reached about 5°C during the day) |
| Snow Quality | Icy in the morning, slushy in the afternoon |
| Crowds | Not crowded! |
| Snow Depth | 140 cm |
January 18 (Sun)
| Weather | Cloudy |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 1°C |
| Snow Quality | Icy in the morning |
| Crowds | Not crowded! |
| Snow Depth | 140 cm |
👨👩👧 Family & Beginner Tips (Lessons from This Trip)
- On foggy days, keep your speed down and don’t push it – visibility is limited
- Icy, firm runs make it hard to stop and hurt more if you fall, so kids should be extra cautious
- Snow often softens by noon, so the strategy of “safe skiing in the morning, more fun in the afternoon” works well mentally
- Even with plans the next day, a quick morning ski session is highly satisfying (especially on uncrowded days)
📚 Related Articles
Check out other articles about Kijimadaira and nearby areas:
- Powder Paradise! 70cm+ Snowfall at Kijimadaira Ski Resort [Jan 24-25, 2026]
- Family Rest Ginrei Review: Hidden Lunch Gem at Kijimadaira [Jan 2026]
- 2025-2026 Season Pass Arrived! Early Bird Deal & Snowbirds Club Benefits
- 3 Days at Kijimadaira Ski Resort (Jan 10-12, 2026): Powder Morning & Family Fun
- Kijimadaira Ski Resort Guide: Family-Friendly Nagano Skiing
- Complete Guide to Accessing Ski Resorts from Iiyama Station 2025-2026