Aspen Shiga

Apple pie tends to sell out early, so get there sooner if you want some. If you miss it, they also have apple pie beer. We stopped by at 12:45 on 21/2, the first day of the Japanese holiday, and it was crowded around lunch. The place is fairly central, which probably added to the lunchtime rush.

The ski access was excellent: we could ski right in and out, and there was a good dry room for our gear. After the gondola had closed, staff came to collect us from the bus stop. Our room was clean and spacious, and both breakfast and dinner were healthy and generous. And yes, the apple pie at lunch really is as good as people say.

Getting ski lift passes at the hotel for less than the official ticket office price was a nice bonus. We also loved the pastries during the busy lunch service. The location felt like an adventure, quiet and away from other Australian tourists, but still convenient. We were unsure about booking because the hotel seemed far from Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort's main hub and the onsen areas, but we were glad we went. Before the trip, I couldn't get a clear answer by email about ski rentals, so I looked up Alpina Sports as a backup. Once we arrived by gondola and walked into the hotel, the manager greeted us warmly and asked if we needed gear. He took our family of five to the drying room and fitted us with skis, poles, jackets, pants, boots, and helmets. It cost half as much as Alpina Sports. The hotel is quite dated, though that gives it an old-school, nostalgic ski lodge feel. Our tatami room had a toilet-sink combo and was kept clean, with fresh robes and towels each day. The onsen was small, cozy, and really hot after skiing. There was also a free washing machine. Breakfast came with the stay, was buffet-style, and had different dishes each day. Staff were kind and helpful, especially when my daughter was unwell. Dinner was only available at the hotel. At $30 AUD per person it seemed pricey, though it was all you could eat, so it felt worth it. The daily breakfast and the hotel's other details made the stay better than we expected, and we'd happily return.

The food was solid for a quick canteen-style lunch. Omu rice, Katsu Curry, and Hamburg Curry were all done pretty well. The apple pie was decent too, with tasty apples, though its bottom crust was too soft and a bit mushy. Lunch service moved fast even on a Saturday, when every table was packed and people were waiting for seats. Nice that there's a bakery on the side as well.