ski for dec 2007

when will the ski open at Gala Yuzawa for dec 2007? The half day ticket starts from the timing we take the gondola ride up the hill? I arrive around 11.20a.m, so thinking of buying half day ticket starts at 12p.m. So is there a place or restaurant where we can grab lunch during the 40min waiting ?

When Gala Yuzawa opens depends on when there is snow.

A half day ticket usually runs from and to particular times. e.g. 9am-1pm, 1pm - 5pm.

There is a big base complex there, so you can have lunch while you wait.

The base complex is outside the train station, before the gondola ride up the hill?

I'm planning a trip to osaka/kyoto are around 15 dec. I have 2 kids age 6 & 8 and they would love to play with snow. ANy idea which is the nearest ski/onsen area to Osaka? Is it Nigata? Is it a purely ski resort or does it have onsen and other activities. Heard that Yuzawa Onsen in Nagoya is quite good but it's 6-7 hrs journey from Osaka. Anyone knows which is better for family/kids? Thanks

Yes, the base complex is about 50m from the outside of the train station, before the gondola ride up the hill. There are shops, restaurants and changing rooms there.

Niigata is nowhere near Osaka.

If your kids want to see snow, it would be best to go somewhere near Osaka/Kyoto.
Probably Hyogo or Shiga Prefectures.
http://www.snowjapan.com/e/maps/map-of-japan.html

Have you guys seen the page yet for where you can see snow?

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2265.html