Snow monsters

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:30 JST, January 27, 2022

Snow-covered alpine trees stretch as far as the eye can see in Yamagata, where fine weather attracted skiers and snowboarders to nearby pistes on Tuesday. Dubbed “snow monsters,” the area’s towering trees loom even larger in winter when a buildup of snow and ice can add meters to their height. An official of local lift operator Zao Ropeway said, “We’re taking all possible measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, so we hope visitors experience this spectacular view up close.”