REPORT

Today I went around to the lowest elevation ski areas in Shiga Kogen: Sunvalley, Maruike, Giant, Nishidateyama, and Hoppo Bunadaira. The main slope of Sunvalley had a moderately soft, groomed granular snow surface, and most people seemed to be avoiding the early part of the course where bushes, rocks, and dirt were exposed, instead entering from the detour course and skiing the last half of the run (pictured) where there was sufficient snow cover. The last half had a broad, even surface that was easy to ski.
[Sunvalley・Main Slope]

Coming to Giant, I was surprised to see snowless sections on the south-facing trails of the Higashidateyama and Nishidateyama ski areas (pictured, background). In contrast, at the north-facing Giant, despite the base being located at 1,330 meters, the lowest elevation in Shiga Kogen, there was solid snow cover and widely-groomed slopes all the way down to the bottom.
[Giant・Giant Slope]

There were no exposed bushes or dirt on the groomed portion of Giant (pictured), and the well-packed granular snow, with a soft surface layer, made it easy to link controlled, comfortable turns. Afterwards I took the Bunadaira Gondola and headed over to Hoppo Bunadaira. Most people were taking the Higashidateyama Gondola to Terakoya and Takamagahara, so I had the groomed, soft spring snow slopes of Bunadaira all to myself (*There were a few bushes on the sides of the trail.)
[Giant Giant Slope]

The B and C courses at Maruike, which will close for the season at the end of the day today, 3/31 (Fri.), were also well-maintained with no exposed dirt or bushes, and a moderately loose granular snow surface that was easy to ski. Maruike Snowland will be open on 4/1 (Sat.) and 4/2 (Sun.). This morning was a pleasant spring skiing day with thin clouds softening the sunlight.
[Maruike・Maruike C Course]

　
[Availability Information on 3/31 (Fri.)]
*All courses are available! (Except for Hasuike A, Hasuike Junior, Maruike A, Mt. Nishidate Okabe, Upper World Cup, Upper & Middle Mt. Higashidate Olympic, Perfecter, Buna, Super Giant Slalom, East, Olympic, Middle Connecting, Middle, Panorama Line, Mt. Yokote No.2 (Rinkan) (Road Detour), Queen No.5, No.6, Jumbo)
*Available Lifts … Ichinose Quad (8:30-) and totally 40 Lifts.
*Lift Fees … 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY6,500, 13-18 & Over 60 y/o JPY5,600, 6-12 y/o JPY3,200 (From 4/1 Spring Discount Adult JPY5,500, 13-18 & Over 60 y/o JPY5,100, 6-12 y/o JPY2,700)
　
*Hotels of Shiga Kogen

*Click here to purchase photos found in this report
　
　
reported by Snownavi