REPORT

“The Tsugaike Ropeway Early Spring Operation” Period kicked off today, 4/1 (Sat.). (*The ropeway will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in April and daily from 5/1 to 5/7). Normally, the ropeway runs every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but in order to serve the large number of customers on this weekend day with clear skies, there were extra departures right from the start of the morning. Please be aware that a mountaineering plan must be submitted before boarding the ropeway.
[Ropeway Summit Station]

The temperature at the ropeway summit station at 8:35 was a warm 6.5℃, and I was drenched in sweat while climbing, even after taking off my jacket. I ran into three visitors from Omachi and Hakuba (pictured), who told me they are fans of the Snownavi site and asked me, “Have the Snownavi reporters finally taken up backcountry skiing?”
[The Trail to Hakuba Oike・Between the Ropeway Summit Station and Tenguhara]

It was granular snow conditions everywhere, but because the loose surface layer was so thin, it was possible to walk with just boots without sinking too far. A father from Matsumoto (pictured, second from the right) told me, “I’ve been following your site for almost 20 years! My son made it up to Tenguhara last season, so today we are aiming for the summit of Mt. Hakuba Norikura. But we assess the conditions and adjust our plans if necessary.” Thanks also to the two people raising their hands in the background of the photo.
[The Trail to Hakuba Oike・Between the Ropeway Summit Station and Tenguhara]

I ran into a Bamboo Tail backcountry tour, and was told by the guide (pictured, far right) that they were heading to to the lower, south-facing aspect of Mt. Korenge as they first headed off through the Tsugaike Nature Park’s Mizubasho marsh area. I appreciate the greetings I got from so many people today, telling me they always check my reports, expressing surprise at seeing me in the backcountry, and so many more. Thanks!
[Mizubasho Marsh]

　　
[Tsugaike Kogen Opening Information for 4/1 (Sun.)]
*Over course(s) … Tsuga-no-mori, Gotemba, Han-no-ki
*Available Lift(s) … Gondola (8:00 a.m.-), Tsuga No.2 Pair, Tsuga No.1 Pair, Ropeway (8:30 a.m.-)
*Fees … 3/13- Spring Discount 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY4,300, 6-12 y/o JPY2,700
　
＊Printable Rental Discount Coupons!
Carving Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY3,000 / Outerwear JPY2,500!
Carving Ski・Snowboard High Performance Model Rental JPY500 OFF!
Kid’s Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,500 / Outerwear JPY1,500!
　
*Click here to purchase photos found in this report

reported by Snownavi