REPORT

The final stage of the NORTH ALPS BANKED SLALOM series, BANKED SLALOM TGK, was held today, 4/8 (Sat.) on the Tsuga-no-mori Slope. I spoke within some kids (pictured) from Ishikawa and Gunma prefectures who were competing in the Junior Men and Snow Skate (*mixed gender, no age restrictions) categories, who told me they wanted to ski to the best of their abilities and aim for the podium.
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

Today the Tsuga No. 1 Pair (pictured) was being operated as part of the tournament. (*Only tournament officials and athletes were allowed to ride). There were a total of 211 competitors entered across all categories. Rain started to fall shortly after the course inspection started at 9:15am, but it soon changed to sleet and finally to wet snow.
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

I caught up with the mother (pictured, back row, far left) of Hakuba local Azumi Nakano (pictured, front row, 2nd from left), who placed 2nd in the Junior Women’s category of the NORTH ALPS BANKED SLALOM. She told me, “Azumi won 1st place in the Open Slopestyle Class at the 41st JSBA All Japan Snowboard Championships, and became the youngest ever JSBA pro!”
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

Despite some dirt-stained snow, the three open course(s) were immaculately groomed, with the exception of the first part of Tsuga-no-mori. All of the slopes had a soft, slushy surface. My edges sunk deep into the soft snow, but skis ran well and I found it easy to ski.
[Han-no-ki Slope]

　　
[Tsugaike Kogen Opening Information for 4/8 (Sat.)]
*Over course(s) … Tsuga-no-mori, Gotemba, Han-no-ki
*Available Lift(s) … Gondola (8:00 a.m.-), Tsuga No.2 Pair, Han-no-ki High-Speed Pair, Ropeway (8:30 a.m.-)
*Fees … 3/13- Spring Discount 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY4,300, 6-12 y/o JPY2,700
　
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Carving Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY3,000 / Outerwear JPY2,500!
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Kid’s Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,500 / Outerwear JPY1,500!
　
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reported by Snownavi