REPORT

Once more this season, Shiga Kogen will be offering the “Ski Kodomo no Hi” promotion, where lift tickets are free for elementary school students on the third Sunday of every month from December to April. (*One preschool child per paying adult is free). This kids ski free day will be held for the first time this season on 12/17 (Sun.). Today I spoke with a father from Shizuoka Prefecture (pictured), who told me, “I am planning to visit Shiga Kogen regularly this season. I already have a trip to Ichinose scheduled for two nights starting on 12/24 (Sun.).”
[Yokoteyama・First Slope]

It was a perfect day for skiing, with warm, sunny, windless skies. The Yokoteyama Ski Resort, which opened its First Slope (first photo) on 12/4 (Mon.), is now operating the Kaiwa Slope (pictured) as well, for a total of two skiable courses. The First Slope is composed of about 30% man-made snow and was in good condition for my stiff skis to slide well.
[Yokoteyama・Kaiwa Slope]

The width of the groomed snow on the Kaiwa Slope was about three times wider than the snow coverage on the first day of opening on 11/18 (Sat.). Overall the surface was hardpacked, and conditions stayed firm throughout the day, particularly on the top half of the run (pictured), which remains shaded for long periods of time. There was around a 2-3 minute wait for the Fourth Pair Lift at 10:30 a.m., and no wait to speak of for the First Sky B Line.
[Yokoteyama・Kaiwa Slope]

I ran into a group of students from Kanagawa Prefecture (pictured), who came to Shiga Kogen for an overnight stay booked with the Orion Tour company. They told me, “We chose Shiga Kogen because the season started early. This is our first time on the slopes this season. We’re really enjoying it, and will book through Orion Tour again next time.” By the way, The First Slope will be open from 12/9 (Sat.) to 12/13 (Wed.), closed temporarily on 12/14 (Thu.) and 12/15 (Fri.), and will be reopen as normal beginning on 12/16 (Sat.).
[Yokoteyama・Kaiwa Slope]

　
[Availability Information on 12/1 (Fri)]
*Available Courses … (Yakebitaiyama) South C, (Ichinose Family) lower front G, (Takamagahara) lower Takamagahara Mammoth G, (Kumanoyu) 2nd beginner C, (Yokoteyama) 1st G, Kaiwa G.
*Available Lifts … (Yakebitaiyama) 4th Romance, (Ichinose Family) Ichinose 2nd pair A line, (Takamagahara) Takamagahara 2nd triple, (Kumanoyu) 2nd pair A line, B line, (Yokoteyama) 1st Sky B line, 4th pair
*Fees … Shiga Kogen Chuo Area 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY4,800, Under 12 y/o JPY2,400 (Until 12/22)

＊Great Value! Super Advanced Discount Lift Tickets (※On Sale Until 12/1)
Yakebitaiyama Adult 1-Day Ticket JPY7,000 → JPY5,000!

＊Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi