REPORT

Just in time for Christmas! In contrast to the steady snow in November, it has been difficult to get any consistent accumulation in December, which has led to a lot of frustration. However, two days ago the big snow dump began, and today, 12/23 (Sat.), Madarao Kogen Ski Resort kicked off the season with a total of eight open courses, including Paradise, Carving, and the lower section of Giant!
[Paradise]

I spoke with a staff member who told me, “We were going to open today with the slopes ungroomed because there still wasn’t enough snow yesterday morning, but then we got another 50cm, so we were able to get things groomed perfectly. When I ventured into one of the ungroomed areas, I found myself in deep powder that completely covered my knees! I came across a kid half buried in the snow that told me with a smile, “I got stuck!”
[Paradise]

Paradise, Beginner A & B, and Utopia (pictured), which are all accessible via the No. 1 Lift, were groomed with moderately firm powder snow surfaces. My skis slid smoothly and I was able to make enjoyable turns. At 1:00 p.m. the No. 2 Quad will also begin operating, and the Carving, lower section of Giant, and Pole Slope A will also open up.
[Utopia]

The light morning snow had subsided, and from about 9:00 am, blue skies gradually began to appear with the sun intermittently shining through gaps in the clouds. I spoke with a mother and child from Nagano City (pictured) who are season ticket holders (pictured). They told me, “We love your site. It’s so much fun boarding on powder for the first day of the long-awaited season!”
[Giant]

　
[Madarao Kogen Availability Information on 12/23 (Sat)]
*Available Courses … Paradise, Beginner A, Beginner B, Utopia, Snowboard Beginner Course, Pole Bahn A, Carving, Under Giant
*Available Lifts … No.1 lift (8:30-), No.2 Quad Lift(13:00-)
*Fees … Area 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY6,500, Over 55 y/o JPY6,000, 6-12 y/o JPY3,500, *Preschooler Free

*The ski area reports of Madarao Kogen will be uploaded once a week.

reported by Snownavi