REPORT

Clear skies and no wind today made for a great day of skiing. Although the official snow base at Shiga Kogen is currently only 60cm, the courses are supplemented by artificial snow machines and the area as been “mostly open” (i.e., more than 50% of terrain open) since 12/26 (Tue.). In the Yokoteyama-Shibutoge area (pictured), the Shibutoge First Lift began operating on the 26th as well, and the Gemut Course is now skiable.
[Yokoteyama Second Sky Lift]

One of the operators of a grooming machine called out to me saying, “Please be aware that there are areas where the snow cover is thin here at Shibutoge as well.” In related news, one of the latest, greatest snow groomers, the PistenBully 600 is in use as of this season at Shiga Kogen. I enjoyed the lofty scenery as I skied on the Gemut Course (pictured), which had a moderately firm, groomed wet snow surface with the feeling of powder.
[Shibu Pass, Gemut Course]

The father of a family from Okayama Prefecture (pictured) called out to me saying that he was a fan of Snownavi, and continued, “We’ve been in Shiga Kogen since yesterday for the New Year’s vacation. Today we came to Shibutoge to try and avoid the crowds.” Currently, when returning to Yokoteyama, the King Course is not yet open, so you have to hold your skis and ride down the mountain via the Third Lift.
[Shibutoge・Gemut Course]

After skiing, one of the best ways to relax is to take a dip in one of the natural hot spring baths at the base of the mountain. At Hotel & Onsen 2307 Shigakogen, day-use guests can enjoy two separate onsen baths: Yokoteyama Onsen and Hotaru Onsen. In other news, “New Year’s Day Okomin Senbei” will be distributed by “Okomin,” a Shiga Kogen tourism PR character celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, from 1/1 (Mon., national holiday) to 1/3 (Wed.).
[Hotel & Onsen 2307 Shigakogen]

　
[Availability Information on 12/30 (Sat)]
*All Courses are available (Except for Hasuike, Giant, Higashi Tateyama, Tannenomori Okojo, Terakoya)
*Available Lifts … Yokoteyama First Sky B (8:30 a.m.-) and totally 33 lifts
*Fees … 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY7,500, Middle & High school students, over 60 y/o JPY6,400, Under 12 y/o JPY3,700

*Request for the original data of our photographs
　
　
reported by Snownavi