REPORT

As expected, dry snow was falling this morning at Shiga Kogen as a low-pressure system was passing along the southern coast. I had a brief chat with a skier coming down the Fourth Slope (pictured), who said, “Yesterday was an amazing, clear day. Today, I’m heading to Yakebitaiyama after this.” The “powdery” wet snow on the Fourth Slope was well-packed and easy to ski.
[Okushiga Kogen・Fourth Slope]

As I skied down the Third Slope, the Expert Course (pictured), and the First Slope, the quality of the snow remained the same: groomed, well-packed wet snow with a powdery feel. Three skiers I ran into (pictured) told me, “We love your site! We often come to Shiga Kogen to ski, it’s like our backyard.”
[Okushiga Kogen・Expert Course]

In other news, Okushiga Kogen Ski Area will begin early morning opening on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 4/6 (Sat.) to 5/6 (Sun.). (*6:30 to 8:00, Adults ¥2,300, Elementary School Students ¥1,100, valid with Okushiga Kogen and Yakebitaiyama Joint Season Passes). The Second Rapid Pair will operate, giving skiers and boarders access to the Expert Course (pictured), Rinkan Course, and First Slope.
[Okushiga Kogen・Expert Course]

The Hotel Grand Phoenix Okushiga, which sits beside the First Slope, has a store directly managed by the mountain resort wear brand ZUICA. There I spoke with a skier from Tokyo (pictured), who told me, “I often come to Shiga Kogen with my skiing buddies. The items here seem really versatile, and I’m considering purchasing something.” They also offer a rental service where you can their gear out on the slopes.
[Hotel Grand Phoenix Okushiga・ZUICA SHOP]
　
*The snow depth listed at the top of this report is the highest reported throughout the Shiga Kogen area. Currently, that amount of 200 cm is at Kumanoyu.

　
[Availability Information on 3/12 (Tue.)]
*All Courses are available (Except for 14 courses)
*Available Lifts … Okushiga No.1 Pair (8:30 a.m.) and totally 35 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