REPORT

While ski resorts across Japan are approaching the end of their seasons, it is no exaggeration to say that Shika Kogen is about to enter its second top season. The Yokoteyama and Shibutoge Ski Area (pictured), which boasts the longest ski season in Japan, is currently scheduled to remain open until late May. Radiative cooling sent the temperatures down to -10℃ this morning, and the weather was clear for the second day in a row.
[Shibutoge・No.1 Romance Lift]

I ran into a skier from Shizuoka Prefecture (pictured), who told me, “I love your site. I was skiing in the Yakebitaiyama and Ichinose areas yesterday, and it was good. Conditions are so good here, too, that I want to keep taking runs.” Shibutoge’s Gemut Course (pictured) was in perfect powder snow condition, with a moderately firm surface groomed to the total width of the course.
[Shibutoge・Gemut Course]

I met a family from Hyogo Prefecture (pictured) at the top of Yokoteyama, who remarked, “We’ve been staying at Shiga Kogen since 3/13 (Wed.). Oh, but mom is at home, haha. The weather was great yesterday and today, and the snow quality has also been fantastic. It’s been perfect.” The Waver Course was also groomed with a moderately packed powder snow base. The shallow tracks and undulations in the ungroomed area on the skiers’ left side were easy to manage thanks to the soft conditions.
[Shibutoge・Gemut Course]

The Yokoteyama Ski Area will open for early morning opening on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays starting on 3/16 (Sat.), with the Second Sky Lift starting at 6:00 a.m. (*Adults JPY3,000, Seniors, Junior High, & High School Students JPY2,500, and Elementary School Students JPY2,000). The Yokoteyama King Course and the Second Slope were groomed with moderately packed powder snow. After this, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, and visitors were drawn into the Yokoteyama Sancho Hutte (summit hut) one after another.
[Yokoteyama・Third Sky Lift]
　
*The snow depth listed at the top of this report is the highest reported throughout the Shiga Kogen area. Currently, that amount of 215cm is at Yokoteyama・Shibutoge and Kumanoyu.

　
[Availability Information on 3/15 (Fri.)]
*All Courses are available (Except for 11 courses)
*Available Lifts … Yokoteyama no.2 Sky (8:45 a.m.) and totally 18 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