REPORT

The winter season at Madarao Kogen Ski Resort kicked off on 12/14 (Sat.), a full seven days earlier than last year, with a healthy base of 100 cm. According to a staff member I spoke to, “Last season, we didn’t exceed 100 cm of snow until after the New Year, so this season has gotten off to a great start.” On the first day, not only was the No. 1 Lift open, but the Super Quad lift was also running, allowing access to runs like Giant, World Cup, Champion, and Crystal.
[Crystal]

Today, 12/16 (Mon.), the snow flurries falling in the early morning stopped temporarily by 8:30 a.m., allowing for some sunshine to reach the slopes. The Giant Slope (pictured, 1,500m, max. 31°, avg. 17°) was well-groomed and featured a moderately packed powder snow surface. The adjacent Paradise, Beginner A & B, and Utopia Slopes also offered similarly smooth and navigable, groomed packed powder runs.
[Giant]

“What a coincidence. We met yesterday at Okushiga!” said a couple from Aichi Prefecture who have the ‘Mt. 3 Season Pass’ (pictured). It was almost as if we had planned it. Incidentally, the Mt. 3 Pass provides access to Madarao Kogen, Yakebitaiyama, and Okushiga Kogen, as well as discounts at other partner ski resorts like Geto Kogen and Nozawa Onsen, making it an attractive option.
[Giant]

A snowboarder whom I met at Restaurant Heidi (pictured), commented, “It feels great everywhere today, but Crystal was especially excellent.” Crystal offered softer, groomed packed powder snow compared to Giant. In related news, the No. 11, 12, 13, and 15 lifts, which make for efficient access to this area, are scheduled to start operating on12/21 (Sat.).
[Crystal]

　　
[Madarao Kogen Availability Information on 12/16 (Mon)]
*Available Courses … Paradise, Beginner A,B, Utopia, Snowboard Beginner, Pole Bahn A, Carving, Giant, Shirakaba, World Cup, Champion, Traverse, Crystal.
*Available Lifts … superquad (8:30-), No.1 lift, No.2 Quad Lift
*Fees … Area 5-hour ticket Ticket Adult JPY6,500, Over 55 y/o JPY6,000, 6-12 y/o JPY4,000, *Preschooler Free

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi