REPORT

Thanks to consistent cold temperatures and snowfall, Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort saw the No. 2 Gondola start operating on 12/12 (Thu.), followed by the No.2 High-Speed Lift on 12/19 (Thu.). “That first run was amazing. Starting on the 24th, we’ll be dressing like Santa,” shared the skiers (pictured), who were the first to hit the Panorama Course. Wait, Santa? Taking a closer look at these two—I realized they were reindeer disguised as humans!
[Yakebitaiyama・Panorama]

The fresh snow from yesterday had been pressed into the beautifully groomed Panorama Course (pictured), which featured perfectly compacted powder from top to bottom. The edges of my skis gripped effortlessly, delivering an incredibly satisfying feel with every turn. I carved turns with ease, surrounded by a magical atmosphere, where some trees were coated in frost like icy sculptures.
[Yakebitaiyama・Panorama]

The Karamatsu Course (pictured) featured groomed powder with a firmer feel compared to the Panorama Course. I met a snowboarder from Yamanashi Prefecture (pictured), who shared, “I always follow your updates. I’ve been riding in Shiga Kogen since the day before yesterday and had planned to head home this morning, but seeing the beautiful slopes changed my mind. Both the groomed and un-groomed runs feel absolutely amazing!”
[Yakebitaiyama・Karamatsu]

Starting tomorrow, the No. 1 Gondola will begin operating, and the Giant Slalom Course will be open for skiing! Across the Shiga Kogen area, the Ichinose Quad and Takamagahara Quad started running today, and Nishitateyama Ski Resort has officially opened. Tomorrow, Sun Valley, Maruike, Bunadaira, Ichinose Diamond, and Ichinose Yamanokami will open, while Okushiga Kogen will be fully open for the season!
[Yakebitaiyama・No. 2 Gondola]

　　
*The reported base depth at the top of this report reflects the maximum depth across all of Shiga Kogen. Currently, that highest recorded depth of 80cm is at Yokoteyama, while Yakebitaiyama is reporting 60cm.
　
[Availability Information on 12/20 (Fri)]
*Available Courses … (Yokoteyama) 1st, 2nd Rinkan, 2nd, Kaiwa, Jumbo, Yokoteyama-Kumanoyu contact, (Kumanoyu) Umanose, 2nd Beginner, 3rd Rinkan, 3rd Beginner, 4th Beginner, (Takamagahara) Shomen lower, (Ichonose Family) Shomen, (Yakebitaiyama) E1 south, B1 panorama, (Okushiga) 1st, 2nd Expert, 3rd, Rinkan
*Available Lifts … (Yakebitaiyama) 2nd gondra (8:30～), C No.2 High-speed, 4th romance, (Okushiga) 1st pair, 2nd pair, 3rd high speed pair, (Ichonose Family) 2nd pair B-Line, (Yokoteyama) 4th pair, (Kumanoyu) 2nd pair, 3rd Quad, (Takamagahara) Takamagahara 2nd triple
*Fees … 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY6,500, Middle & High school students, over 60 y/o JPY5,900, Under 12 y/o JPY3,200, Yakebitaiyama Adult JPY6,500, Middle & High school students, over 60 y/o JPY5,900 (Until 12/20), Yokoteyama Adult JPY5,600, Middle & High school students, over 60 y/o JPY5,200, Under 12 y/o JPY2,800 (Until 12/20), Kumanoyu only Adult JPY6,200, Middle & High school students, over 60 y/o JPY5,900, Under 12 y/o JPY3,000 (Until 12/20), Shiga Kogen Chuo Area 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY5,000, Under 12 y/o JPY2,500 (Until 12/20)
　
*Request for the original data of our photographs
　
reported by Snownavi