REPORT

While riding the gondola, I could tell from a distance that the Kumaotoshi Course (300m, max 30°, avg 25°) had a perfectly smooth snow surface, so I headed straight for it. A snowboarder from Gunma Prefecture (pictured), who was the first to ride down, shared with me, “This is my first time at Okushiga Kogen, and I am really amazed by the snow quality. It feels absolutely fantastic.”
[Okushiga Kogen・Kumaotoshi Course]

With snow clouds soaring high, the heavy snowfall that continued from the night before last to this morning had left a fresh layer of 30 to 40 cm of new snow. Despite its depth, it was incredibly light and fluffy, so as I glided down, I found myself gently hitting the soft base underneath (and that was part of the fun!). Those nearby exclaimed, “This is amazing!” and “This is incredible!” as they too enjoyed the conditions.
[Okushiga Kogen・Kumaotoshi Course]

The groomed Downhill Course, Downhill Piedmont Course, and Sixth Slope were in perfect condition with moderately firm powder snow bases, offering a great ride. The groomed surface of the Fourth Slope had a slightly softer feel. The surrounding trees were covered in frost and rime ice, and along with the pure white snow, combined to create a stunningly beautiful scene that I couldn’t help but be entranced by while riding the lift.
[Okushiga Kogen・Fourth Slope]

The road conditions in Shiga this winter are good, thanks to thorough snow removal work, making them relatively easy to drive on. However, be cautious on steep sections, curves, and tunnel entrances, as even with 4WD and studded tires, there’s a risk of slipping. Also, the Shiga-Nakano Toll Road, which leads to Shiga Kogen from the Nakano I.C., will become toll-free starting at midnight on 3/16 (Sun.)! By the way, take a closer look at the license plate of the car in the foreground—this year marks the 25th anniversary of Snownavi!
[Nagano Prefectural Route 471]

　　
＊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 160 cm is at Okushiga and Yakebitaiyama.
　
[Shiga Kogen Details on 1/16 (Thur.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Except Maruike A, Yokoteyama Kaiwa）
*Available Lifts … Nishidateyama Quad. (8:30 ～) and totally 33 lifts
*Fees … 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY8,000, 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