REPORT

The snowflakes that had been gently falling at the base area in the early morning stopped around 9:30 a.m., and blue skies began to appear overhead. The Hikage Slope (pictured) was bustling with groups and families, and had a well-packed, groomed wet snow base. A skier I met shared, “My skis are running smoothly, making it easy to slide.”
[Hikage]

On the other hand, the upper slopes were enveloped in rime ice and fog that created a fantastical world distinct from the base area. At the top station of the Nagasaka Gondola, the Cardiff Snow Craft Test Ride Event is being held from 1/25 (Sat.) to 1/26 (Sun.) (*Please note, ID required for same-day registration). The Uenotaira Slope had well-packed groomed powder snow at the beginning, transitioning to groomed wet snow with a powder-like feel on the middle and end sections.
[Nagasaka Gondola]

The Kokenashi Slope (200m, max 18°) had a light layer of dry, new snow on top of the moderately packed groomed powder surface that made for a smooth, rhythmic ride. Additionally, the Kokenashi B Course (pictured) features the SAVREQ system, allowing skiers to capture video of their runs. (*SAVREQ is also available on the Hikage Slope.) Despite the fog, the snow surface was visible, making it easy to focus on my skiing.
[Kokenashi・B Course]

Riding the Yamabiko No. 2 Quad the air grew even colder, and the surrounding frost-covered trees became even whiter. The Yamabiko D Course had a firmly groomed powder snow base covered by a light layer of 1 cm of new snow. The Yamabiko E Course (pictured), also with 1 cm of light new snow, was slightly firmer, and I enjoyed navigating the changes in slope angle and undulating terrain as I slid down.
[Yamabiko・E Course]

　
[Nozawa Onsen Details on 1/25 (Sat.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Except for Grand Prix , MUKOBAYASHI, Kurokura)
*Available Lifts … Nagasaka Gondola (8:30～), Hikage Gondola (8:30～) and totally 14 lifts
*Fees … 1-Day Pass Adult JPY7,300, Senior JPY5,900, Under 15 y/o JPY4,400
　
*Click here to purchase photos found in this report
　
reported by Snownavi