REPORT

Today, 2/17 (Mon.), marks the second “First Tracks” event of the season at Nozawa, and anyone with a valid lift ticket for the day is able to join for no extra charge. For the event, the Nagasaka Gondola started 30 minutes earlier than usual, followed by a transfer to the Skyline Connecting Pair, and a descent via the Skyline Course (pictured).
[Skyline Course]

I overheard a skier on the course at the same time as me (pictured) remarking, “Wow, what an amazing view! Let’s take a photo before we ski down.” The beginning of the Skyline Course featured firm, groomed wet snow with a powdery texture, while the lower part, around the junction with the Kamoshika Course, was icy.
[Skyline Course]

The Kokenashi and Uenotaira slopes had well-packed, groomed powder snow, while the groomed Paradise Slope featured firm, powdery wet snow. The Schneider, Challenge, and Utopia B courses had hard-packed groomed wet snow bases. A skier from overseas (pictured) who had just come down the Utopia A course, which had medium-sized moguls, laughed and said, ” It’s icy!”
[Utopia B Course]

The hard, groomed wet snow surface of the Hikage Slope (pictured) began to soften around 9:30 a.m. The Kids Park, where sleds were sliding smoothly, was filled with laughter. After finishing my reporting around 9:50 a.m., the Nagasaka Gondola and Hikage Gondola were operating at a reduced speed due to strong winds. By around 10:00 a.m., clouds from the west started to cover the sky.
[Hikage Slope]

　
＊On 2/22 (Sat.), starting at 11 a.m., the Nasuki 30th Anniversary Celebration Event will be held on the Hikage Slope.
　
[Nozawa Onsen Details on 2/17 (Mon.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Except for Gran Prix)
*Available Lifts … Nagasaka Gondola (8:30～), Hikage Gondola (8:30～) and totally 13 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