REPORT

Leaving the lively atmosphere of the Ikenota Slope, which felt very much like spring break, I took the 5th Pair Lift (pictured, center) and headed toward the upper areas of the resort. The Giant Course (pictured, far right) and Itadaira Ridge Course were closed due to avalanche risk. From the 5th Pair Lift exit, you can access the Itadaira Forest Course and the tree areas.
[Ikenota Slope]

The first two people to board the 5th Pair (pictured) told me, “There’s plenty of snow this year, so we’re going to ski from just a little above here all the way down to the Otari Village Office today.” When heading into the backcountry from the Itadaira Mountain Entrance, Mt. Hieda Mountain Entrance, or Uchu Entrance, it’s necessary to submit a climbing report to either the ski patrol office at the base of the Ikenota Slope or the Nagano Prefecture Tourism and Mountain Tourism Division.
[Itadaira Mountain Entrance]

Today, the Itadaira Forest Course (pictured), which connects the 5th Pair lift exit to the Itadaira Course, had a moderately firm, groomed wet snow base mixed with some granular snow. The slope is a bit steep at the start (pictured), but after that becomes quite gentle, making it suitable for beginners. Please note that the 5th Pair lift will operate for the final time this season on 3/16 (Sun.).
[Itadaira Forest Course]

Meanwhile, the 3rd Quad and 6th Pair lifts (pictured) are scheduled to operate until 3/23 (Sun.). The Itadaira Course had a firm groomed surface composed of wet snow mixed with granular snow. The Ikenota Slope, Ipponmatsu Course, and Warabidaira Slope had soft, groomed granular snow bases. Around 10:30 a.m., snow began to swirl in the upper parts of the ski resort due to the wind, while light rain started to fall in the lower parts.
[Warabidaira Slope]

　　　　
[Hakuba Cortina Details on 3/11 (Tue.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Excpet for Hieda 2, Giant, Itadaira Ridge)
*Available Lifts … No. 2 Quad (8:30～) and totally 6 lifts
*Fees … 1 day ticket Adult JPY5,800, 6-12 y/o JPY3,500, Over 60 y/o JPY5,200, Pre-schoolers FREE

*Print and get a great deal! Discount Coupon!
Adult 1 Day Ticket + JPY1,200 Meal Ticket = JPY8,000 → JPY6,800!
Child 1 Day Ticket + JPY1,200 Meal Ticket = JPY5,200 → JPY4,500!

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi