REPORT

I was recently asked, “If a lift has stopped running for the season, but the ‘Operation Status’ map on the resort’s official site doesn’t show the slope it serves as closed (colored pink)—can we still ski there?” The answer is no, you cannot! While there is still plenty of snow, the lack of grooming has resulted in high-friction “stop snow,” making skiing nearly impossible. Today, the lower section of Han-no-ki (pictured) and the adjacent Maruyama Slope had those conditions.
[Han-no-ki Slope]

Even on the groomed Gotemba Course (pictured) my skis had some trouble gliding. There I met a member of the patrol staff (pictured) who shared, “Thank you for all your work. This season, we had plenty of snow and many visitors, which made it rewarding. At the same time, there were quite a few injuries, especially among inbound guests. Anyway, let’s do our best and finish out the season with Golden Week!”
[Gotemba Course]

Light rain was falling this morning, and the Tsuga-no-mori and Han-no-ki (pictured) slopes had groomed spring corn snow bases. The loose surface layer thickened as I descended Han-no-ki., A snowboarder from Nagano City (pictured) commented, “I always check your reports! This is my brand-new board—I got it 30% off since it’s spring. But I’m not sure if it’s the right board or today’s snow conditions… I just can’t seem to ride well.”
[Han-no-ki Slope]

My skis slid smoothly on the moderately soft, groomed granular snow base of the Oya-no-hara Slope (pictured). I had a conversation with a couple from Taiwan (pictured), with the man mentioning, “We’re staying for three days. It’s her snowboarding debut today.” By the way, Giverny Hakuba B&B, visible in the background on the right side, is a lodge that opened this season, offering a selection of natural wines carefully curated by the owner, from France, Italy, and more.
[Oya-no-hara Slope]

　
*The results of the “Tsugaike Favorite Restaurant Championship” have been announced. 1st place went to Burger King Tsugaike Yuki-no-hiroba. Pho Thin Tokyo Tsugaike, which we introduced in a previous report, ranked 4th, Setouchi Awaji Chuka Soba Inoue and TSUGA BASE tied for 6th, and OMU CHEF OSAKA placed 9th.
　
*The Tsugaike lift operation schedule for the remainder of the season can be found here.

[Tsugaike Kogen Details on 4/2 (Wed.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Except for Umanose)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00 a.m.-) and totally 4 lifts
*Fees … 3/24- Spring Season Discount 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY5,500, Elementary School Students JPY3,400

*Printable Rental Discount Coupons!
Carving Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY3,000 / Outerwear JPY2,500!
Carving Ski・Snowboard High Performance Model Rental JPY500 OFF!
Kid’s Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,500 / Outerwear JPY1,500!

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi