REPORT

This morning, the Diamond Slope (pictured), which will be open for just four days in April—4/5 (Sat.), 4/6 (Sun.), 4/12 (Sat.), and the final day of the season on 4/13 (Sun.)—had a hard packed, groomed corn snow base. I rode the Diamond Quad with a skier who commented, “There’s still plenty of snow left.” A thin layer of dry new snow had fallen overnight, and was just enough to cover the groomer’s tracks.
[Ichinose Diamond・Diamond Slope]

Even with the hazy, spring-like clear sky, I enjoyed views of the Hokushin Gogaku (five major peaks of Northern Nagano) and the Northern Alps from the Ichinose Family area’s Front Slope (pictured). This slope too had firmly packed spring corn snow. Early in the morning, golf ball-sized clumps of snow scattered on the surface were a bit of a concern, but by around 9:30 a.m., the snow had softened slightly, making for easier skiing.
[Ichinose Family・Front Slope]

Compared to the Ichinose Family and Diamond slopes, both the scenery and snow quality at Terakoya were noticeably better. The fluffy fresh snow varied in depth from 3 to 10 cm depending on the location, but all courses offered well-groomed powder conditions that allowed for smooth, satisfying turns throughout.
[Terakoya・Philosophy Course]

The reason conditions at Terakoya were so exceptional is because the snow that fell during the lift closure from 3/31 (Mon.) to 4/5 (Sat.) remained almost completely untouched and well-preserved, thanks to the high elevation. I ran into a father and child from Chiba Prefecture (pictured) who told me, “We always follow your updates. The snow quality is unbelievable for this time of year—it feels amazing out here! We’re staying at Hotel Ichibokaku tonight and looking forward to the onsen.”
[Terakoya・Contact Course]

　
＊The base depth at the top of this report reflects the maximum depth across all of Shiga Kogen. Currently, the highest recorded depth of 210 cm is at Yakebitaiyama and Terakoya.
＊The planned final day of operation for each lift can be found here.
　
[Shiga Kogen Details on 4/5 (Sat.)]
*Most Courses are OPEN (=Except for Sunvalley, Maruike, Hasuike, Giant, Higashidateyama, Nishidateyama, Hoppo Bunadaira, Ichinose Diamond, Ichinose Yamanokami, YAKEBI WALL, YAKEBI VALLEY, Yokoteyama Queen No. 5 & 6）
*Available Lifts … Yakebitaiyama No. 1 Gondola (8:30～) and totally 20 lifts
*Fees … 3/31- Spring Fee 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY6,500, Middle & High school students, over 60 y/o JPY5,900, Under 12 y/o JPY3,200

＊Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi