REPORT

The weather today was clear and windless; perfect for admiring the three major Hakuba peaks constrasted against the blue sky from the gondola and the Tsuga-no-mori Slope (pictured). I spoke with a couple from Germany, who were the first to ride the lift, and told me, “We came to Japan on a working holiday and are staying in the HAKUBA VALLEY for 2 months. Today is great!”
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

The Tsuga-no-mori Slope (1st photo) and Gotemba Course (pictured) were both groomed with good, powder snow conditions. I was able to set my edges easily and get some good speed. I also enjoyed the sensation of floating on the uniquely undulating Gotemba course.
[Gotemba Course]

The top half of the Han-no-ki Slope had a well-packed, groomed powder snow surface, while the last half featured a slightly less firm, powder surface that was also groomed. I had a conversation with two people from Shizuoka Prefecture (pictured), with one telling me, “I come out to Tsugaike occasionally to snowboard.” The other one (pictured, left) chimed in, “I’ve only been snowboarding for 3 years, so he’s giving me some tips as we ride.”
[Han-no-ki Slope]

The expansive Kane-no-naru-oka Slope (pictured) was also very easy to ski, thanks to the moderately packed, groomed powder snow. A couple from Tokyo (pictured, foreground) greeted me and said, “We’re here at Tsugaike for two nights. The slopes are in good shape, so I think I’ll improve pretty quickly.” In other news, this Sunday, 2/19, is a Kids Ski Free Day where elementary school students can receive a free one-day lift ticket.
[Kane-no-naru-oka Slope]

　　
[Tsugaike Kogen Opening Information for 2/17 (Fri.)]
*Almost all course are Open！
*Available Lifts … Karamatsu (8:00 a.m.-), totally 12 lifts
*Fees … Adult JPY5,900, 6-12 y/o JPY3,500, Over 60 y/o JPY4,300 (Until 3/12)
　
＊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!
　
*Click here to purchase photos found in this report

reported by Snownavi