REPORT

Following yesterday’s opening of the Yokoteyama–Shibutoge Ski Area, the Kumanoyu Ski Area officially opened today! The section open for skiing is the lower part of the Second Beginner Course (pictured; 600 m long, 20 to 50 m wide, lift access available up to the mid-station), located alongside the Second Pair Lift. Thanks to steady artificial snowmaking during the recent cold spell in combination with the substantial snowfall leading into 11/19 (Wed.), the groomers were able to prep the snow surface across nearly the full width of the course.
[Kumanoyu・Second Beginner Course]

I ran into Espyuki (pictured, far right), a YouTuber sharing ski area information, who commented, “The snow is so soft!” The mix of artificial and natural snow produced an unexpectedly pleasant groomed wet snow surface with a surprisingly soft, powder-like feel. Enjoying the long-awaited sensation of floating on snow, he slid away, carving freely across the wide slope.
[Kumanoyu・Second Beginner Course]

I had a conversation with a man from Nagano City (pictured) who told me, “I check your reports all the time! Since it’s Kumanoyu, I figured the slopes would be well-groomed even on opening day, so I brought my brand-new skis.” Along the edge of the Second Beginner Course, the ungroomed section held about 20 cm of soft, fluffy new snow.
[Kumanoyu・Second Beginner Course]

The still-closed Third Beginner Course (pictured, foreground) also had about 20 cm of soft, fluffy new snow. “We’re planning to groom the Third Beginner Course tonight, and if everything looks good, we’ll open it for skiing tomorrow. Please check the official website for details and updates,” was the word from a staff member. He added, “We’re really short on staff this season. If you’re interested, come work with us!”
[Kumanoyu・Third Beginner Course]

　
＊The base depth listed here refers to the deepest snowpack within the Shiga Kogen area. At the moment, Yokoteyama has the most with 30 cm, while Kumanoyu has 20 cm.
＊The Shiga Kogen Opening Festival will be held at the Ichinose Family Ski Area on 12/6 (Sat.)!
　
[Shiga Kogen Details on 11/21 (Fri.)]
*OPEN Courses … (KUMANOYU) Second Beginner, (YOKOTEYAMA) Kaiwa, First
*Available Lifts … (KUMANOYU) No. 2 Pair B (8:30 a.m.～), (YOKOTEYAMA) 4th Pair
*Lift Fees … (KUMANOYU) 1-Day Pass Adult JPY6,200, 13 y/o to 18 y/o JPY 5,500, Under 12 y/o JPY3,000, Over 60 y/o JPY5,900 (YOKOTEYAMA) 1-Day Pass Adult, Senior & 13 y/o to 18 y/o JPY3,000, 6 y/o to 12 y/o JPY1,000 (Until 11/21)　
　
*Advance Discount Lift Tickets
Yakebitaiyama Adult 1-day pass JPY8,000 → JPY6,000! (*Until 12/5)
Okushiga Kogen Adult 1-day pass JPY6,700 → JPY4,500! (Sold out)
Shiga Kogen Central Area Adult 1-day pass JPY7,000 → JPY6,000! (Sold out)
　
*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi