REPORT

Kumanoyu Ski Area (pictured) began its season on 11/21 (Fri.) by opening the 2nd Beginner Course, and has continued to expand its skiable terrain since: opening the 3rd Beginner Course on 11/22 (Sat.), Umanose on 11/29 (Sat.), and the 4th Beginner, 4th Event, and 4th A courses on 12/6 (Sat.). The rime ice that formed on the trees yesterday had not yet melted, and when I headed from the 2nd Pair Lift summit station toward the 4th A Course, an entirely white, wintery world spread out before me.
[Kumanoyu Ski Area]

The 4th A Course (pictured, far background) and the 4th Event Course (pictured, second run from the back) were steep, ungroomed slopes with rolling terrain and a nice, soft feel. The fresh snow on top was light and dry. At Umanose, some brush was visible in places, but the slope itself was groomed packed powder with moderate firmness, making for comfortable turns while enjoying the scenery.
[Kumanoyu・Umanose]

Along the 2nd Pair Lift, both the 2nd Beginner and 3rd Beginner courses featured groomed packed powder with a moderately firm surface. Edge hold and glide were both excellent, allowing riders to carry good speed despite the gentle terrain. A snowboarder I met here told me, “I work in Shiga Kogen. The carving is fantastic today, and it feels amazing.”
[Kumanoyu・3rd Beginner Course]

I ran into a couple from Fukushima Prefecture (pictured, right side) who told me, “We came on 12/8 (Mon.) and are staying at the Kumanoyu Hotel for three nights. The slopes are in great condition, and the jade-colored hot spring is wonderful—it’s a really nice place.” The early morning began under clear skies, but before long, clouds moved in from the west and covered the sky overhead.
[Kumanoyu・Umanose]

＊The base depth at the top of this report reflects the maximum depth across all of Shiga Kogen. Currently, the highest recorded depth of 50 cm is at Yakebitaiyama, while Kumanoyu is reporting 40 cm.
＊Ichinose Family and Takamagahara Mammoth have been connected via Tanne-no-Mori Okojo since 12/5 (Fri.), allowing skiers and riders to move easily between the two areas.
　
　
[Shiga Kogen Details on 12/10 (Wed.)]
*Available Courses … (YAKEBITAIYAMA) Panorama, South (YOKOTEYAMA) Kaiwa, No.1, No.2, (KUMANOYU) No.2A, No.2 Begginer, No.3 Begginer, Umanose, No.4A, No.4 Bigginer (ICHINOSE FAMILY) Bottom part of Shomen, (TAKAMAGAHARA) Bottom part of Shomen
*Available Lifts … (YAKEBITAIYAMA) No.2 Gondola (YOKOTEYAMA) 1st Sky B, 4th Pair, (KUMANOYU) 2nd Pair A & B, (ICHINOSE FAMILY) 2nd Pair A & B, (TAKAMAGAHARA) 2nd Triple
*Fees … Yokoteyama Adults JPY6,000, Junior & Senior High JPY5,300, Elementary JPY3,000, Ages 60+ JPY5,500 (until 12/19) / Kumanoyu Early Season 1-Day Pass Adults JPY6,200, Junior & Senior High JPY5,500, Elementary & Under JPY3,000, Ages 60+ JPY5,900 (until 12/19) / Central Area Adults JPY5,600, Elementary & Under JPY2,800 (until 12/19)

*Great Deal! 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