REPORT

A low-pressure system passing along the southern coast of Honshu brought unusually wet snow to Shiga Kogen. I ran into students from Yamaguchi Prefecture (pictured) who told me, “This is our second day. We’re gradually getting better at snowboarding. It’s so much fun!” At Takamagahara Mammoth (pictured), about 10 cm of slightly wet new snow had accumulated on top of a firm, groomed wet-snow base.
[Takamagahara・Takamagahara Mammoth]

After riding the Takamagahara Quad back up, I skied down the Higashidateyama Forest Course and continued into the Bunadaira Slope (pictured). The entire width of Bunadaira had been groomed, with 5 to 10 cm of slightly wet new snow on top. The combination of flat, moderately firm grooming and a light layer of fresh snow felt great, and I focused on keeping my bases flat while making big, sweeping turns.
[Hoppo Bunadaira・Bunadaira Slope]

After taking another lap on Bunadaira, I rode the Nishidateyama Quad and then the Nishidateyama Hooded Quad to return to Takamagahara Mammoth. A skier I shared the lift with told me, “After retiring, I started working a seasonal resort job here in Shiga Kogen, where I used to come skiing often. I’m heading to work after a few more runs.” The snowfall that had continued since early morning began to ease around 9 a.m.
[Nishidateyama・Intermediate Course]

This morning’s wet snow made the roads especially slippery. Even driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle with winter tires, I had a few tense moments. If you’re concerned about driving conditions, consider taking the bus. The Shiga Kogen Line runs between JR Nagano Station and Shiga Kogen, and an overnight bus called “Yuki Monogatari” operates from Tokyo Station. Shuttle buses are also available within Shiga Kogen.
[Shiga Kogen Yama-no-Eki Resort Center]

＊The base depth at the top of this report reflects the maximum depth across all of Shiga Kogen. Currently, the highest recorded depth of 180 cm is at Takagahara Mammoth.
　
[Shiga Kogen Details on 2/11 (Wed.)]
*Fully OPEN (Except for Shibutoge Simple, Yokoteyama 5 & 6,Maruike A)
*Available Lifts … Takamagahara Quad (8:30～) and totally 41 lifts
*Fees … 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY9,000, Middle & High school students JPY6,700, Under 12 y/o JPY4,100, over 60 y/o JPY6,900, 1 preschooler free per paying adult.

*Request for the original data of our photographs