REPORT

The “NINJA BANKED SLALOM” event was held starting at 8:30 a.m. today (※entry fee ¥6,500), under clear, windless skies. A total of 104 riders competed across 10 competition classes: Junior Men, Junior Women, Young Men, Young Women, Master Men, Master Women, Legend Men, Open Men, Open Women, and Mixed Snow Skate. The competition course, Shine (pictured), is also nicknamed “Pendulum Valley” because its layout lets riders flow rhythmically from side to side.
[Shine]

After allowing participants one course inspection run, a competitors’ meeting was held, before each athlete then took two timed runs, with the best time counting toward the final ranking. Unlike artificially built courses seen at some events, this course featured large natural banks that made full use of the terrain. Many riders carried good speed while carefully setting their turns on the firm, moist snow surface,.
[Shine]

I ran into a father from Ueda City (pictured, center) who told me, “I always read your reports! I bought a season pass and made Ninja my home resort. Today I’m competing together with my son (pictured, left) and his friend (pictured, right).” Competitors were warming up on Blackbeat (pictured), which was groomed with a firmly packed, moist snow surface,
[Blackbeat]

Just like Blackbeat, Drago (pictured), Gomarugo, and Alekoko also offered well-compacted groomed snow with a moist, powder-like feel, making for enjoyable runs. And once again, the views — especially of the Northern Alps — were outstanding. In other news, the “ON SNOW JAM 2026” event is set to take place starting at 9:00 a.m. on 2/22 (Sun.) and 2/23 (Mon., public holiday).
[Drago]

＊Beginning on 1/31 (Sat.), banana boat rides are being offered in the base area (adults ¥1,500, elementary school children ¥1,000, approx. 10 minutes).
＊From 1/31 (Sat.), a Nagano resident discount will go into effect, offering ¥1,000 off one-day lift tickets (ID required).
　　
[Ninja Snow Highland Details On 2/21 (Sat.)]
*Fully OPEN!
*Available Lift … NINJA Lift (8:30～), REWILD Lift (9:00～)
*Fees … Off peak 1-Day Pass Adult JPY3,500/ High School, University & College Students JPY2,500/ 60-69 y/o JPY2,800/ Over 70 y/o JPY2,000/ 4-15 y/o JPY1,000, Under 3 y/o FREE (Until 12/14)

*Special Offer! Advance Discount Lift Tickets (*On sale until 4/12)
E-ticket Adult 1 Day Ticket JPY4,500 → JPY4,000!
E-ticket 4-15 y/o 1 Day Ticket JPY2,000 → JPY1,500!
E-ticket High school & College Student 1 Day Ticket JPY3,500 → JPY3,000!
E-ticket Over 60 y/o 1 Day Ticket JPY3,800 → JPY3,300!
E-ticket Adult & Child 1 Day Ticket Set JPY6,000 → JPY5,000!
　
＊Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi