REPORT

Just when it seemed this might be the report wrapping up the final weekend, Jigatake Ski Resort announced that operations have been extended through 3/22 (Sun.)! The latest snowmaking machines really are impressive. (※Note: the resort will be closed on 3/16 for slope maintenance.) Under a deep blue sky this morning, temperatures were warm enough that I took off my mid-layer and opened my jacket vents fully before heading out.
[Echo Slope]

The fully groomed Kids Park (pictured) featured moderately firm corn snow grooming. The mother of two brothers visiting from Kanagawa Prefecture (pictured) told me, “We live somewhere that almost never gets snow, so the kids are absolutely thrilled.” The older brother added, “Sledding is really fun!” The younger brother showed how fast it was with his facial expression, since the sleds and Snow Striders were running so well (what a little actor!).
[Kids Park]

Mr. Masami Kishi (pictured, left), head of the Kishi Masami Snowboard School, told me, “Since the ski resort has extended its season, our school will also remain open through 3/22 (Sun.)!” A man from Tokyo (pictured, right), who was taking a lesson at the time, added, “This is my fourth lesson this season, and I’ve actually been friends with Director Kishi for about 30 years.”
[Echo Slope]

The Raicho Course (pictured) and the connected Echo Slope both had groomed corn snow that was already slightly softened from the start. About half of the Echo Slope had turned a brownish color from exposed dirt, but since the run is naturally wide, there was still plenty of room to lay down big turns. A staff member preparing for the “Jiigatake Night Banked Slalom” told me, “The banked slalom course will be open to the public until 4:00 p.m., and the competition starts at 5:00 p.m.! Same-day entry is welcome, so please join us. Starting tomorrow through the final day, it will be open for general use.”
[Raicho Course]

　　
*Thank you for reading the slope reports again this season! See you next winter.

[Jiigatake Details on 3/14(Sat.)]
*Fully OPEN!
*Available Courses … Echo, Raicho, Rabbit (upper part), Kids’ Slope
*Available Lifts … No.1 Pair (8:30～), No.3 Pair (8:30～)
*Lift Fees … Weekend 1 Day Ticket: Adult JPY5,400, 3-15 y/o JPY3,200, Over 60 y/o JPY4,400
　
*Request for the original data of our photographs
　
reported by Snownavi