REPORT

This morning, bright blue “Yakebi blue” skies stretched over a perfectly groomed, snow-white slope, with the Northern Alps clearly visible in the distance. A man I met on the Yakebitaiyama No. 1 Gondola told me, “The Olympic Course stayed firm until around noon yesterday and skied really well. Today looks just as good.” The new “YAKEBI” photo spot sign is shown here (pictured).
[Yakebitaiyama・No. 1 Gondola Summit Station]

The Panorama Course skied great for this time of year. The upper section was freshly groomed and firm, while the mid to lower sections had groomed wet snow mixed with a bit of granular. It was one of those days where the surface makes you ski better than you actually are. On the Shirakaba Course and the South Course (pictured), both freshly groomed with firm granular snow, the surfaces started to loosen around 9 a.m.
[Yakebitaiyama・South Course]

By 10 a.m., the East Course (pictured) had turned loose and slightly slushy on the surface. Guests staying at the Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel East Wing (pictured, background) can take advantage of the “Early Access” program on weekdays, which allows participants to board the No. 1 Gondola from 8:20 a.m., 10 minutes before general operation begins. In addition, starting in March, the No. 1 Gondola, No. 2 Gondola, and No. 2 High-Speed Lift will begin running at 8:00 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
[Yakebitaiyama・East Course]

A man from Matsumoto City told me, “I always check your reports. I came to Yakebitaiyama looking for good snow. The groomers were firm and running fast first thing this morning. If they soften a bit more, they should ski even better.” After wrapping up, I stashed my camera gear in the car and headed back up the No. 1 Gondola for another round.
[Yakebitaiyama・Panorama Course]

＊The base depth at the top of this report reflects the maximum snow depth across all of Shiga Kogen. Currently, the highest recorded depth of 160 cm is at Takagahara Mammoth, while Yakebitaiyama is reporting 130 cm.
　
[Shiga Kogen Details on 3/17 (Tue.)]
*Fully OPEN (Except for Shibutoge Simple, Shibutoge Weber, Yokoteyama 5 & 6, Panorama In, Yakebi Wall, YAKEBI COAST, Maruike A)
*Available Lifts … Yakebitaiyama No.1 Gondola (8:30～) and totally 39 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

reported by Snownavi