REPORT

Tsugaike is defying the odds during this warm, low-snow season. The Han-no-ki High-Speed Pair closed on 4/25 (Sat.), and from 4/26 (Sun.) onward only the Tsuga-no-mori Slope (pictured) remains open, but the official snow depth of 39 cm reflects actual conditions and there is still plenty of snow coverage for skiing. The morning started warm today, with thin clouds covering the sky.
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

On the Tsuga-no-mori Slope (pictured), the groomed surface—built up and maintained by gathering snow from other areas—had no exposed dirt or bushes, and started out as soft, loose granular snow. My skis ran well on the upper and lower sections, while the flatter midsection felt slightly slow.
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

I met a snowboarder from Toyama Prefecture who told me, “I always follow Snownavi! I came from the town of Asahi on the far side of the Ushiro-Tateyama range. Your reports really help me understand the latest slope conditions.” In terms of facilities still open on the mountain, the Tsuga No. 2 Pair lift is operating, along with Kitchen Tsuga-no-mori, SNOWMEN, the Burger King at the gondola mid-station, and the SPICY rental shop, retail shops, TSUGA BASE, and the Footbath Stage & Lounge around the base area.
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

Starting tomorrow, 4/29 (Wed., holiday), the Tsugaike Ropeway early-spring operation will resume and run daily through 5/6 (Wed., holiday). A staff member from Hakuba Sports (pictured) told me, “Thanks as always! In soft snow like today, snowboard edges tend to bite too deeply on steeper pitches and can hit the bindings. It’s actually easier to ride on gentler terrain.”
[Tsuga-no-mori Slope]

　
[Tsugaike Kogen Details on 4/28 (Tue.)]
*OPEN Courses … Tsuga-no-mori
*Operating lifts … Gondola (from 8:00 a.m.), Tsuga 2
*Fees … Spring Discount from 3/23: 1-Day Pass Adult JPY6,100, 6-12 y/o JPY3,800
　
*Printable Rental Discount Coupons!
Carving Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY3,500 / Outerwear JPY2,500!
Carving Ski・Snowboard High Performance Model Rental JPY500 OFF!
Kid’s Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,500 / Outerwear JPY1,500!

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi