Tsugaike Kogen / ◎328cm / Overcast2022.Mar.16
This morning there were around 10 people on the first 8:30 departure of the Tsugaike Ropeway’s Spring Service (pictured). Just after, a steady stream of backcountry skiers and boarders could be seen heading to the boarding point, and by 8:40 a special, originially unscheduled departure was organized to handle the overflow. (Typically there are 30 minutes between departures). Soft sunlight pierced through the thin, wispy clouds spread across the entire sky.
[Tsugaike Ropeway]
Warm temperatures have continued uninterrupted since 3/12 (Sat.), leading to granular snow surfaces across the entire resort. On the Tsuga-no-mori Slope, the groomed areas alongside the Han-no-ki High-Speed Pair and No. 3 Quad (pictured) featured a loose top layer of snow between 1〜3cm thick. The firmer base layer was suitable for setting and maintaining an edge and I was able to execute comfortable turns.
[Han-no-ki Slope]
The snowy photos don’t do the heat justice, as I had to remove an inner layer and fully open up my zippers for ventilation, and even still found myself lightly sweating. On the groomed Shirakaba Slope (pictured), the loose top layer of snow was even thicker, between 3 to 5cm, and at times seemed to apply the brakes to my skis.
[Shirakaba Slope]
I spoke with a couple of snowboarders from Nagano’s Azumino City (pictured), who told me, “We always check your reports! It’s definitely spring conditions, but we’re still finding it easier to board than we expected. But the funny thing is, we’re taking our break after takin only one run, haha.” The Konayuki Cafe, located in the Yuki-no-Hiroba sells beer and other alcoholic beverages. I too started imagining myself sitting outside with a cold beverage in hand.
[Yuki-no-Hiroba]
[Availability Information for Mar. 16 (Wed.)]
* All Areas Available!
* Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00 a.m.―), totally 11 lifts
* Lift Price … 1-day Ticket Adults JPY5,500, 6-12 y/o JPY3,300, Over 60 y/o: JPY4,000
＊Printable Rental Discount Coupons!
Carving Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,500 / Outerwear JPY2,000!
Carving Ski・Snowboard High Performance Model Rental JPY500 Off!
Kid’s Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,000 / Outerwear JPY1,000!
*Tsugaike Kogen Ski Resort will start the 2021-22 Winter operation from late November, 2021 (*Depending on the snow) until May 5, 2022.
* Request for the original data of our photographs
