Who would have imagined that such a specialty sky resort could be found just 30 minutes from Kyoto City? Biwako Valley's 2022-2023 season is finally about to begin with the birth of its long-awaited powder area
The long-awaited powder areas
have arrived on the Romance Course and Forest Course!
The hottest news for Biwako Valley in the 2022-2023 season is the launch of a new "powder area." The Romance Course and Forest Course, which run down the north face from the ropeway's summit station, were closed to skiers until last season, but they have now opened up the area to official powder riding. This is great news for powder lovers
That's because these two courses are both 1000m long, have varying terrain, and have a gradient of around 20 degrees, making them medium-sized slopes perfect for powder cruising. What are the courses actually like? Let's use our imagination and take a look at videos of the courses we've seen so far. Doesn't it get you excited to think that some of these courses will be ungroomed powder areas?
Forest Course
Maximum gradient: 19 degrees, average gradient: 15 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
The undulating terrain allows for a rhythmic, exciting ride over a 1000m long run. The north-facing slopes offer excellent snow quality, making for a challenging powder ride on snowy mornings
Romance Course
Maximum gradient: 22 degrees, average gradient: 11 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
The course features a large curve at the top and is popular with intermediate and advanced skiers looking for an aggressive skiing experience. The course is wide and easy to ski on. After snowfall, you can enjoy not only the powder areas that are not compacted, but also the powder that has accumulated along the side of the course
Starting this season, on snowy days, I'll be checking out these two courses first! I'll take the early morning ropeway to the Romance Course. After a 1000m long powder run, I'll take the Giant Quad lift from the bottom of the course to tackle the Forest Course. The quad lift makes for efficient maneuvering, so it looks like it'll be a lot of fun
Don't miss the Champion Course and Giant Course
Champion Course
Powder lovers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to just the Romance Course and the Forest Course. The Champion Course, which drops 224 meters in elevation from the top of the slope at an elevation of 1,174 meters, is the longest course in Biwako Valley at 1,400 meters, with a maximum slope of 28 degrees, making it a challenging long course worthy of its name
This is also a must-see after a snowfall. You can enjoy an exhilarating ride by shooting powder spray at the walls on the side of the course. Check out this drone footage
Maximum gradient: 28 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 1,400m / Slope orientation: North
At 1,400m, it is the longest in Biwako Valley. The slope is steep and difficult to accumulate snow on, so the opening period is somewhat short, but compared to the central Horai slope, it can be said to be a hidden gem. The terrain is rich and fun, making it a favorite among ski connoisseurs
Giant Course
Immediately after leaving the Ropeway Summit Station, the Giant Course, located to the right of the Forest Course, is a challenging 1,000m course. After snowfall, about half of the course is left unpacked, leaving fresh snow, which is great. You can enjoy a long powder ride while kicking up a pleasant powder spray on the side of the course
Maximum gradient: 25 degrees, average gradient: 12 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
After a gentle approach with unobstructed views at the beginning, a steep slope appears in the middle. This is a popular course for intermediate and advanced skiers, who enjoy rhythmic cruising
There is also a unique park where you can post a photo like this on social media
Despite being the closest to Kyoto City, Biwako Valley's snow park is one of the largest in the Kansai area! CLOUD-C SNOWPARK has a 4m kicker and a variety of jib items, making it the perfect place for intermediate and advanced skiers to step up their game. Beginners can head to ROOKIES PARK for safe play. There's also a mogul course for mogul lovers
The park is designed in two ways, with jumps and jibs, making it easy to ski and practice efficiently. And best of all, you can only take such photogenic photos here! The jumps and hips that jump out like you're diving into Lake Biwa are an exciting feeling that makes your heart pound
in the first place…
What kind of place is Biwako Valley?
Biwako Valley is a famous and popular resort known for its breathtaking views, attracting guests from all over Japan and the world throughout the year. Just a 30-minute drive from Kyoto city, it's extremely conveniently located, and while you still feel like you're in the city, a quick 5-minute ropeway ride will take you straight to the summit at an altitude of 1,100m. Spreading out before you is a resort with surprisingly high-spec facilities. The ski slopes in the winter season are compact in size, but offer a diverse range of nine courses
Lake Biwa is the largest lake in Japan in terms of both water surface area and water storage capacity, and is also known as the "Mother Lake." Biwako Valley is a special place where you can enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of this beautiful lake to the fullest
There's the Lake Biwa Terrace, where you can experience the eternal nature of nature through the beautiful colors of the four seasons, delicious food and cafes to enjoy alongside the view of Lake Biwa, and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy to the fullest. Furthermore, the unique climate, created by the large temperature difference, even produces a divine sea of clouds on some days. Who would have imagined that such a specialty sky resort could be found just 30 minutes from the city?
"I'm so glad I came." Biwako Valley is a precious resort that leaves everyone who visits feeling this way
"Biwako Terrace" is worth visiting just for this
What makes Biwako Valley a special place like no other is the Biwako Terrace. The fantastic beauty of the winter scenery of Lake Biwa, seen from an altitude of 1,100m, is beyond words. Take a break between runs, or relax after you've finished. The view of the lake from the observation deck on the terrace changes depending on where you stand and the time of day, so you'll never get bored. You'll be overwhelmed by the vivid contrast between the blue sky, the white snow, and the crystal-like lake bathed in light
The Grand Terrace and Terrace Cafe are open during the winter season. The long-awaited 2022-2023 season will kick off at Biwako Terrace on Saturday, December 17, 2022
"The Biwako Terrace Christmas 2022" will be held until Sunday, December 25th, and the ski resort will finally open on Saturday, December 24th amid the Christmas excitement
Biwako Terrace
Hours: Same as Biwako Valley
Hours: 8:30-16:30
Fees: Adults 3,500 yen, elementary school students 1,500 yen, infants (3 years and over) 1,000 yen
Gourmet Grill Dining & Bar in the Sky "HALUKA"
A luxurious time spent gazing at a picturesque landscape is matched only by a sumptuous meal. Grill dining and bar HALUKA is the main dining area at Biwako Terrace. In a relaxed atmosphere, you can leisurely enjoy grilled dishes such as steaks and hamburgers
The signature menu features a variety of main dishes made with Omi beef, famous as one of Japan's three great wagyu beefs. The resort staff's top recommendation is the Omi beef sirloin steak (photo below). This exquisite dish is made by slow-cooking Omi beef and preparing it in the live kitchen
Other dishes include a rich beef stew made with simmered Omi beef, grilled hamburger steak with demi-glace sauce, and Omi beef roast beef bowl, all of which look so delicious they'll get your stomach rumbling
The iconic bar counter also serves Moët & Chandon champagne cocktails and colorful mocktails. Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA opened in the summer of 2022 and has quickly gained fans, with many repeat customers heading up the mountain just to visit HALUKA
◆ Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA
Location: Biwako Terrace Ropeway Summit Station, adjacent (228 seats)
Opening hours: 12/17 (Sat) - 12/25 (Sun) / 11:00-19:30 (LO 19:00) *Closed from 16:00-17:00
12/26 (Mon) - 3/21 (Tues, holiday) / 10:30-15:30 (LO 15:00)
* Please check the "Today's business hours" on the TOP page to check the business hours
Enjoy an exciting walk through the air on the "Zipline Adventure"!
The Zipline Adventure is a thrilling way to enjoy this unique landscape. It's an exhilarating attraction where you hang from a pulley suspended by a rope and soar through the sky. The view is completely different from skiing, and is refreshingly refreshing
◆Zipline Adventure
Period: December 24, 2022 - March 21, 2023
Business Hours: 10:00-15:00
Fee: 1,500 yen (1 course)
INFO
 |  |  |  |
| Top elevation 1,174m | The longest run is 1,400m | Altitude difference 224m | maximum slope 30° |
 |  |  |  |
9 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola - Unit | 1 ropeway |
Official social media: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
