Who would have thought that such a specialty resort in the sky could be found just 30 minutes from Kyoto City? The 2022-2023 season of Biwako Valley has finally begun with the birth of the long-awaited powder area.
The long-awaited powder area appears on the
"Romance Course" and "Forest Course"!
The most notable news for the 2022-2023 season at Biwako Valley is the appearance of the "powder area." On the “Romance Course” and “Forest Course,” which descend from the summit station of the ropeway on the north side, the area that was prohibited from sliding until last season has been released, and it has become possible to officially ride powder as a powder area. This is big news for powder lovers.
The reason is that both of these two courses are 1000m long, have some topographical changes and have a slope of about 20 degrees, so they are really good for powder cruising. What does the actual course look like? Let your imagination run wild and take a look at our previous course videos. These courses are partly uncompacted powder areas! Aren't you excited?
Forest course
Maximum slope: 19 degrees Average: 15 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
The undulating terrain makes it exciting to enjoy the rhythmic skiing on the 1,000m long course. The slope faces north and the quality of the snow is outstanding.
romance course
Maximum slope: 22 degrees Average: 11 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope direction: North
It features a large curve at the top of the course, and is popular with intermediate and advanced skiers who want to ski aggressively. The course is wide and slippery. After the snowfall, you can play not only in the powder area where the snow is not compacted, but also in the powder that has accumulated on the side of the course.
From this season on snowy days, check out these two courses first! Catch the first ropeway in the morning and access the romance course. After receiving a long powder run of 1000m, we will attack the forest course with a giant quad lift from the bottom of the course. It can be turned efficiently with a quad, so it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun.
Don't miss the "Champion Course" and "Giant Course"
champion course
If you're a powder rider, it's not enough if you're just obsessed with the Romance Course and the Forest Course. The Champion Course, which starts at the top of the slopes at an altitude of 1,174m and slides down an elevation difference of 224m, boasts the longest running distance of 1,400m in the Biwako Valley, and a maximum slope of 28 degrees, making it a long course worthy of its name.
Don't miss it after the snowfall. You can enjoy an exhilarating slide by hitting the wall on the side of the course and raising the powder spray. Check out this drone footage.
Maximum slope: 28 degrees Average: 12 degrees / Distance: 1400m / Slope orientation: North
1400m, the longest in the Biwako Valley. Due to the steepness of the slopes, it is difficult for snow to accumulate, so the operating period is rather short, but compared to Horai Slope, which is the center of the slopes, it can be said to be a little-known spot. Connoisseurs like the rich and fun terrain.
Giant course
Immediately after leaving the ropeway summit station, the giant course on the right side of the forest course is 1000m with plenty of slipperiness. After it snows, about half of the course is left with fresh snow, so I'm happy. You can enjoy a long powder ride while comfortably raising the powder spray on the course side.
Maximum slope: 25 degrees Average: 12 degrees / Distance: 1000m / Slope orientation: North
After passing through the gentle approach at the beginning where there is nothing to block the view, a steep slope zone appears in the middle stage. A popular course for middle-advanced riders who enjoy rhythmic cruising.
There is also a one-of-a-kind park where you can post such a photo on SNS
Despite being the closest to Kyoto City, the Biwako Valley snow park is one of the largest in the Kansai area! "CLOUD-C SNOWPARK" has a lineup of 4m kickers and a variety of jib items, making it ideal for intermediate and advanced skiers to step up. If you are new to the park, go to "ROOKIES PARK" where you can play safely. There is also a mogul course for bump lovers.
The park is divided into a jump system and a jib system, and it is designed in two ways, so it is comfortable because it is easy to slip and you can practice efficiently. And above all, you can take such photogenic pictures only here! The jumps and hips that pop out as if diving into Lake Biwa are a stimulating feeling that makes your heart beat a little.
in the first place…
What kind of place is Biwako Valley?
The famous and popular Biwako Valley attracts guests from all over the world as well as in Japan throughout the four seasons as a "superb resort with breathtakingly beautiful scenery". Only 30 minutes by car from Kyoto city, access is very convenient, and while you still feel like you are in the middle of the city, you can reach the top of the mountain at an altitude of 1,100m in just 5 minutes on the ropeway. What spreads out there is a resort with amazing high-spec facilities. The ski slopes in the winter season are compact in size, but they have 9 diverse courses.
Speaking of Lake Biwa, it is a rich lake with the largest water area and water storage in Japan, and is also called "Mother Lake". Biwako Valley is a special place where you can enjoy the beautiful panorama of Lake Biwa to the fullest.
The Biwako Terrace, where you can feel the eternal nature in the beautiful colors of the four seasons, delicious food and cafes that you can enjoy with the scenery of Lake Biwa, a variety of activities that allow you to fully enjoy the outdoors, and moreover, there are unique activities created by the large temperature difference. Depending on the climate, there are days when a divine sea of clouds is born. Who would have thought there would be such a specialty sky resort just 30 minutes from the city?
"I'm so glad you came." Biwako Valley is a precious resort that makes everyone who visits feel that way.
"Biwako Terrace" is worth it just to come here
The Biwako Terrace is what makes the Biwako Valley so special. The fantastic beauty of the winter scenery of Lake Biwa seen from an altitude of 1,100m is beyond words. Take a break between slides and chill out after you've finished. The view of the lake from the observation deck on the terrace changes its expression depending on where you stand and the time of day, so you will never get tired of it. You will surely be overwhelmed by the vivid contrast between the blue sky, the white snow, and the lake that shines like a crystal in the light.
The Grand Terrace and Terrace Cafe are open in winter. The long-awaited '22-23 season will start on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the Biwako Terrace.
"The Biwako Terrace Christmas 2022" will be held until December 25th (Sun), and the ski resort will finally open on December 24th (Sat) in the midst of the X'mas bustle.
Biwako Terrace
Business hours: Same as Biwako Valley business
hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m. Fees: Adults 3,500 yen, Elementary school students 1,500 yen, Infants (from 3 years old) 1,000 yen
Heavenly Gourmet Grill Dining & Bar "HALUKA"
A splendid meal goes well with the luxurious time you spend while admiring the beautiful scenery that looks like a painting. Grill Dining & Bar "HALUKA" is the main dining room on the Biwako Terrace. You can relax and enjoy grilled dishes such as steaks and hamburgers in a space with a calm atmosphere.
The signboard menu is a variety of main dishes using "Omi beef", which is famous as one of the three major wagyu beef in Japan. Among them, the resort staff's recommendation is the "Omi Beef Sirloin Steak" (photo below. Omi Beef is cooked at a low temperature and cooked in a live kitchen.
In addition, the rich beef stew made by boiling Omi beef, the grilled hamburger with demi-glace sauce, and the Omi beef roast beef bowl are all delicious and make you hungry.
Champagne cocktails from “Moët & Chandon” and colorful mocktails are also served from the symbolic bar counter. Since opening in the summer of 2022, “Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA” has quickly gathered fans, with many repeaters coming up the mountain aiming for HALUKA.
◆Grill Dining & Bar HALUKA
Location: Biwako Terrace Ropeway Sancho Station (228 seats)
Open hours: 12/17 (Sat) - 12/25 (Sun) / 11:00 - 19:30 (LO 19:00)* 16:00-17:00 CLOSE
-3/21 (Tue/Holiday) / 10:30-15:30 (LO 15:00 ) ” .
Take a walk in the air with great excitement at "Zipline Adventure"!
"Zipline Adventure" is a thrilling way to enjoy this scenery that can't be found anywhere else. It is an exhilarating attraction that hangs on a pulley suspended from a rope and runs through the sky. The view, which is completely different from skiing, is fresh and irresistible.
Zipline adventure
period: December 24, 2022 - March 21, 2023
Open: 10:00 - 15:00
Price: 1,500 JPY (per course)
INFO
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| Top altitude 1,174m | Longest run 1,400m | Elevation difference 224m | Maximum slope 30° |
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9 courses | 5 lifts | Gondola -base | 1 ropeway |
