Shiga Kogen has supported the tradition and image of the Japanese ski scene. The total skiing area of 18 ski resorts that weave Shiga Kogen is a whopping 425 ha (hectare). This is the size that 10 Tokyo Disneyland can fit inside, and there are 84 courses spread over a vast field, which is the largest in Japan. That is unlimited skiing with one common lift ticket. Also, since Shiga Kogen is located inland compared to the Myoko and Yuzawa areas in the Shinetsu area, the amount of snowfall is not so high, but the snow is low in humidity and high in quality. Here are some ski resorts and specialty courses where you can enjoy the powder of Shiga Kogen.
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Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort
Powder quality and sense of scale that stands out in the Shiga area
Skier: Naoto Kono Photo: Daniel Honda
Okushiga, located in the innermost part of Shiga Kogen, is one of the few ski resorts in Shiga Kogen that operates only on natural snow. It is an area where a lot of snow falls and accumulates. That's why it's irresistible for powder people. Even on the slopes, there is a wide variety of courses, such as steep slopes with uncompacted snow where you can enjoy overhead powder after a snowfall, scenic courses where you can enjoy beautiful tree riding, long courses with a total length of 2.2 km, and snow parks. Enjoy Shiga's natural beauty and scale.
In the 2022-23 season, a common season pass for Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort and Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort is also on sale, so you can enjoy both.
Okushiga Kogen Ski Resort's famous powder course
・Downhill course
Maximum slope: 28 degrees Average: 19 degrees / Distance: 2,200m / Slope orientation: East
Okushiga's famous course where you can run a long run of 2,200m from the end of the Okushiga gondola. The upper part is intermediate level, and the slope becomes steep from the middle, and the course changes abundantly. You can enjoy the feeling of a tree run if you get in between the trees on both sides of the course. It is said to be the most fun course in Okushiga by freeriders.
The specialty course of the ski resort, which can be accessed immediately from the Okushiga Kogen Hotel side, is a steep slope for intermediate and advanced skiers. It's usually groomed, so it's a good idea to challenge steep slopes with a maximum slope of 30 degrees while making dynamic turns with carving skis.
Although there is a slight change in the slope in the middle, the steep slope of the single slope that extends straight vertically is enough to respond to slipping. The slopes on the skier's left and lift sides are always uncompacted, so unevenness is likely to occur. Play freeriding. The snow is compacted more effectively on the right side than the center, so it feels good to drop the ski vertically and speed up the turn.
・Kumaotoshi course
Maximum slope: 30 degrees Average: 20 degrees / Distance: 400m / Slope orientation: South
The steepest non-compacted snow advanced course in Okushiga. It is a slope that advanced to the skier's right in the middle of the downhill course. Flanked by trees on both sides. It's also not very wide. The top of the course is in the middle of the course, and the topography slopes toward both ends.
The skier's right is also dotted with depressions, so there are jump points. The skier's left has loose terrain that is easy to hit towards the end of the course.
drunk Honshu's best snow quality and beautiful coniferous forest
As a single ski resort, Mt. Yakebitai is the largest in Shiga Kogen.
Furthermore, the quality of the snow is said to be one of the best in Honshu. There is also a "fast track" system that allows you to fully enjoy the powder, and a non-compressed snow course is also secured, and it is overwhelmingly popular among freeriders in Shiga Kogen. The beauty of the scenery is also attractive. The 16 courses are laid out so that the beautiful coniferous forest envelops the slopes, and the tree run is also very satisfying. The slope base consists of the East Building, South Building, and West Building of Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel. It is a high-spec resort that combines skiing and sophisticated resort stays.
Yakebi Wall is a famous course where Mt. Yakebitai is famous among freeriders. It is an uncompacted snow course with a maximum slope of 39 degrees, and when you look up from the bottom, it looks like a wall, which is the origin of the name.
The slope change that suddenly drops from a gentle approach is thrilling. When it snows, you can enjoy the finest powder unique to Mt. Yakebitai in Steep & Deep.
A little-known powder (uncompacted snow) course in Mt. Yakebitai. It's a little-known spot where you can enjoy powder even at relatively late hours because there aren't many visitors.
An advanced course that draws a lot of attention as it slides through the gondola line. After the snowfall, the whole surface of Asaichi is covered with powder. After the snowfall, you can dive into the powder while washing away, which doubles the fun.
Enjoy the powder on the steep slopes while gazing at the beautiful coniferous forest that symbolizes Shiga Kogen. It's a long course over 2km, so it's very slippery. There is a non-compressed snow part in the middle of the long line, and you can enjoy a powder tree run on the side of the course.
"DESCENTE Fast Track" is an annual event at Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort, where you can enjoy "No Track & Grooming Barn" where no one has skied yet. Is grooming or powder the best way to feel the quality of the snow? Both are best in the morning. "Fast Track" draws your own track on a course that no one has skied yet. The pleasure is a special experience that cannot be replaced by anything else. This season, she plans to ski the A4 Olympic Course and A1 Giant Slalom Course. Tickets can be purchased on the morning of the day without reservation.
* Saturdays and holidays from 2023 to March 26 (Sun) Canceled on February 23 (Thursday / holiday) and March 21 (Tuesday / holiday) Click here for details
Ryuoo Ski Park is located in Kitashiga in the Shiga area. Because the altitude is very high at 1,930m, you can see the Northern Alps and Sado Island in the distance from the ropeway and the SORA terrace on the middle of the mountain. It is famous for its beautiful scenery, where you can sometimes see the sun setting behind the sea of clouds.
The Koochi course is the first thing that powder lovers should aim for on the ropeway in the morning. Ryuo is proud of this course, where powder freaks gather all together to enjoy the smooth powder snow guaranteed by the high altitude. It is obligatory to wear a helmet. It's fun to slide all day while resting at "SORA terrace cafe" at the ropeway summit station. The snow park is also popular, with small kickers and boxes under the theme of FUN, and is designed for beginners to step up and improve.
Ryuoo Ski Park's famous powder course
・Kiotoshi Course b
Maximum slope: 36 degrees / Average slope: 23 degrees / Distance: 1320m / Slope orientation: North
Ryuo's famous course "Kiotoshi", which you enter from the ropeway summit station, is a non-compressed snow course for advanced skiers that branches into three routes b, c, and e. Course b is the longest of the three. With a maximum slope of 36 degrees and a slope facing north, good quality powder accumulates. You can enjoy a super long run of 1300m on the swamp terrain. Course conditions vary depending on the weather, and deep powder can be expected after a snowfall.
・Kiotoshi course c
Maximum slope: 36 degrees / Average slope: 23 degrees / Distance: 1172m / Slope orientation: North
Course c, which slides to the right from the ropeway summit station, passes under the ropeway, and flows into b in the second half. This is also a long course, and after a snowfall, you can get an overhead spray for deep snow. After it snows, you can spin b, c, and e and ski as much as you want in powder heaven.
・Skyland A Course
Maximum slope: 19 degrees / Average slope: 8 degrees / Distance: 1370m / Slope orientation: North
The "Skyland Area" located at an altitude of 1,930m is a forest course surrounded by frost-covered trees. The quality of the powder is certified powder zone even from the height of the altitude. Among them, the "Skyland A Course" has many gentle slopes with an average slope of 8 degrees, and you can enjoy the dry powder unique to the inland area on a long 1370m long course. For powder beginners.
