Exploring Nagano's Shiga Kogen Ski Resort: Yokoteyama & Shibutoge

The highest ski resort in Japan, Shiga Kogen, offers a unique skiing experience at Yokoteyama & Shibutoge. On January 8th, I spent a day skiing in this area, which includes Yokoteyama, Shibutoge, and Kuma-no-Yu ski resorts. These resorts are not directly connected to other Shiga Kogen ski areas, but the all-mountain ski pass covers this region, making it convenient for skiers. Compared to two years ago, the visibility at the observation deck remains challenging, but the snow quality has significantly improved, making it feel like a completely different place. Heavy snowfall on the night of the 7th and throughout the 8th resulted in powdery conditions on the slopes, making it irresistible to ski all day in the Yokoteyama area. The snow was so perfect that I skipped visiting Kuma-no-Yu and enjoyed the best skiing day of the season. The snow quality at Shiga Kogen is exceptional, rivaling the best powder in Hokkaido. I was initially skeptical when a friendly local boasted about the snow here, but experiencing the 'Shiga powder' firsthand was truly impressive. The dry and fine snow is among the best I've encountered on Honshu Island. Yokoteyama had only the main routes open (under lifts 1, 2, and 3), but this didn't affect the skiing experience. The red and black runs were in excellent condition, allowing for thrilling skiing until the lifts closed at 3:30 PM. However, the slow speed of the old lifts was frustrating, taking about 30 minutes to reach the top. It's advisable to ski down to lift 2 and avoid going further down. The connection between lifts 2 and 3 is also not very friendly. The Shibutoge area offers two wide and straight runs, which are enjoyable but hampered by the slow chairlifts, making it less appealing. The resort was surprisingly empty, with fewer than 20 skiers seen throughout the day, resulting in no waiting lines at all. In summary, Yokoteyama & Shibutoge offer a serene skiing experience, perfect for those who enjoy having the slopes to themselves. Despite the slow lifts, the overall experience is worth it. If you have a day to spare, it's definitely worth exploring the charm of Yokoteyama. #Skiing #Snowboarding #JapanSkiResorts #ShigaKogen #Yokoteyama #Shibutoge #Nagano