It is worth noting off the bat that intermediate skiers will love Shiga Kogen. It boasts 40% red runs and these make up the meat of the ski area, particularly at the northern end. The wide range of terrain is a joy – there are high-level runs with challenging fall lines, tight valley trails hugging the trees, fast and wide groomers that race down towards the hotels and lots of unexplored interconnecting runs to keep you busy. The ski area is also spread out enough that you can always find some quiet corduroy to enjoy, even at the end of the week when the busloads of weekenders arrive.
In the footsteps of Olympians in Higashidateyama
The first place for both intermediates and experts to head for is the Higashidateyama Gondola (a cramped, egg-like lift) up to Mt. Higashitateyama at 2,030 meters. This is the starting point for the Higashidateyama Olympics Course, an exhilarating 1.6 km descent down towards Hoppo Onsen that everyone with solid skills should try. This was the run used for the giant slalom at the 1998 Winter Olympics. You can then continue on through the Bunadaira Gelaende, a wide groomer with a striking huge tree in the middle of the run, then head all the way down to the bottom of Giant. Taken in one go, this is a sizeable descent that’s sure to get your legs burning!
Escape the crowds in Okushigakogen
Head for the northern most part of Shiga Kogen for an array of truly memorable groomers. The Yakebitaiyama and Okushigakogen resorts are both fed by long and efficient gondolas, which mean plenty of vertical for not a lot of lift riding. The runs here are an ideal stomping ground for intermediate and advanced skiers, as fast and challenging groomers abound here and they also tend to be much quieter than further south. The Downhill Course (no. 58) in Okushigakogen is lightning fast and you can really build up a head of steam safe in the knowledge that there is plenty of width available to avoid other skiers. Further over, the 2.5 km Panorama Course (no. 35) which then links with the Shirakaba Course (no.36) before heading back down to Ichinose offers up sumptuous views and varied terrain along its considerable length. The snow quality in this part of the ski area is probably best too, with exquisite dry snow up on top more often than not.
Experts need to look a little harder
There are some seriously challenging runs in Shiga Kogen but it is worth noting that they are spread pretty evenly throughout the valley, meaning that discerning experts may have to make do with red runs most of the time. The steepest groomers are probably in Kumanoyu, in the shape of the short, sharp Kumanoyu 3rd A Course (no. 68) and Kumanoyu 4th Course (no. 69). Slightly further south, the Yokoteyama Jumbo Course (no. 78) is steep and icy, and a real challenge for any skier. Meanwhile, mogul lovers should head for Takamagahara Mammoth.