> they CLOSED all lists [lifts?] operated by Nippon Cable in this area TODAY on 01 APR 2019 Sorry to hear that. This might be due to maintenance/poor weather. Also two of the resort entrances 1) Hatsukaishi & 2) Kankoguchi are shut from 1st Apr and only the Chuo entrance is operating to the closing date 7th Apr. Maybe you were caught in one of these factors without getting explanation in English. Maybe use Google Translate app on your phone to get more detailed info from the non-English speaking staff next time. (after all, English is not an official language in Japan, people are expected to communicate only in Japanese...)

Hi Peter B, I've spoken to the resort staff and they told me that they usually offer reduced services by stop operating some lifts and close some entrances from 1st Apr but, any operating lifts should be available for a season ticket holder. Also they said the resort (with reduced services) was operating normally on 1st Apr. Hope this helps.

Hi Natalie C, An Aussie couple Jodi & Nathan is the owners of the Hiiragi Restaurant in Ishiuchi. They'll be happy to answer your Qs in more detail. They can be easily found via FB/Google. Ishiuchi is a quaint Japanese oldskool snow resort collectively run by the local farmers/residents. It's less westernised and slightly dated, but it is a functioning resort oozing with nostalgic characteristics. It's a good place if you want a relaxed, low-key & typically-Japanese snow holiday in the middle of picturesque snow mountain ranges that is accessible under 2h from Tokyo. Ishiuchi is also renowned for its quality canteen meals offered by independent outlets. Many ingredients are locally produced and served by the producers themselves. It's not quite the Michelin-starred sophistication but it's one of the wholesome delights of visiting Ishiuchi. The locals are friendly and will help you out even though their English is rather limited. They'll understand your basic needs and are very unlikely to rip you off. Ishiuchi have night skiing facilities during the high season and the resort is open 13h/day (8am-9pm) 7 days during that time so, you don't have to get up early to enjoy the snow. Immersing yourself in the changing colour of the sky at dusk, and skiing down towards the twinkling lights of the town at night are some of the moments that will leave a strong impression on you. I normally stay Ishiuchi 5-7 nights in a row but I never get tired of the resort despite its 'compact' scale (I get tired physically but not mentally). Yes, the run is short-ish but the surface condition shifts from one run to the next due to the change in temperature/weather throughout a day so, even if you go on the same run one after anther it's a different beast you are dealing with each time, and that keeps me entertained day after day.