This three-day, two-night Shiga program will be the last ski program of the spring of 2025.
It was drizzling in Shibuya early in the morning, and as we set off, we waved goodbye to our families who were holding umbrellas and seeing us off.
Once on the bus, the leaders immediately began introducing themselves. Everyone laughed at their unique introductions, and by the time snack time came around, it was hard to hide their excitement. Every time they got off the bus for a break, the participants got more and more excited as they sensed the snow getting closer, exclaiming, "It's so cold!" They were all very energetic! 
We arrived at Shiga Ichii Hotel in no time. After lunch, we headed straight for skiing. Skiing in the clear spring weather was refreshing, unlike the winter slopes.
At night, the plan was to observe the stars, but instead, they ended up exploring a crevasse! The participants still hadn't had enough, and the leaders dashed to the top of small snowy mountains, laughing over and over, or peered into deep cracks in the snowy mountains before sliding down as if they were running away. Even after dark, the participants were still full of energy.
On the second day, after breakfast, we headed straight to the slopes. The group that had struggled with their ski boots and snowboards yesterday seemed to have gotten used to it. Regardless of whether they were going to take the test or not, they continued skiing while listening to the coach's explanations. We saw off several groups who were heading off to tackle the Tengu Course and Tanne no Mori Okojo Slope, which are a little further away from the Ichinose Family Slope, the original starting point.
Meanwhile, a sudden heavy snowfall occurred in the afternoon. Many participants screamed with joy, "My face is cold! But I want to ski!", demonstrating their tenacity.
On this day, after the ski lesson and exam, everyone decided what they wanted to do: play in the snow, ski downhill, make sweet red bean soup, or take a short break. The crowds at the sweet red bean soup venue were like a bargain sale. The heartwarming scene of older and younger people working together to stir the pot was heartwarming. Before I knew it , everyone was taking on various roles, such as lending out recipes (bookmarks) and calling the resting group. It was hard to tell who was the "leader" compared to me, who was leisurely sipping my sweet red bean soup. 
After dinner and a bath, it was time for the much-anticipated fun party. "What exactly are we looking forward to?" I was asked countless times that day. The answer was to participate in an animal race with six animals (leaders) invited by zookeeper Icchi! We imitated the walking style of each animal and ran in relay fashion around the hall in turn.
Today was the last night of the program. The participants who had been on the verge of tears last night because they couldn't see their mothers were so engrossed in the living room talk that they didn't want to go to sleep.
The morning of the final day was hectic. With the air of staying up late, everyone tidied up their rooms and headed out to ski again. By now, everyone knew exactly which lift to take, discussed the course and the order to line up, and rushed to help friends who had fallen. On their final run, the participants enjoyed themselves to the fullest, running all over the slopes.
When we returned to Shibuya, we were surprised to find that it was just as cold as the slopes. The participants, one by one, waved goodbye to the friends they had met during the program as they left. As we watched them leave, the leaders were murmuring to each other, "I wonder if we'll see each other again," and "I miss you."
The leaders have grown as a result of meeting the participants. Let's have a lively reunion. We look forward to seeing you again at the next program!
