REPORT

Looking back at the HAKUBA VALLEY’s start to the season, Happo, Goryu47, and Tsugaike opened on 11/30 (Thu.) and got off to a good start, but are still only partially open due to the lack of any major snowfall (20cm or more) since 12/5 (Tue.) combined with the week of unseasonably warm weather that began on 12/9 (Sat.). However, the strongest winter weather system of the season is expected to move into the area from tomorrow, 12/21 (Thu.), to 12/23 (Sat.)!
[Kurobishi Slope]

At Happo, the open areas have been limited to the Usagidaira Slope and Kurobishi Slope since 12/16 (Sat.). Today Usagidaira was ungroomed except for one portion near the end of the slopeat the end of the day. (*The southern route has many shallow and uneven icy tracks, and some exposed brush in the middle of the run.) The area along the Kurobishi Quad (pictured) had a well-packed, groomed wet snow surface that was easy to ski amd seemed to draw the majority of the visitors.
[Kurobishi Slope]

I spoke with a group of four visitors (pictured) from Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Fukuoka, and Shimane prefectures, who told me, “We love your site! We came to Nagano in search of snow. We’re planning to stay in Hakuba for two nights and before coming here we went boarding in Sugadaira.” Early this morning there were only light snow flurries, but it gradually grew in intensity as the day progressed.
[Kurobishi Slope]

In other news, Cafe & Restaurant Pilar (pictured), which is located at the Alpen Quad off-ramp, has been open since 12/14 (Thurs.). The Cafe typically opens around 9:00 a.m. (*varying slightly depending on when preparation is complete), and the restaurant begins serving food at 11:00 a.m. As of today, 12/20 (Wed.), the cafe is now offering its full winter menu, with the exception of curry, including the popular “Juicy Chicken” (¥1,500 yen). Coffee and tea are available for only ¥300 before 10:00 every morning. Feel free to stop by!
[Cafe & Restaurant Pilar]

　　　　
[Happo-One Details on 12/20 (Wed.)]
*Available Courses … Usagidaira, Kurobishi
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～16:00), Alpen Quad (8:30～15:00), Kurobishi No.2 Quad (8:40～15:00)
*Fees … Early Season 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY5,000, 6-17 y/o JPY1,500, Over 65 y/o JPY4,500
　
*Good Deal! Advance Ticket (Sales Period until 12/22)
Adult 1 Day Ticket JPY7,200 → JPY6,500!
Adult 1 Day Ticket + Lunch Ticket JPY1,500 = JPY8,700 → JPY7,300!
　
*Printable Rental Discount Coupons!
Carving Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY3,000 / Outerwear JPY2,500!
Carving Ski・Snowboard High Performance Model Rental JPY500 OFF!
Kid’s Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,500 / Outerwear JPY1,500!

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi