REPORT

The snow that began falling yesterday morning continued through to today, bringing Hakuba its second major snowfall of the season! This time, the heavy snow came from the west as a low-pressure system moved northeast across the Sea of Japan, just before a winter weather pattern set in. This unique setup resulted in particularly abundant accumulation (*details below). The official base has also seen a significant increase, jumping from 65cm yesterday to 140cm today!
[Panorama Course]

Amidst the fast-falling dry snow, the Alpen Quad (782m) faced delays due to frozen lift chairs, so I started the day on the Panorama Course instead. Although the snowfall and thick fog made the surface hard to see, the moderately firm, groomed packed powder surface topped with 2 to 3cm of light, fresh snow, was in excellent shape. The conditions made for fun runs with smooth turns on repeat.
[Panorama Course]

The fresh snow measured over 65cm on the ungroomed south side of the Panorama Course. With temperatures dropping to a crisp -5°C, the surrounding trees were beautifully coated in frost, creating a stunning winter scene. In other news, the special opening rates ended yesterday, and the following early season prices are in effect from today, 12/7 (Sat.), to 12/20 (Fri.): Adults ¥5,000, Children ages 6–17 ¥1,500, Seniors 65+ ¥4,500.
[Panorama Course]

The Panorama Forest Trail (pictured) had a groomed packed powder surface, and I observed some skiers taking shortcuts to enjoy the fluffy powder on the sides of the trail. I rode the Panorama Pair with a skier who told me, “I love your site. The snow down at the base was wet, but it’s nice and light up here at the top. Next, I’m heading to the Alpen Quad to hunt for powder!” At 10:20 a.m., the Alpen Quad (782m) and Kurobishi No. 2 Quad (275m) lifts finally started operating, making the Usagidaira and Kurobishi slopes now open for skiing. The wait is over!
[Usagidaira Slope]

　
＊As a low-pressure system (which spins counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) moves northeast across the Sea of Japan, clouds carried in from the west rapidly cool as they pass over the towering 3,000-meter peaks of the Northern Alps. This cooling causes the clouds to release snow. Therefore, the heavy snowfall we receive as a result is a phenomenon unique to Hakuba’s distinctive geography.
　　
[Happo-One Details on 12/13 (Fri.)]
*Available Courses … Panorama Course, Upper Panorama Rindo, Usagidaira, Kurobishi
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～), Panorama Pair, Kokusai No.3 Pair, Alpen Quad, Kurobishi Quad
*Fees … Early Season 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY5,000, Over 65 y/o JPY4,500, 6-17 y/o JPY1,500 (Until 12/20)
　
*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi