REPORT

As of yesterday, 12/25 (Wed.), the No. 5 Pair lift is now running, providing access to the Itadaira Forest Course! This morning I spoke with a man from Saitama Prefecture (pictured), who told me, “I’m working part-time at a lodge by the slope, and today is my first day to hit the slopes.” Before operations began, the sky was covered with clouds that looked ready to burst with snow at any moment.
[Warabidaira]

The groomed Warabidaira Slope featured packed powder conditions, with the steep upper section having a moderately firm surface, and the gentler middle to lower sections offering a slightly softer base. Similarly, the Ipponmatsu Course (pictured) was also groomed with nicely firm powder that made for easy-to-ride conditions overall. Early in the morning, the advanced skiers warming up were really impressive, including an instructor from the Cortina Ski School (pictured).
[Ipponmatsu Course]

The Mt. Hieda Forest Course, Itadaira Course, and Ikenota Slope (pictured) all offered firmly packed, smooth groomed powder conditions. A father from Nara Prefecture (pictured, front left) shared, “You took our photo last year too! We stay at Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba every year during this season. This time, we came out yesterday and are staying until 12/28 (Sat.).”
[Ikenotaira]

And so, it finally happened—rain (though only in the base area). I ran into a group of four from Tokyo (pictured), who cheerfully said, “We always follow your reports! We’ve been hoping someone from Snownavi would take our photo!” It’s nice running into Snownavi fans, as I’m usually wearing my press bib and skiing alone in the mornings.
[Ipponmatsu]

*Starting tomorrow, the No. 3 Quad will begin operation, and the slopes are expected to reach “fully open” status (80% or more accessible)!

[Hakuba Cortina Details on 12/26 (Thu.)]
*Almost All Areas Available (= Rabbit, Snake, Kamoshika, Hieda 2, Giant, Itadaira Ridge are not open)
*Available Lifts … No. 2 Quad (8:00～), No.1 Pair, No.4 Pair, No.5 Pair, No.6 Pair
*Fees … 1 day ticket Adult JPY5,800, 6-12 y/o JPY3,500, Over 60 y/o JPY5,200, Pre-schoolers FREE

*Print and get a great deal! Discount Coupon!
Adult 1 Day Ticket + JPY1,200 Meal Ticket = JPY8,000 → JPY6,800!
Child 1 Day Ticket + JPY1,200 Meal Ticket = JPY5,200 → JPY4,500!

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi