REPORT

Snow clouds generated by the JPCZ (Japan Sea Polar Air Mass Convergence Zone) have swept into the Hakuba area, bringing the third major wave of cold weather this season, following the Christmas and New Year fronts. This ongoing cold spell is delivering abundant, high-quality snow, and the snowfall on the night of 1/7 (Tue.) was truly remarkable, even at the base! Yesterday morning, the official base depth hit the 300 cm mark, and as of this morning, it has increased to an impressive 340 cm.
[Kurobishi Slope]

I spoke to a ski patroller before the resort opened, who told me, “Between yesterday and this morning, we had significant accumulation. It’s deep.” Amid the densely falling dry snow, approximately 60 cm of fresh snow blanketed the ungroomed areas along the Kurobishi 3 Pair lift. The snow was deeper and lighter than expected, offering an incredible sense of buoyancy that made every turn an unforgettable experience.
[Kurobishi Slope]

A man who had just skied down along the Kurobishi 3 Pair lift called out to me enthusiastically, “I always check your reports! We hit the jackpot today!” Similar cheers and excited shouts could be heard from various spots on the slopes. Please note that the Kurobishi 3 Pair (pictured), Kurobishi Quad, and Skyline 2 Pair experienced delayed starts due to extended snow clearing operations.
[Kurobishi Slope]

Naturally, I couldn’t resist heading into the expert-level freeriding area, Omusubi (pictured, 500m long, max gradient 33°, average 27°). I fully enjoyed the unique terrain and roughly 60 cm of deep powder. Later, I met the owner of Chill Life, who shared, “The powder is amazing! It’s a weekday in January, so the slopes are quiet, and I’m making the most of it.” At the lower areas of Sakka and Shirakaba, 5 to 10 cm of light fresh powder sat on top of well-packed and easy-to-ride groomed powder snow.
[Omusubi]

　
＊The “HAPPO PARKS OPENING DAY” will take place at 10 a.m. on 1/11 (Sat.)!
　　
[Happo-One Details on 1/9 (Thur.)]
*All Courses are available (Except HAPPO PARKS)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～) and totally 18 lifts
*Fees … 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY8,000, 6-17 y/o JPY4,000, Over 65 y/o JPY7,700

*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