REPORT

Currently, Iwatake is organized into eight slope areas: Hikage/Sawa, South/Five Side, Iwatake Back Bowl, North, East, Sunny Valley, White Ribbon, and the Base Area. However, when it comes to individual runs, there are at least 20. With this report, I’ll start by providing a detailed introduction to the main South Slope (pictured).
[South Slope]

The South Slope, with a length of 820m, a maximum gradient of 23 degrees, and an average of 10 degrees, offers a very open and spacious atmosphere, thanks to its 105m width and south-facing orientation. As a result of the strongest cold wave so far this season, which arrived during the day on 1/7 (Tue.), the snow this morning made a satisfying crunch underfoot and provided perfect groomed powder conditions. The moderately soft snow surface allowed the edges of my skis to grip effortlessly.
[South Slope]

The South Slope begins gently, reaching its steepest point in the middle, before gradually easing again toward the end (pictured) as it curves eastward. With the High-Speed 5Sen South Quad lift (725m), you can execute efficient laps, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Northern Alps and the valley below as it extends towards Omachi. No matter how many runs you do, the scenery and the slope itself never gets old.
[South Slope]

The morning started with clear skies, the first since 1/5 (Sun.), but around 8:30 a.m., a thin layer of fog began to envelop the mountaintop. The East Slope (pictured) had a moderately firm, groomed powder snow surface, while the Sunny Valley Course featured similar snow conditoins at the beginning, with the middle to end sections being more hardpacked. As expected for the first day of the long weekend, the central parking lot was almost full by 9:30 a.m.
[East Slope]

　 　
[Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Details on 1/11 (Sat.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (=Except for North, VIEW A & B)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00-), and totally 6 lifts.
*Fees … Special In-Season Rates 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY5,000, 6-12 y/o JPY2,500 *A preschooler will be free per adult.
　
*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