REPORT

This morning, the pure white Northern Alps and frost-covered trees created a stunning scene. Clear skies here are already rare from late December to mid-January in a normal year, but this winter, with only 70% of the average sunshine hours, a bright blue sky feels even more precious. The crisp cold air quickly numbed my hands as I held my camera, but as I stepped onto the slopes after exiting the gondola, I was rewarded with the satisfying crunch of perfectly packed snow underfoot.
[Usagidaira Slope]

With a sunny weekend forecast, the resort was bustling, not only with regular visitors, but also with many dressed for backcountry skiing or winter mountaineering. Before operations began, a long line had already formed for the gondola. The Panorama Course (pictured) offered beautifully groomed packed powder with just the right firmness. My edges gripped the snow perfectly, my skis glided effortlessly, and it was exhilarating to pick up speed with such ideal conditions.
[Panorama Course]

The groomed route on Usagidaira and the widely groomed slopes along the Kurobishi Quad offered moderately firm packed powder that was easy to ski on. Meanwhile, in front of the Usagidaira Terrace, the FACTION Ski & United Shapes Snowboard Demo Event is taking today and tomorrow (starting at 9 a.m., free to join, ID required). A staff member commented, “From beginners to advanced riders, whether you’re into basic techniques or freestyle, this is a great opportunity to test out a variety of skis and snowboards tailored to different styles and needs.”
[Panorama Course]

The clouds began to clear around 9 a.m., offering a stunning view of the Northern Alps from the top of the ski area. The groomed powder surface on Riesen Grat (pictured) was moderately soft, providing an enjoyable ride. On the ungroomed section near the end (pictured) to the skier’s left side, the moderately firm, uneven base terrain with wind-packed new snow on top added some fun variety.
[Riesen Grat Course]

　　
＊Tomorrow, 1/19 (Sun.), is Kids Ski Day, where lift rides are free all day for elementary school students.
　　
[Happo-One Details on 1/16 (Thur.)]
*All Courses are OPEN!
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～) and totally 19 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