REPORT

The JAPAN FREERIDE OPEN (JFO) is being held over three days, from 2/8 (Sat.) to 2/10 (Mon.), on a massive treed slope with only the start and finish points set. I spoke with a competitor from Niigata’s Yuzawa town (pictured), who shared, “I’ve always wanted to compete in the JFO, and this is my first time participating. I’m nervous, but doing this interview has helped me calm down a bit. I just want to enjoy myself and make it to the end.”
[Ipponmatsu Course]

Amidst heavily falling dry snow, about 30 cm of fluffy fresh powder had accumulated on the gently contoured, soft base of the Mt. Hieda Course 1 (pictured). Two visitors from Toyama Prefecture (pictured) told me, “We always check your reports! It’s been snowing a lot back home too. We were exhausted from all the snow removal, so we decided to treat ourselves and come out and ski today. This fluffy powder feels amazing!”
[Mt. Hieda Course 1]

The Mt. Hieda Forest Course (pictured) and Ikenota Slope had soft, groomed powder surfaces topped with 5 to 8 cm of light, fresh snow, making for smooth and enjoyable runs. At the 4th Pair lift, long lines persisted as JFO competitors heading to the tree area above Warabidaira were joined by powder seekers eager to hit the slopes.
[Mt. Hieda Forest Course]

In front of Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, an Island Joy demo event was underway (starting at 9 a.m., free participation, ID required). Company representative Tsukiji-san (pictured, third from the left), commented, “I always read your updates. The monoskis on the far right and third from the right are new all-round models, while the second from the right is a new powder-specific model. Feel free to give them a try!”
[Ikenota Slope]

　　
[Hakuba Cortina Details on 2/9 (Sun.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Excpet for Hieda 2, Itadaira Ridge)
*Available Lifts … No. 2 Quad (8:30～) and totally 6 lifts
*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