REPORT

A series of races are taking place or scheduled to take place on Riesen over the week, starting with the “79th Annual Riesen Slalom Competition” yesterday and today (pictured), followed by “HAPPO First Track” on 3/1 (Sat.) and 3/2 (Sun.), and the “FIS FAR EAST CUP 2025 HAKUBA” from 3/3 (Mon.) to 3/7 (Fri.). Starting at 9:00 a.m. today, I enjoyed watching the competitors in the Men’s Group 4 (ages 50–59) confidently race, and couldn’t help but admire them and hope to embrace my 50s with the same energy.
[Riesen Slalom Course]

The traditional grassroots Riesen Slalom Competition, sees a massive number of entries, with a wide range of participants, grouped into a wealth of competition categories ranging from Middle School Students to “80 Years Old and Above” (with an Open Class open to those of all ages). Meanwhile, the firm, groomed wet snow base of the Riesen Slalom Course had a well-maintained detour course available for general visitors not involved in the competition.
[Riesen Slalom Course]

This morning, the sky was cloudy, with the sun occasionally peeking through. While there was no noticeable wind in front of Usagidaira Terrace, a light breeze could be felt at the top of Usagidaira and Kurobishi. On the north-facing, well-packed groomed powder snow surface along the Kurobishi Quad (pictured), I was able to carve smooth and controlled turns.
[Kurobishi Slope]

I met a father from Shizuoka (pictured, left) who told me, “I always check your reports. Since both the weather and the slope conditions looked great today, I took a day off to come skiing.” His son (pictured, right) added, “The view is amazing and the slopes are easy to ski on—it’s perfect!” The south-side route of Usagidaira had well-packed groomed wet snow, while the Panorama Course featured firmly groomed wet snow with a powder-like texture.
[Kurobishi Slope]

　　
[Happo-One Details on 2/28 (Fri.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Except for Riesen Grat)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～) and totally 17 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