REPORT

Today, a snowboard test ride event hosted by the trusted local Hakuba Sports shop kicked off at 10 a.m. (Participation ¥1,000, ID required). I spoke with two visitors from Nagano City, who told me, “We tried the staff-recommended boards that suited this morning’s softened snow. They were easy to maneuver and made turning smooth!” The event featured around 60 boards from Fanatic, FNTC, HEAD, and other brands, along with 22 sets of bindings, 22 sets of boots, and premium leather gloves from DSP.
[Old Gondola Base Area]

The individual competitions in the demonstration skiing division of the National Student Ski Competition Iwatake were held from 2/27 (Thu.) to 3/1 (Sat.), and enjoyed calm and sunny weather for all three qualifying, competition, and finals phases. However, today’s rookie competition saw the first light rain of the season during the morning. Some spectators could be seen holding umbrellas as they cheered on the competitors at White Plaza (pictured).
[Kamoshika]

The South Slope (pictured) had a groomed granular snow surface that softened early in the morning due to moisture. It was classic rainy-day conditions—fast-running and easy to carve on. The same conditions were found on the Sawa Course, which, despite it being the weekend, was surprisingly empty in the morning, allowing for smooth, free runs.
[South Slope]

Around 9 a.m., VIEW D (pictured) was blanketed in light fog, and featured a groomed granular snow base that had softened for easy skiing. As I descended through Sunny Valley, the snow particles became noticeably larger. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for snow, and over at Kamoshika, the final event of the technical skiing division of the student competition, the team event (women’s, men’s, and mixed), will take place!
[VIEW D]

　 　
[Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Details on 3/2 (Sun.)]
*All Courses are OPEN (Except for North, VIEW A, B, SONEZAWA)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00-), and totally 7 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

reported by Snownavi