REPORT

Thanks to three large winter weather systems hitting the area, including one over Christmas, Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort is now almost completely open even before the end of the year. (The Tenbo Course also opened today!) The weather this morning was sunny with a few clouds. Due to clear skies overnight, temperatures dropped as low as -13℃ at the base of the mountain in the early morning, similar to yesterday, but the absence of wind made it feel relatively comfortable as the resort opened.
[Skyline Course]

The firmness of the groomed snow surfaces along the Kurobishi 2 Quad (pictured), the southern side of Usagidaira, the central portion of the Skyline Course, the Riesen Slalom Course, Panorama Course, and Sakka Slope varied slightly here and there, but all were in perfect powder snow condition! The edges of my skis bit into the snow well, and I was able to turn comfortably at speed. The ungroomed areas featured moderately soft powder snow.
[Kurobishi]

By the way, there are two ways to purchase discounted lift tickets for Happo. The first one is with the ‘Welcome Shinshu Activity-Wari’ discount, with which adult 1-day tickets are JPY4,875 on weekdays until 3/13 (Mon.), with the expectation of the New Year’s holiday period between 12/29 and 1/9. Another great deal is NEXCO Central Japan’s Drive Plan, which includes a discount on expressway tolls (limited to ETC-enabled vehicles) + JPY5,000 voucher for accommodation + JPY5,000 voucher to be used at other registered facilities. That offer is valid from from 1/5 (Thu.) to 3/26 (Sun.).
[Kurobishi]

Today, once more, I ran into two people from Aichi Prefecture that I cross paths with every season. In our conversation they told me, “We love your site! You photographed us for your report on 12/18 (Sun.), but since then we both bought new outerwear, so would you mind snapping another photo of us? We’ve used your photos for our New Year’s greeting cards two years in a row.” It was nice running into them again, and thanks to all the others who greeted me on the slopes!
[Riesen Slalom Course]

　　
[Happo-One Opening Information for 12/28 (Wed.)]
*All courses are available. (*Except for Riesen Grat Course, Tenbo, Urakuro, Omusubi)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00 a.m.–), totally 10 lifts
*Fees … Adult JPY6,000, 6-17 y/o JPY3,200, Over 60 y/o JPY5,800

*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!

*Click here to purchase photos found in this report

reported by Snownavi