REPORT

Today there was a big difference in the weather between the upper and lower halves of the ski resort. This morning at the base it was cloudy, windless, and mild without around 5cm of new snow. Up around the gondola summit station, a thick fog hung in the area and dry snow was falling lightly. However, as I ascended further to the upper portion of the Usagidaira Slope and Kurobishi Slope (pictured), I popped out above the clouds, and the strong, cold westerly wind had me freezing on the lifts.
[Kurobishi Slope]

I was stoked to see that the snow alongside the Kurobishi 3 Pair had been fully reset into a smooth, untouched surface (and it was a similar scene along the Alpen Quad). I spotted a skier signaling that he was ready to drop in, and had to laugh as he shouted, “Woo! Powder!” in a loud voice, followed by, “But I’m hitting bottom.” in a whisper. The combination of his dynamic skiing and funny commentary was great.
[Kurobishi Slope]

Thanks in part to the westerly winds, there was 30 to 40cm of fluffy fresh accumulation in the area along the Kurobishi 3 Pair. The start of the New Year vacation season brought a large early morning turnout, and lots of tracks were being laid down pretty quickly. It was another epic powder day though, and there were shouts of joy all around.
[Kurobishi Slope]

I spoke with the father of a family from Shikoku (pictured), who told me, “We love your site! My two children already achieved the highest level on the junior skiing test, and this season they’re going to try Level 1 of the adult skiing test.” (I hope they pass without issue.) In other news, the official base has finally exceeded the 200cm mark, and the Riesen Grat Course on the upper portion of the ski resort is scheduled to open at 12:00 today!
[Riesen Slalom Course]

　
[Happo-One Opening Information for 12/30 (Fri.)]
*All courses are available!
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00 a.m.–), totally 15 lifts
*Fees … Adult JPY6,500, 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