REPORT

The morning sun was shining at the base area of Iwatake, but it was snowing lightly at the top of the resort, where a thick layer of fog also reduced visibility. I spoke with a group of 4 skiers from Kyoto (pictured), who said, “We’re sure the views are spectacular when it’s clear. The snow quality is great on all the slopes at least, so it’s fun skiing everywhere!” The crowds began to fill up HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR around 9:30.
[HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

The widely-groomed South (pictured) and East slopes had moderately firm powder snow conditions. My edges bit well, and my skis slid smoothly over the snow. However, due to the poor visibility, I noticed many skiers and boarders being cautious as they made their way down the slopes.
[South Slope]

The VIEW 2 lift got moving earlier than scheduled, and the VIEW C and VIEW D courses were opened around 8:45. On VIEW D (pictured), the groomed snow was in great condition, and I enjoyed being able to make controlled, comfortable turns while also feeling the softness of the powder under my skis. In other news, VIEW A opened at 1:30 p.m. on 1/2 (Mon.), while VIEW B opened at 11:00 today!
[VIEW D]

Going back to the start of the morning, I spoke with 2 visitors from Ishikawa Prefecture (pictured), who said, “We love your site! This year we purchased HAKUBA S-CLASS season passes. We can park our car right next to the gondola base station, and we get priority boarding for the gondolas and lifts, which is especially useful during the busy New Year holiday season.” In addition, S-CLASS customers have access to two private lounges, cloakroom service, and complimentary admission to the ‘Iwatake no Yu’ onsen (hot spring) facility.
[South Slope]

[Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Availability Information on 1/3 (Tue.)]
*All courses are available. (*Except for SAWA C, HIKAGE, Noth, VIEW α)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00-), totally 6 lifts
*Fees … Adult JPY4,800, Over 60 y/o JPY4,500, Over 70 y/o JPY4,200, 6-12 y/o JPY3,000 (Until 3/19) *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!
reported by Snownavi