REPORT

The 3rd All Japan Ski Masters Ski Demonstration Championship, sponsored by the Ski Association of Japan, is being held from 2/3 (Fri.) to 2/5 (Sun.) along the Kamo1 Lift. The competition is divided into eight categories by age and gender. For males, the categories are 40-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, and 65 and older, while women compete in three categories: 40-54, 55-59, 60 and older. Participants are required to have passed the Level 1 Badge Test or higher and are judged by points.
[Kamoshika]

I ran into two athletes competing in the tournament (pictured), who told me that they were fans of Snownavi and that they were going to do their best in the competition. The groomed Sunny Valley course had hard-packed wet snow on the south-facing early to mid portion of the run, firm packed-powder snow on the north-facing slope after the turn, and moderately firm, groomed wet snow with a powdery feel on the last part of the run (pictured).
[Sunny Valley Course]

Dry snow was falling lightly on the Mountain Side of the resort. Temperatures were cold in typical peak season fashion, but felt more comfortable than usual with the lack of wind and softly shining sun. My edges held well on the vast, moderately firm powder snow surface of the groomed South Slope, and I had some enjoyable runs skiing at speed!
[South Slope]

One thing that is different this season is that the groomed Sawa Course and the ungroomed steep slope of Hikage are skiable in the morning right from the opening of the resort. Both are north-facing, which ensures that the snow quality is good, and are usually quite empty in the morning hours. Today Dangan and Sonezawa also opened at 8:00 a.m.
[Sawa Course]

　　
[Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Availability Information on 2/4 (Sat.)]
*All courses are available. (*Except for North)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00-), totally 8 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!

*Click here to purchase photos found in this report

reported by Snownavi