REPORT

The rain at the base of the mountain soon turned to wet snow as I gained elevation on the gondola. The closer I got to the summit, the thicker the fog became as well. I spoke with a snowboarder coming down from Hilltop (pictured, left) who said, “I can’t see a thing. What?! Oh no, this area isn’t groomed!” (*Hilltop was ungroomed, while the Sawa Course was groomed.)
[Sawa Course]

The jam session “IWATAKE STYLE 2023” started as scheduled at 9:45 a.m. at the IWATAKE SNOW PARK, where snowboarding, skiing, snow skating, and all other types of snow equipment are allowed! People participating in the event excitedly told me, “You should stick around and watch. It’s going to be a blast!”
[South Slope]

A Slopestyle Fun Ride Jam was set for the morning and jam sessions by category are scheduled in the afternoon. In addition, games of “Snow Flag” (pictured) were held during the time between the opening ceremony and the Slopestyle Fun Ride Jam. The heated battle for the sponsor-donated prizes was even more intense for the women’s group than for the men’s group.
[South Slope]

The South Slope (pictured) and Sunny Valley Course were in good condition with a thin layer of fresh, wet snow on top of a firm, groomed, granular snow surface. The fog did not wholly dissipate during the time I was at the resort for my report, but it did thin out which made it a little easier to see the slopes. On 2/18 (Sat.), “GOLDWIN presents THE SESSION” will be held at Iwatake, with special racing and freeriding lessons conducted by Goldwin-contracted athletes!
[South Slope]

　　
[Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Availability Information on 2/13 (Mon.)]
*All courses are available. (*Except for North)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00-), totally 7 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