REPORT

The 20th Annual “Hakuba Wan Wan Undokai (Sports Day) On The SNOW!” took place today on the specially-designated area of the snow field to the north of the Iwatake Gondola base station. The event included competitions such as a 50-meter run, dog sledding, steeplechase, relays, and more. As many as 75 pairs of dogs and owners were registered for the event, and they began to arrive in number as registration began at 8:45 a.m.
[Base Area Special Event Venue]

I spoke with a couple from Tokyo (pictured), who told me, “We’re participating for the first time after being invited by our friends. This is the first time our 1-year-old Siberian Husky ‘Kohaku’ has ever played in the snow.” Participants were given stickers, tote bags, dog treats, and round-trip gondola tickets for both owners and their pets (*Included in the entry fee of ¥5,000.)
[Base Area Special Event Venue]

Snow was falling, and a strong, cold northerly wind was blowing on the Mountain Side of the resort. As is typical for the weekend, visitors turned out early in the day, and the central parking lot was almost full by around 9:00 a.m. I enjoyed some fun, quick runs on the South Slope (pictured), where 1 to 2 cm of dry, fresh snow topped off the well-groomed wet snow surface.
[South Slope]

The groomed Sunny Valley Course was hardpacked, but the 1 to 2 cm of fresh snow on top gave it some cushion, and I was able to maintain edge control. In other news, the 50th Annual All Japan Student Ski Competition, one of the largest demonstration skiing competitions for students in Japan, kicked off today, 2/26 (Sun.)! (*The opening ceremony took place today, and the competition will last until 3/3 (Fri.))
[South Slope]

　　
[Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Availability Information on 2/26 (Sun.)]
*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