REPORT

The 2024–2025 winter in Hakuba was blessed with exceptionally heavy snowfall, something rarely seen in recent years. While the snow on the ski slopes began to melt rapidly beginning around late March due to wind storms, high temperatures, and rain, there is still a significant amount of snow remaining on the mountain at higher elevation as of 6/1 (Sun.). The difference in the snowpack from this year to last year between the No. 2 Cairn and the Happo Cairn along the Happo-One Nature Trail (pictured) is clearly visible when compared to our report from the same date a year ago (4th photo).
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Mountain Climbing Course]

Yesterday, 5/31 (Sat.) was the first scheduled day of operation for the Happo Alpen Line, but since it rained, today, 6/1 (Sun.), felt like the first day of the season. The light rain falling at the base area stopped around 8:30 a.m., just as I began walking the Happo-one Nature Trail, and after passing the No. 2 Cairn, I emerged above the low-lying clouds. With a chilly wind blowing from the north, I kept my rain gear on as I hiked upward.
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Happo Cairn to No. 3 Cairn]

I ran into some “Green Patrol” members (pictured) who told me, “There’s still a lot of lingering snow this year, and some sections of the boardwalk have been damaged, so please follow all on-site restrictions when passing through. Also, before heading out, be sure to check the ‘Happo-One Dayori – Happo Patrol Blog’ as well!”
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Happo-ike Pond]

I also met a telemark skier from Saitama (pictured), who had hiked up to the area just before the No. 2 Cairn with their skis. He told me, “It’s easy to access this spot, and nice that it can be skied!” Please note that the Happo Alpen Line will temporarily suspend operations from 6/2 (Mon.) to 6/6 (Fri.), but will resume daily service on 6/7 (Sat.) and run through the final day of the season on 11/3 (Mon., holiday).
[Happo-One Nature Trail・No. 2 Cairn to Happo Cairn]

　
*Walking the Happo-One Nature Trail, I spotted a number of alpine flowers including miyama azumagiku, yukiwari-so, umehatazao, haru-rindo, and kijimushiro. While riding the Alpen Quad lift, I observed quite a few katakuri and shojo-bakama beneath my feet. Finally, at the Kamaike marsh, the mizubasho (Asian skunk cabbage) had just started to bloom.
*There are three free parking lots at the base area. The lot in front of the Kurobishi 3rd Pair lift can accommodate approximately 200 vehicles.
*At present, the Usagidaira Terrace has the highest elevation restroom available for public use. Due to a water shortage, the restrooms at Happo-ike Sanso are only available to overnight guests or those dining at the lodge.
*The Kurobishi Forest Road will open to traffic early in the morning on 7/1 (Tue.), though please note it may be closed in the event of heavy rain or other adverse conditions.
　
[Happo-One Nature Trail Opening Information]
Period … 2025/5/31 (Sat.) & 6/1 (Sun.), 6/7 (Sat.) – 11/3 (Mon.)
Hours … Happo Alpine Line (8am － *Early morning operation starts from 7/12) *Kurobishi Line starts 7/1
Fees … Happo Alpine Line Roundtrip / Adults JPY3,400, Elementary School Students JPY2,200 → Advance Discount Tickets: Adults JPY3,000, Children JPY1,850! (No need to exchange at the ticket window! You can proceed straight to the gondola.) Kurobishi Line Roundtrip / Adults JPY2,300, Elementary School Students JPY1,400.
(*One preschooler free with each paid adult. The second preschooler will be charged at the normal children’s rate.)

*Hakuba Happo-one will be reported 1－2times a week
*To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs.

reported by Snownavi