REPORT

Just three weeks remain until the year end and New Year holiday period—the busiest period of the winter season. Ideally, we’d like to see the resorts reach “mostly open” status (80% or more terrain open) by 12/24 (Wed.). For reference, Happo’s first “mostly open” day was 12/21 (Wed.) in 2022, 12/26 (Tue.) in 2023, and 12/21 (Sat.) in 2024. Light snow continued across the upper sections of the resort from yesterday evening through this morning.
[Usagidaira Slope]

With 10 to 15cm of new snow on both Usagidaira (first photo) and Kurobishi (pictured), slope conditions had improved significantly. The area to the west of the Kurobishi Quad (pictured) offered a moderately soft, powdery groomed surface. While a few bushes were visible near the bottom, they were spaced far enough apart to avoid easily without disrupting the run.
[Kurobishi Slope]

I spoke with two visitors from Matsumoto City (pictured), who called out, “Oh, Snownavi! We always follow your reports! Today was our first day on the slopes this season. Panorama was on the firm side, but for early season conditions, we actually like it. The snow quality was even better higher up at Usagidaira and Kurobishi, and the skiing felt fantastic!”
[Usagidaira Slope]

On the south-side route of Usagidaira, a light layer of new snow had settled over the groomed surface that was a mix of wet and powder snow, creating an easy-to-ski texture distinct from Kurobishi’s. However, the area spent long stretches of the morning wrapped in fog. I also saw several skiers and riders duck into the steep ungroomed section beside the Alpen Quad to enjoy the feel of the fresh snow.
[Usagidaira Slope]

　　
[Happo-One Details on 12/9 (Tue.)]
*Avaiiable Courses … Kurobishi, Usagidaira, Panorama, Upper portion of Panorama Cat Track
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～), Panorama Pair, Kokusai 3 Pair, Alpen Quad, Kurobishi Quad
*Fees … Off peak 1-Day Pass Adult JPY5,000, 6 to 17 y/o JPY1,700, Over 65 y/o JPY4,600

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi