REPORT

After Hakunori opened on 12/13 (Sat.) with the Alps No. 1 Pair providing access to the Hakunori Family Course, the Alps No. 4 Pair went online on 12/15 (Mon.), followed by the Alps No. 6 Pair started on 12/16 (Tue.). As such, at present, Hakuba Norikura Onsen has three courses open: the Hakunori Family Course, Wakaguri Central Slope (pictured), and Wakaguri Forest Course.
[Wakaguri Central Slope]

About three-quarters of the width of the Wakaguri Central Slope (pictured) was groomed this morning. I ran into a group visiting from Taiwan (pictured here and above), who told me, “There are six of us staying at the Hakuba Alps Hotel for two weeks and skiing—it’s been so much fun!” There were a few bushes showing in spots, but the groomed surface was composed of moderately, slightly moist snow that made it easy to link comfortable, consistent turns.
[Wakaguri Central Slope]

The cloud cover gradually broke up, and sun began to filter through around 9 a.m. Both the Wakaguri Forest Course (pictured) and Hakunori Family Course were groomed with well-set, slightly moist snow. The top layer was starting to soften, but my skis still ran fast, making it easy to pick up speed with ease.
[Wakaguri Forest Course]

A member of the patrol team (pictured) told me, “Looking forward to another great season. Let’s hope for some more snowfall starting tonight so we can open up more terrain!” By the way, the large Jim Beam sign visible in the back left of the photo is new this season (the ticket center that used to be here has been removed), and just to the left of it sits a Jim Beam food truck. I’ll be following up with more information on that soon, along with details on the newly renovated Snowdrop.
[Wakaguri Central Slope]

　
[Hakuba Norikura Onsen Details on 12/17 (Wed.)]
＊OPEN Course … Hakunori Family, Wakaguri Central, Wakaguri Forest
＊Available Lift … No.1 Pair (8:30～), No.4 Pair, No.6 Pair
＊Fees … Off Peak 1-Day Pass Adult JPY4,500, 6 to 12 y/o JPY2,500, Pre-schooler FREE (Until 12/19)
　
＊Request for the original data of our photographs
　
reported by Snownavi