REPORT

In advance of the opening of Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field tomorrow, 12/19 (Fri.), a ceremony celebrating the completion of the new Base Center began at 10:00 a.m. this morning, 12/18 (Thu.). Following a Shinto blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony with resort officials (pictured), a preview of the interior was provided to participants. (The ticket center is located on the right side of the photo.)
[Hakuba Iwatake Base Center]

Stepping inside, the space had a calm, refined atmosphere that made it hard to believe this was the same building as the former gondola base station. A retail shop, located behind the information counter (pictured, foreground), offered a wide selection of items, including local Shinshu specialties such as sweets and pickles, as well as apparel, hats, gloves, and goggles. Vending machines, coin lockers (JPY200 to JPY600 depending on size), and changing rooms are also available.
[Base Center・Information Counter Area]

The biggest change is that SPICY RENTALS (pictured), which had been housed in a separate building until last season, has now moved into a section of the Base Center. In addition to a full lineup of skis, snowboards, boots, and outerwear for everyone from beginners to advanced riders, the shop is also well stocked with children’s skis, boots, and outerwear (pictured, front right in the photo). Snow boots for sightseeing visitors are also available for rent.
[Base Center・SPICY RENTALS]

Digging into the snow near the summit, the total snow depth measured around 70 cm, and as I dug down I found a firm, well-established base layer beneath 30 to 50 cm of soft snow on top. At this stage—before any grooming—the smooth, glassy surface stretching across the South Slope was a spectacular sight. Tomorrow, the gondola will begin operating at 8:00 a.m., opening three runs: the East Slope, VIEW C, and VIEW D.
[South Slope]

　
[Hakuba Iwatake on 12/19 (Fri.)]
*Avaiiable Courses … East, View C, View D
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～), 4 Sen East, View 2
*Fees … Season in discount 1-Day Pass Adult JPY5,300, 6-12 y/o JPY2,700, A preschooler will be free per adult. (*Until 12/26)

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi