REPORT

Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field got off to a promising start to the season today, with perfectly clear skies. A solid early-season base built up over the last week, as more than 30 cm of snow fell around the summit area on each of the following days: 12/12 (Fri.), 12/15 (Mon.), and 12/18 (Thu.). Just before opening this morning, the slopes were especially beautiful, with the snow resting on the trees gently falling and drifting through the air (pictured).
[East Slope]

As of now, the open terrain includes the East Slope, View C, and View D. On the East Slope (pictured), which featured a groomed powder surface that was nice and soft without being too loose, skiers and riders sent up light plumes of snow with every edge change. Although the natural undulations of the terrain were still visible on the snow surface, there were no areas of exposed bushes or dirt, allowing everyone to use the full width of the slope and enjoy long, flowing turns.
[East Slope]

View C and View D both started out with soft groomed powder, and the distinctive feel of powder could be felt clearly as I skied. The midsection of View C also featured an ungroomed area where riders could enjoy some fresh powder. From the middle to the lower section of View D (pictured), the surface transitioned to well-packed, groomed moist snow mixed with powder that offered a stable, grippy surface.
[View C]

Despite it being a weekday, not only the slopes but also HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR was bustling with visitors. “These two can’t wait to start playing in the snow,” said a couple from Ishikawa traveling with their two dogs. At IWATAKE WHITE PARK, the dog run, the Yoo-hoo! Swing, and the teepee tents were all open right from day one.
[HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR]

　
[Hakuba Iwatake Details 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