REPORT

As the weather pattern shifted back to a classic winter setup, the rain that had been falling yesterday afternoon stopped early this morning, and the temperature dropped slightly. Light, dry snow flakes drifted through the air and the trees on the upper slopes were coated in frost, creating a beautiful morning scene. A snowboarder from Yamanashi Prefecture whom I rode Line-C with said, “I always read your reports. I’m glad the cold has returned.”
[Upper Route 8]

The upper section of Route 7 (photo), along with Routes 5 and 6, featured firm, groomed moist snow surfaces. My skis made a distinct scraping sound when setting an edge, but it never felt like the skis would wash out, and overall the runs were easy to ski. On these three courses, there was very little impact from yesterday’s rain, and almost no brush or thin snow coverage, making for reassuring conditions throughout.
[Route 7]

The upper section of Route 1 (photo), was lightly dusted with dry snow atop a firm, groomed moist snow base. However, with fairly dense fog hanging over the slope, I found myself skiing at a reduced speed. The steep pitch dropping from the upper section of Route 1 down toward Route 6 was left ungroomed, with hard, irregular bumps across the surface, so I took it cautiously to avoid stressing my lower back or knees.
[Upper Route 1]

The lower section of Route 8 (photo) was groomed with a hard-packed moist snow surface, but was easy to navigate even in the fog thanks to the trees lining both sides, which helped define the fall line. The ungroomed surface of the lower section of Route 7 was mostly flat but very hard-packed, while the ungroomed lower section of Route 1 proved challenging with hard, irregular bumps and brush near the end. Over at Hakuba 47, a Christmas event will be held on 12/24 (Wed.) and 12/25 (Thu.), with chocolate handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
[Lower Route 8]

*Goryu night skiing has been postponed in consideration of the current slope conditions.
　
[Hakuba Goryu & Hakuba47 Details on 12/22 (Mon.)]
*Most courses are OPEN (=Adventure, Powder Snow, Merryland, Sunny Way, DISCOVERY SPORT, DEFENDER, Snowdiving, DISCOVERY are closed)
*Available Lifts … Tele-cabin (8:15～), Line-8（8:00～) and totally 13 lifts
*Fees … 1-Day Pass Adult JPY9,500, 13-22 y/o JPY6,500, 65-79 y/o JPY7,500,6-12 y/o JPY4,500, Under 6 y/o & Over 80 Free *JPY500 deposit will be required

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi