REPORT

Warm temperatures on 12/20 (Sat.) & 12/21 (Sun.), along with rain on 12/21 (Sun.), took a toll on the lower slopes, but Happo has not given up on opening more terrain ahead of the year-end holidays. At 7 a.m., the Riesen Slalom Course (pictured, far left), was just beginning to light up with the morning alpenglow, snowmaking machines were running at full capacity, and grooming was underway, taking advantage of the chilly –8°C conditions.
[Distant View of Ski Resort]

Along the Kurobishi Quad (pictured), the well-set groomed wet snow delivered great glide, making it easy and comfortable to link turns. I spoke with a Happo regular who told me, “Yesterday everything was ungroomed, so I’m glad they were able to groom today.” On the south-side route at Usagidaira and on the Panorama Course, the firm groomed surfaces were composed of wet snow, and artificial snow had accumulated along the skier’s left side near the bottom of Panorama.
[Kurobishi Slope]

The ungroomed sections beside the Alpen Quad and along the Kurobishi 3 Pair had firm bumps and the beginnings of moguls. A couple from Aichi Prefecture whom I see every season (pictured) said, “We always follow your reports and are looking forward to them this season as well. Good luck with your coverage!” The Skyline 2 Pair started later than scheduled due to maintenance checks and began operating at 10 a.m.
[Panorama Course]

The contrast between the rime ice on the trees across the mid-to-upper slopes and the blue sky was especially striking this morning. Ahead of Christmas Eve, the Oakley Terrace Opening Party will be held from 11:00, and at the same venue, the Santa Party at Oakley Terrace is scheduled for tomorrow, 12/24 (Tue.).
[Panorama Course]

＊Because the courses heading downhill toward the Sakka area (including the Kita-One Forest Road) have not yet opened, access to Sakka is via the downhill ride on the Sakka Kita-One Quad lift.
　
[Happo-One Details on 12/23 (Tue.)]
*Avaiiable Courses … Kurobishi, Usagidaira, Panorama, Upper portion of Panorama Cat Track, Skyline
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～), Panorama Pair, Kokusai 3 Pair, Alpen Quad, Kurobishi Quad, Skyline 2 Pair, Sakka Kitaone Quad
*Fees … 1 Day Ticket Adult JPY8,700, 6-17 y/o JPY4,350, Over 65 y/o JPY8,400

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi