REPORT

Clear skies and calm winds overnight allowed strong radiational cooling to set in over the Hakuba area, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures. This morning, I met a family from Tokyo (pictured), who told me “We always look forward to your reports—today the weather and slope conditions are both perfect.” In fact, from the very first turns, the crisp, squeaking sound of dry powder underfoot instantly lifted my mood.
[Riesen Slalom Course]

The upper to mid sections of the Riesen Slalom Course (pictured) had a moderately firm, groomed powder surface that let me carry speed and set my edges cleanly, enabling me to carve exactly the turns I wanted. On the lower section of Riesen (the Usuba Slope), the surface changed to firmer, groomed wet snow due to the influence of manmade snow, and with bushes visible in places, it required a bit more caution.
[Riesen Slalom Course]

Visitors arrived early, and by around 9 a.m. the resort already had a year-end holiday buzz. On 12/31 (Thu.), the “Countdown Event 2025–2026” will be held at the Nakiyama Slope starting at 11 p.m. In addition, from 1/3 (Sat.) through 3/1 (Sun.), the “HAPPO First Track” event will take place on Riesen on weekends and holidays. (※ Starting at 7:25 a.m.; limited to the first 30 participants; ¥7,000 for the general public, ¥3,000 for season pass holders).
[Skyline Course]

The south-side route at Usagidaira, the area along the Kurobishi Quad, the Skyline Course (pictured), and the area beside the Kita-One 3 Pair all featured moderately firm, easy-to-ski groomed powder. In contrast, the ungroomed sections along the Alpen Quad, the Kurobishi 3 Pair, and the ridgeline of the Skyline Course had developed well-set rollers and moguls.
[Skyline 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 12/29 (Mon.)]
*Most Couses are OPEN (Except for Rieasen Grat, Central, Olympic I & II, Kokusai, Kitaone, Sakka)
*Available Lifts … Gondola (8:00～) and totally 14 lifts
*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