REPORT

The first Sunday morning of 2026 brought calm, clear weather, and strong radiational cooling drove temperatures down to –10°C around the base area and –9°C at the top of the resort. On the Riesen Slalom Course (pictured), which featured a moderately firm, groomed powder surface, skiers dropped in one after another, laying down big, confident turns.
[Riesen Slalom Course]

Not only on Riesen, but also on the south-side route at Usagidaira, along the Kurobishi Quad (pictured), and through the central section of Skyline, the snow was moderately firm, easy-to-ski groomed powder. My edges bit cleanly, my skis ran well, and it was easy to build speed. Even the ungroomed sections stayed soft and powdery, making them approachable and fun to explore.
[Kurobishi Slope]

Strong winds picked up across the upper slopes later on, and at times swirling gusts whipped snow into the air, stinging my cheeks as it blew past. I met a couple from Aichi Prefecture (pictured), who told me, “We always follow your reports! The Riesen Quad has stopped, so while the Alpen Quad is still running, we’re going to enjoy the moguls at Usagidaira.” Meanwhile, on the lower part of the resort, the Central Course opened for skiing on 1/3 (Sat.).
[Usagidaira Slope]

During January, the coldest month of the year, how about trying the “Shoyu Chashu Ramen” (pictured, ¥1,600) from Ramen CHA-CHA? Ramen CHA-CHA is located in the same space as Yeti, which happens to be the restaurant at Happo with the largest seating capacity. The light soup is made with bonito dashi and chicken stock, and the chashu (tender braised pork) is prepared using an original recipe that pairs extremely well with the broth and noodles.
[Cafeteria Yeti]

＊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.
＊The “HAPPO First Track” event scheduled for 1/3 (Sat.) and 1/4 (Sun.) has been canceled.
　
[Happo-One Details on 1/4 (Sun.)]
*Most Couses are OPEN (Except for Olympic I & II, Kokusai, Kitaone, Sakka, OMUSUBI, URAKURO)
*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

*Printable Rental Discount Coupons!
Carving Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY3,500 / Outerwear JPY2,500!
Carving Ski・Snowboard High Performance Model Rental JPY500 OFF!
Kid’s Ski・Snowboard 1-Day Rental Set JPY2,500 / Outerwear JPY1,500!

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi