REPORT

In yesterday’s report I wrote that I wasn’t concerned about high winds closing the lifts and runs at the top of the resort, but with this many days of strong winds in a row, it’s honestly starting to get to me (lol). Dear Winter, a little mercy would be much appreciated. After leaving Usagidaira, where slightly wet snow was coming down along with a strong northeasterly wind, I dropped into the well-groomed Riesen Slalom Course (pictured).
[Riesen Slalom Course]

The strong winds carried Asian Dust that gave both the slopes and the sky a yellowish tint. The upper section of Riesen (pictured) had a moderately firm, groomed powder base topped with 3 to 5cm of soft new snow, while the mid to lower sections had firmly groomed wet snow. As I skied down, the new snow gradually picked up more moisture, and by the bottom, around Usuba, my skis felt like they were moving a bit slower.
[Riesen Slalom Course]

On the Nakiyama Slope (pictured) and the Shirakaba Slope, the groomed wet-snow surface was lightly dusted with moist new snow, though my skis still ran well on the groomed runs. Fortunately, despite yesterday afternoon’s warmer temperatures, snowfall—not rain—continued across the upper slopes through this morning, and about 15cm of soft, fluffy new snow had piled up along the sides of the lower section of the Usagidaira Slope.
[Nakiyama Slope]

The Sakka Slope (pictured), which was busy with beginner and early-intermediate lessons, had the same moist, groomed wet-snow conditions as Nakiyama. By the way, HAPPO PARKS finally opens tomorrow, 1/17 (Sat.)! From 10:00, the “HAPPO PARKS OPENING DAY” event will be held (free to join).
[Sakka Slope]

*1/18 (Sun.) is “Kids’ Ski Day,” with free lift rides for elementary school students all day.
　
[Happo-One Details on 1/16 (Fri.)]
*Fully OPEN (Except for URAKURO, HAPPO PARKS)
*Operating Lifts … Gondola (8:00～) and totally 18 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