REPORT

Iwatake is the place to be for those who want to lap runs via a gondola. The Sunny Valley Course (pictured) offers a satisfying 3.3-kilometer-long run, with a maximum pitch of 24° and an average of 11°, creating a well-balanced mix of gentle and steeper sections. The slope aspect shifts from south to east, back to south, then north, and east again, and the upper section in particular delivers one of the best views in the Hakuba Valley, adding to the run’s appeal. Riding back up is also supremely comfortable thanks to the resort’s latest-generation gondola, which opened last season.
[Sunny Valley Course]

That said, strong winds were blowing on the resort’s Mountain Side this morning. The Sunny Valley Course featured firmer groomed moist snow up top (pictured), transitioning to moderately firm moist groomed snow through the mid to lower sections. There were a few spots on the lower half where fallen leaves and small branches were scattered across the snow surface, but my skis ran well from top to bottom, making for an enjoyable descent.
[Sunny Valley Course]

Later on in the morning, the gondola was suspended at around 9:10 a.m., and patrol staff at the junction of the Sunny Valley Course and Sawa Course (second photo), were advising guests, “The upper lifts will continue operating, but please note that once you ski down to the bottom, you won’t be able to return to the summit.” The Kamoshika Course and Front Slope are currently closed due to Nagano Prefecture Ski Competition Week (1/15 to 20).
[Sunny Valley Course]

At the South Slope, I spoke with a digger from the Iwatake Snowpark, who commented, “The park is scheduled to be rebuilt next week. We’ll post detailed information on our official Instagram, so please check.” Also, tomorrow, 1/18 (Sun.), is “Ski Kids’ Day,” when elementary school students can ride the lifts free of charge all day.
[Gondola]

　
[Hakuba Iwatake Details on 1/17 (Sat.)]
*Fully OPEN (Except North, Sonezawa)
*Operating Lifts … Gondola (8:00～) and totally 6 lifts.
*Fees … 1-Day Pass Adult JPY6,300, 6-12 y/o JPY3,900, A preschooler will be free per adult

*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