REPORT

With the snowpack exceeding 300 cm and exceptional snow quality, being out on the slopes “for reporting” on a powder day like this is a real privilege. That said, the upper part of the mountain was brutally cold this morning, with blizzard-like conditions. In wind-exposed areas—especially the Itadaira Ridge (pictured), the upper part of Snake, and the upper portion of Rabbit—my hands went numb almost instantly every time I raised my camera for a shot.
[Itadaira Ridge Course]

By 9:15 a.m., Mt. Hieda Course 3 (pictured) had an impressive 40 to 45 cm of fresh snow. Most powder-seekers lining up for the No. 4 Pair headed straight into Hie 1, Hie 2, or the tree areas immediately after unloading, which left Hie 3 wide open. As a result, I was able to take my time and fully enjoy the fluffy knee-deep powder at my own pace.
[Mt. Hieda Course 3]

To help ease congestion, the No. 5 Pair began operating 30 minutes ahead of schedule at 9:30 a.m. In contrast to the groomed Mt. Hieda Ridge Course, the Itadaira Ridge Course was ungroomed, and the natural ridgeline terrain was still evident on the surface making it a challenging but rewarding run. Dropping south from there, the Tree Area (pictured) offers a freeride zone with complex terrain and tightly packed trees.
[Tree Area]

When the cold sets in, warming up at Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba’s “Hakuba Cortina Bijin no Yu” onsen is hard to beat. In 2023, a rock-salt sauna (pictured) was added to the women’s bath, while a Finnish Löyly sauna was installed in the men’s bath. Stepping into the rock-salt sauna, far-infrared heat radiating from the salt-lined walls warms your body through to the core in a short time (day-use available from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.; adults ¥1,000 → ¥900, elementary school students ¥500 → ¥450). …That said, full disclosure—this photo was not taken by the reporter, so no special perks in that regard.
[Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba]

　　
[Hakuba Cortina Details on 1/31 (Fri.)]
*Fully OPEN!
*Operating Lift … No.2 Quad (8:30～) and totally 6 lifts
*Fees … Adult JPY6,200, 6 to 12 y/o JPY3,500, Pre-schooler FREE
　
*Print and get a great deal! Discount Coupon!
Paper Coupon → Adult 1 Day Ticket + JPY1,500 Meal vouchers or store coupons = JPY8,700 → JPY7,500!
Paper Coupon → Child 1 Day Ticket + JPY1,500 Meal vouchers or store coupons = JPY6,000 → JPY4,800!

*Request for the original data of our photographs
　
reported by Snownavi