REPORT

The secret is officially out, and people now know: “If it snows, go to Hakunori!” The anticipation for a long-awaited powder day had already led to a long line at the Alps No. 3 High-Speed Pair (pictured) before the lifts started spinning. The snow that intensified yesterday evening tapered off overnight, and this morning patches of blue sky were already visible with occasional strong northerly gusts of wind.
[Wakaguri Central Slope]

While riding the No. 3 High-Speed Pair, I debated my powder options—Snake, Expert, the self-responsibility area linking to the Rabbit Course, or the south-side self-responsibility zone off Highway. In the end, I dropped into the ungroomed area between the Moguls Course and Wakaguri Central Slope (pictured). With 15 to 20 cm of slightly dense new snow, the run delivered a wonderfully buoyant, surfy feel.
[Highway Course]

I debated whether Sky View would have had enough snow to fully reset overnight—but as you can see, it was back to a smooth, untouched snow surface, with around 30 cm of fluffy new snow sitting atop a firm, uneven base. After receiving word that Cortina’s No. 4 Pair would start early due to heavy congestion, Hakunori’s No. 10 Pair (pictured) also began running 15 minutes ahead of schedule at 8:45 a.m.
[Sky View Slope]

Needless to say, a full-blown “powder festival” soon broke out across Hakunori & Cortina. Hakunori Family, Kamoshika, Wakaguri Central, Wakaguri Forest, and the upper Highway Course all featured moderately soft powder grooming. On the lower half of Highway, where the moderately firm, groomed base consisted of moisture-rich snow, around 10 cm of fresh snow had accumulated on top.
[Sky View Slope]

　
[Hakuba Norikura Onsen Details on 2/19 (Thu.)]
*Fully OPEN (Except for Mogul)
*Operating Lifts … No.3 Pair (8:00～) and totally 9 lifts
*Fees … 1-Day Pass 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