REPORT

In Japan, weather systems move from west to east—so naturally, snow clouds do the same. The Hakuba area was enjoying clear skies at 8:30 a.m. this morning, but at the very same time in Yuzawa, large flakes of snow were falling steadily. A staff member I met on the G Course (pictured) told me with a laugh, “I ski whenever I get a break. I’m probably not good enough to be featured in your report, though!”
[G Course]

On a snowy day like this, NASPA truly shines. First, it’s just five minutes by car from Yuzawa IC to the free parking lot with space for 2,000 vehicles. From there, the layout is wonderfully efficient—the parking area, ski center, and slopes are all close together. The ski center (pictured) itself is spacious, clean, and extremely comfortable (※and it’s directly connected to the hotel). Next door, the rental shop offers a “Brand Buffet” system, where you can choose from multiple brands of skis and outerwear—and even swap gear as many times as you like during the day.
[Ski Center]

About 8 cm of light new snow had settled on the firmly groomed, packed wet snow surface of the G Course (first photo), while the A Course and F Course, which had similar surface conditions, picked up around 5 cm. In the mogul area alongside the No. 1 Triple Lift (pictured), I watched as some children tackled the moguls on the slope that reaches up to 25°! Above that, on the ungroomed steep C Course, 20 to 30 cm of soft new snow had accumulated over a firm, undulating base of compacted wet snow.
[A Course]

The B Course (pictured), which bypasses the A Course, is ideal for practice, with a maximum pitch of 18° and a total length of 400 m. This weekend, on 2/21 (Sat.) & 2/22 (Sun.), the A and B Courses will host the “Night First Tracks” event (※¥2,000 for both adults and children). Since the runs are freshly groomed after regular daytime operations, participants can enjoy the thrill of carving first tracks down a pristine surface. On the same dates, a “New Model Ski Test Ride” event will also take place, with demo opportunities available even during the Saturday night session.
[B Course]

　　　
＊The “VAN DEER–Red Bull Sports Premium Test Ride” (※advance registration required) will be held on 2/28 (Sat.) and 3/1 (Sun.)!
　　　　　
[NASPA Details on 2/19 (Thu.)]
*Fully OPEN!
*Operating Lift … No.1 (8:30～) and totally 5 lifts
*Fees … Adult JPY7,000, Under 12 y/o JPY4,800

*Print and get a great deal! Discount Coupon!
Adult 1 Day Ticket JPY7,000 → JPY6,700!
Under 12 y/o 1 Day Ticket JPY7,000 → JPY6,700!

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi