REPORT

The 2026 Hakuba Paradise Slalom, Iwatake’s signature late-season event, is currently underway. Now in its 11th year, the banked slalom drew more than 160 riders across 13 competition categories this year. Several classes also count toward the shared categories in the 2026 NORTH ALPS BANKED SLALOM 3SERIES.
[North Slope]

Each rider takes two runs (snowskate riders take one), with results based on the fastest time. The top three in each class make the podium, and prize money is on the line in the Open Men’s and Women’s divisions. All participants receive original socks, an Iwatake-no-Yu onsen ticket, a Tottsuan Ramen discount voucher, a ¥100 HAKUBA COFFEE STAND coupon, Red Bull, and Cow Soap products. Course inspection began around 8:40 a.m. on the competition course located on the lower portion of the North Slope, and was limited to visual checks from outside the course.
[North Slope]

The course opened with a gentle pitch before steepening through the middle. The surface was firm, well-groomed granular snow that ran fast in the cool air. Staff at both the start and finish acted as MCs, keeping the atmosphere lively for competitors and spectators alike.
[North Slope]

The second run begins at 12:30 p.m., followed by the closing ceremony at Wing 21 from 6:00 p.m. A family from Tokyo (pictured) told me, “We always read your reports! Our 8-year-old daughter (pictured, left) entered the Hakuba Paradise Slalom for the first time and is aiming to win her category. We also have a younger son, so dad is on support duty.”
[South Slope]

　　
[Hakuba Iwatake Details on 3/21 (Sat.)]
*Most Courses are OPEN (Dangan, Sonezawa, White Ribbon, Kamoshika are Closed)
*Operating Lifts … Gondola (8:00～) and totally 6 lifts.
*Fees … 1-Day Ticket Spring Discount from 3/16: Adult JPY5,300, 6-12 y/o JPY2,700

*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