The season has begun!! A nice storm rolled in dumping 25cm in the village and lots of fresh powder at higher elevations on Thursday. Cortina, the powder capital of the valley, received a nice dumping of 40cm at the base and 70-80cm on the mountain. Several of the resorts were able to open with limited terrain access and the rest of the resorts are set to open in the coming days. On Monday another 10cm fell in the Happo village with more falling at higher elevations.
Cortina
Base: 65cm Top: 95cm (Tuesday, December 18)
Cortina drew large numbers over the weekend as the conditions there were best in the valley. After a second dumping Monday night, Cortina opened two lifts and the following four courses:
– Ikenota
– Hieda Forest
– Mt Hieda 1
– Itadaira
Cortina’s iconic landmark, The Hotel Green Plaza Hakuba, covered in snow Thursday morning as the base of the resort received 40cm of powA bluebird Sunday at Cortina
Happo-One
Base 20cm Top: 65cm
Happo-One, the largest resort in the valley, guaranteed skiing by December 15th after purchasing a set of new snow makers in late November. However, as their deadline approached they, recanted and changed the 15th deadline to “sight-seeing only”. Luckily with the dumping last Thursday, Happo was able to open two lifts and one course on Saturday.
Operating lifts:
– Adam Gondola
– Riesen quad
Available courses:
– Riesen Slalom course
The Riesen Slalom Course located on the left hand side has been open since Saturday, December 15th.The View of Happo-One from the uber luxurious One Happo Chalet.Happo-One on Saturday December 15th.
Other Resorts
Hakuba 47, Goryu, and Iwatake all operated Tuesday with limited terrain and lifts.
Opening Weekend Parties
The Hakuba Valley went off with parties over the weekend with several of the most popular watering holes opening their doors for the first time this season. Here are some shots from the weekend.
