Industry News
Japan and specifically the Hakuba Valley have had significant snowfalls within the past week, with some resorts reporting over 20 inches (50cm) of snow in a 24-hour period.
With the falling snow, resorts have been working hard to open. Since Thursday, November 30, four of Hakuba Valley’s 10 resorts have announced the start of operations and officially opened the Hakuba Valley ski area for the 2023/24 ski season. These four resorts are Able Hakuba Goryu, Hakuba 47, Happo One, and Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort.
Able Hakuba Goryu
Able Hakuba Goryu resort has opened the Toomi Telecabin Gondola and Alps No. 1 Lift with skiing in the Alps Daira area. Skiers and boarders must upload and download until further runs are opened.
Goryu ran their free curry event again this year for opening weekend, December 2 and December 3. In celebration, skiers and boarders can enjoy a free bowl of curry at the Alps 360 restaurant. Great snow and hot curry are excellent ways to kick off the season.
Hakuba 47
On Friday, November 30, Hakuba 47 opened their lifts to the first skiers and boarders of the season. The Gondola as well as the Pair lifts Line A-B, Line C, and Line E are running. Hakuba 47 currently has the most terrain open of all the Vally’s resorts.
Happo One
Happo One opened on November 30 at 9:45 a.m. for the 2023/24 season. The Adam Gondola is running and will upload and download skiers until the bottom of the mountain has enough coverage. Skiers have access to the Panorama slope.
Tsugaike Kogen Mountain Resort
Tsugaike Kogen ski resort has started the season by opening the Han-no-ki pair lift and Gondola. Skiers and boarders will have access to the Han-no-ki ski slope at the top of the resort and the Tsuga number 2 pair lift.
As snow continues to fall in Japan, more resorts are expected to opening in the coming weeks.
