Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort

“My visit to Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort on the last day of 2022 was marked by beautiful weather, but I encountered a bit of a struggle while trying to purchase child tickets at the Sakka ticket office. The queue was slow-moving, and it seems that this was due to many people paying by cash or using coupons. Fortunately, a fellow visitor pointed out a vending machine where I could use a credit card. Even though I had to wait for around 20 minutes, I appreciated this suggestion. I also noticed that tickets could be purchased online, which I will definitely try next time. As for my dining options, I was pleased to find that the restaurants in Kitaone, Kurobishi, and Sakka were open for lunch. The skiing experience was quite diverse. In March 2021, I had tried skiing on Mt. Nagi, but due to the snow melting, I had to use the lift for my return. Other areas like Riesen, Usabira, Kurobishi, and Skyline, however, were perfect for skiing despite the fluffy snow and the afternoon bumps. From Sakka to Kitaone, Skyline, and Kurobishi, I enjoyed skiing despite the crowded parking lot. My favorite was Kurobishi with its powder snow, but I was disappointed to find that Kitaone Pair Lift was closed to the public as it had been turned into a competition course. When it comes to facilities, Snow Plaza Sakka was half open and the Kurobishi Rest House was open, offering reasonably priced meals. To prevent crowding, seating arrangements were done in such a way that sofas could not be used facing each other, and I found the place to be quite spacious. It is worth noting that during my visit, I noticed a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors compared to my previous visits over the past decade. The weather conditions were challenging at times, with heavy snow causing poor visibility and even an avalanche on the evening of the 30th. This made it hard to see the unevenness of the running surface and even prevented me from skiing from Skyline to Sakka Forest Course. In conclusion, my experiences at the resort have been varied, but overall enjoyable. The skiing opportunities are diverse, the food options are good, and despite some minor inconveniences, I find the resort to be well-equipped and managed.”

“Having been to Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort for the second time as an intermediate skier, I can say that it's more enjoyable when it's less crowded. The courses tend to be quite bumpy and the route from Sakka to Shirakaba can be challenging. The Skyline 2nd stood out with its gentle slopes, making it easier to navigate when conditions get tough. Despite the high temperature and heavy snow, there were no issues with burns, making for a safe skiing experience. The convenience of choosing from multiple courses on the same lift was a plus, as it catered to skiers of varying skill levels. It was also great to have a restaurant on the lift for those much-needed breaks. The Kitaone Quad was used when descending the mountain. It was a bit narrow within the forest but the slope was gentle, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. The Riesen Slalom was spacious with a good slope gradient, although it had quite a few bumps. It was a bit challenging, requiring one to choose a route with fewer bumps. The resort seemed to attract a diverse crowd - 40% foreigners, 30% young people, 20% older individuals, and 10% families.”

“From my experience at Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort, I found the course to be quite expansive with numerous lifts. This can lead to the terrain being slippery, and the irregularities of the burn can make it more challenging to navigate than a typical slope. However, Sakka has a gentler incline and is consistently well-kept, making it suitable for novice boarders. If you're a beginner, though, I would recommend considering Iwatake for a more comfortable experience.”

“I was fortunate to experience Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort, a paradise for those who love powder snow. The resort offers an abundance of it, making my skiing adventure truly memorable. The panoramic views are breathtaking, and the well-maintained facilities contribute to a great overall experience. I found the staff to be very helpful and friendly, which greatly enhanced my time there. I can confidently say that Hakuba Happo-One Snow Resort exceeded my expectations and I look forward to visiting again.”