Well there’s been a lot of snow since the last post and Cortina is almost at the 3m base mark. Another 30cm last night and a Morino staff and Guest trip to Cortina was in order. The right side of the bowl was still very bushy with less bush on the left side. The backside was wide and open. The next dump should flatten the remaining bushes down and open up the frontside more. Sun tomorrow, followed by more snow on the 1st, sun on the 2nd and possible dumpage from the 3rd to the 5th. Happy new year!!

Intrepid staff members Pat and Alanna braved the whiteout conditions at Happo to bring you the good news – It’s dumped! 15cm at the lodge translated into 30-40cm at the top. little snowmen every day in the forecast for the next week and a possible Hakuba megadump on the cards for the 23rd. Looks like the season is really getting under way  

A bit more fresh snow last night – maybe 10cm at the bottom and 20cm up top to add to the dusting we had the day before. Goryu are reporting 45cm base up top and temperatures of -4C The Morino & Wadano crew headed up to check it out. The wind had picked up since the morning and was whipping across Alpsdaira leading to slow lifts and line-ups but the snow was powdery and the views were good. The bottom of Goryu had maybe 15cm so a way to go before the lower runs are open but the 16th/17th/18th is looking very promising for decent snowfall in the valley.

The Hakuba 2012 season has officially started!! Hakuba 47 and Goryu decided yesterday afternoon to open today for the 2012 season. I arrived at Goryu to find all 3 car parks completely full. Obviously the word had got out. The Weather couldn’t have been better with stunning views once up on top. The base was about 50cm with the runs packed powder and the sides sported 20cm of nice powder with the temperatures staying below zero all morning. All the locals were out in force and everyone was enjoying the stunning opening day! After a fine morning of snowboarding and drinking coffee in the panorama cafe, It was time for the after party. Liberty skis had their 2012 season opening party with free BBQ, beers, local hip hop dancing team and prize draw.The lucky winner got a pair of 2012 Liberty powder skis.  Thanks to Joe and Tomoko for the good times! Here’s to a fantastic 2012 winter season!

Snow flurries have been spotted in the Hakuba region. Wax your skis and boards! Hakuba 47 showing some extremely white slopes especially at the top. A view of Happo. The system coming though on Thursday may lay enough snow on the upper slopes for some early season turns. Both Happo and 47 are on standby for opening operations so we’ll keep you posted.

Officially bears do exist in Hakuba. In fact, they`re all over Japan. The Japanese black bear (tsukinowaguma), with its white crescent moon collar is traditionally associated with the Shinto mountain spirit yama no kami.  So if you see one, don`t run……pray for powder & a stable snow-pack.  How many black bears are there in Hakuba? No one knows. But they`re either extremely elusive or really low in numbers, as in 11 years in the Hakuba valley, i`ve yet to see one……excluding of course the 3 new ones just up the street from Morino Lodge…… ……Thats`s right, the Cottages formerly known as Aurinko have had a name change and are now being called the Big Bear Chalets. There still in the same great location – in the heart of beautiful Wadano – & you can expect the same great service & all the comforts & amenities that make them one of Hakuba`s very best self-contained accommodation options. They`re filling up for the 2011/12 ski season but have some availability early season & in February & March. Big bear has it going on!

When it comes to seasons in Hakuba, winter & summer tend to get the bulk of the attention….& for good reason indeed….but if it wasn`t for my obsession with snow-covered mountains & all the fun that entails, Autumn would definitely be a contender for my “favorite time of year in Hakuba” award. The cool mountain air scented with fall leaves is both relaxing & exhilarating, & a constant reminder that the stresses of city-life are far away & that winter`s thrills are close by. Its the perfect climate for long walks in the low lying valleys & hills or up the towering peaks of the Northern Alps where you`ll pass through technicolor-ed leaves, barren moonscapes & if you`re lucky, dustings of the coming season`s first snow. Here`s a random collection of pics from Walks this past week in nearby Sarukura, Miasa & Minekata.

Autumn is in full swing in Hakuba at the moment & the excitement of another winter amongst the snowy peaks of the Northern Alps is is starting to build.  It`ll be not long now that mother nature tilts her axis, once again, bringing meters upon meters of fluffy white stuff to the Hakuba valley making for one of the world`s premier winter playgrounds. For those who need a little mountain fix asap or just another reason to get you amped for the coming season, the renowned Banff Mountain Film festival is coming to Matsumoto Sunday Oct 30th. It promises “the World` s Best Mountain Films” with selections like Jeremy Jone`s “Deeper”, “A Life Ascending”, “Into Darkness”, & “Life Cycles”. So if you`re anywhere near Matsumoto on Oct 30th & need some inspiration or just wanna check out some good`ol mountain films….drop on by! Its at the Matsumoto Performing Arts Center (Shimin Geijutsukan) about a 10 minute walk from the station. Program A starts @ 1:00pm & Program B @ 5:00pm. The Banff Mountain Film festival Tour also stoops in Myoko Kogen on Nov 3rd. For more info check out – http://www.banff.jp/index.htm See you there!