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Grand Hirafu: Opening Day for Grand Hirafu Ski Area |
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 Posted by Mike Pow on 22/11/2008 @ 09:07 |
| Resort / Country: Grand Hirafu, Japan | Visited 614 times |
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| Saturday 22 November 2008. 11cm in the past 24 hrs at MQ. Friday evening was rocking in Hirafu for the first time in ages. Niseko Pizza had its 'official' opening party in the early afternoon that soon became the late evening. Then it was on to a nomi houdai (all you can drink) at Apres Bar. 1,500 yen. |
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And then back down the hill to Jam Bar's opening night after refurbishment. Another nomi houdai, this time free, gratis and for nothing.
Opening Day for Grand Hirafu Ski Area
Plans to get first chair went out of the window when I woke at 7:45 and I got to the bottom of the Ace Quad just as Glen was being whisked up the hill on first chair. Good effort son.
It was odd to ride the chair after hiking these past weeks and to see tracks plural as opposed to my solitary line on the mountain.
I honestly didn't think we'd have opening day earlier in the week, and I'm still amazed that 3 solid days of snowfall was all it took to get the lifts turning.
I picked up my season pass yesterday which was a big improvement on the debacle last season when the season pass office opened at 8:20 on opening day
And when I got to the Ace Hill I was met with a very unexpected surprise. Patrol and the grooming crew had opened the hill back down to the base of the quad.
I've been very critical of the Grand Hirafu mountain ops but today they exceeded my expectations. Kudos.
And the conditions?
Best opening day I've had. The snow was deep, light, consistent and with very few people on the hill there was plenty of pow to go round.
Even the sun made an appearance for 15 mins or so.
Rode with Wild Bill's barman Ben Gillespie for the morning and had a blast. It was great to put the laps in.
 Photo Left: Ben launching off the summer access road.
It's been snowing for most most of the day, so tomorrow's turns should be even better.
That's if Wild Bill's nomi houdai doesn't do too much damage  |
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