20 Nov 2008

It snowed about 90cm over the last two days at my house (less in the valley). This has compacted and settled quickly, but on Happo it remained deep and soft. Too soft. The resort is still shut so I skinned up there today for some powder. There was 100cm of unconsolidated fresh snow that required a sustained 40 degrees to even begin to have fun. Happo pistes just aren't steep enough for deep days and no groomed areas to generate speed. So much powder yet so little opportunity to enjoy it. I went alone, broke trail the whole way for over 2 hours. Others followed me up including some friends.

The wind above 1500m was very strong from the NW.

Hakuba is blanketed in snow from top to bottom with the season starting with a bang and one intense snow storm.