Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort to Open New Gondola Lift, Base Center House, and More in December 2027

Happo-One Development and Hakuba Tourism Development have announced they will construct a new gondola lift, a base center house, and a parking lot at Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort, aiming for a grand opening in December 2027.

The current lift has been in operation for over 40 years, facing issues such as insufficient transport capacity and significant noise. There were concerns regarding the convenience of transportation for shuttle vehicles, shuttle buses, and private cars at the gondola lift boarding area, a lack of parking spaces leading to a diversion to other resorts, and comments comparing facility equipment with overseas resorts from visitors to Japan, leading to the necessity of facility renovations. Hence, both companies have agreed on joint investment and management.

The new gondola lift will be built stretching from the Namiki Mountain area to Usagidaira, with a route length of 2,200 meters and a vertical drop of 650 meters. It can accommodate up to 10 passengers per carriage, offering panoramic views in all directions. With an increased speed of 6 meters per second, it will reduce the travel time by about one minute compared to the current lift. It will also be accessible.

Its capability to operate at reduced speeds according to weather conditions enhances its wind resistance and allows for shorter maintenance periods, thereby reducing the number of days the lift is out of operation and increasing the number of operational days.

The base center house will consolidate functions currently scattered across several buildings, featuring a café restaurant, shops, information center, rental shop, ticket center, and ski school reception. It will also include a parking lot capable of accommodating approximately 230 vehicles.

The investment amount is set at 3.2 billion yen for the gondola lift and parking lot, with the cost for the base center house yet to be determined.