New Gondola and Base Area Development for Happo-One Hakuba
Mountainwatch|News
Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort has announced a major infrastructure investment with a new state-of-the art Gondola and base development scheduled for completion in December 2027.
The development is a collaboration between Happone Development company, operator of the resort, and the Hakuba Tourist Development Co, the aim to improve lifting capacity, solve current parking issues and modernize and improve the overall guest experience.
A press release announcing the project said the aim is to “transform our ski resort, located in the heart of HAKUBA VALLEY, into a world-class mountain resort.”
The new gondola will replace the 40-year-old Adam gondola and will run from the Nakiyama base area to Usagidaira, the location of the current gondola’s top station. It will be 2180 metres in length with a vertical rise if 652 metres. French company POMA has been engaged to construct and install the lift which will run at a speed of six metres per second, increasing the lifting capacity from 1350 people per hour to 2400 people per hour.
The large 10-person cabins have reinforced resin glass on all sides, ensuring a panoramic 360-degree view, with level access on and off the cabin.
A new base building at Nakiyama will operate as the main entry point to the mountain housing ticket sales, ski school reception, visitor information, equipment rentals and food and beverage outlets.
Digital signage will display real-time updates on weather and lift operations and local tourist attractions. The building’s design will ensure it is filled with natural light, both the interior and exterior complementing the surrounding natural alpine environment.
The parking lot will also be significantly expanded, alleviating congestion, which has been an issue until now, and dramatically improving accessibility by private car and shuttle bus. This will allow customers to use the parking lot more easily and greatly improve access to the ski resort.
This major development is the biggest capital investment in Happo-one’s history and will contribute to the resort’s future success as a year-round resort – “making it a true symbol of the “reborn Happo-one.”
