NIHON Harmony Resorts KK (NHR) has opened the first building of its future master-planned development at Hanazono – the new Hanazono 308 Snowsports Centre.
NHR president Colin Hackworth said the 1400sqm Hanazono 308 Day Centre was inspired by the 1308m peak of Mount Niseko-Annupuri.
“The two sail-like structures forming the roof, or peak, of Hanazono 308 are intended to conjure up images of the mountains of Niseko,” he said.
“The day centre is intentionally situated at 308m above sea level, or exactly 1000m below the peak of Mount Niseko-Annupuri. Developers have left exactly 1000 vertical metres of snow terrain from the top of Mount Niseko-Annupuri to the doorstep of Hanazono 308. It’s said the lucky bells situated outside Hanazono 308 are mounted exactly 308m above sea level, and are to be rung for good luck.”
Sure to be popular news among return visitors and locals, the day centre’s 250-seat restaurant continues to dish up its famous Kani Ramen (crab noodle soup), along with other Japanese ski hill favourites.
Hackworth said the development of Hanazono 308 also heralded the introduction of a suite of new product initiatives and services for all levels of alpine sporting and snow enthusiasts.
The day centre has just installed two new ‘magic carpet’ conveyor belts on the snow for their kids. It has also opened the doors to an International Snowsports School, incorporating a state-of-the-art Kids Snowsports School facility, along with a new retail and snow sports equipment hire centre.
There will be plenty of activities at the Hanazono Adventure Park, where visitors can go sledding, tobogganing and snow-tubing, all on groomed and safe, dedicated areas. Hanazono also allows snowmobiling through the surrounding snowy landscape and forest, and for those who want to epxerience the area at a slower pace, guided snow-shoeing nature walks with local experts.
Hanazono lifts will open early at 8.30am this season, and guests who start their skiing day at the centre should be guaranteed to get first tracks at the famous Strawberry Fields run.
Also on offer will be the re-profiled Silver Dream beginner’s course, which means Hanazono now has one of the most comprehensive beginner’s and children’s terrain and learning facilities in Niseko.
A new free shuttle service will operate between Hirafu and Hanazono all day, every day, approximately every 20 minutes or so. For the first time, a shuttle service will now operate in upper Hirafu Village as well as middle and lower Hirafu Village.