Aiming to further enhance the all-season mountain resort
Since the opening of HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR, Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort has been attracting many visitors not only in the winter season but also in the green season. In order to realize a world-class mountain resort, it has been decided to introduce a new gondola
The currently operating Iwatake gondola lift has been in operation for over 35 years, since 1986. During the 2021 green season (April 29th to November 14th, 2021), a record 134,000 visitors attended, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This is more than five times the number of visitors that attended the 2013 green season, which was approximately 25,000. However, issues arose, such as excessive vibration and noise due to aging, and insufficient transport capacity during peak hours. Therefore, the company decided to invest a total of 2.1 billion yen to build a new gondola lift
The new gondola lift will be installed directly next to the existing gondola lift, and the track length will be roughly the same as the existing gondola lift. The new gondola will be a "UNIG type" from Nippon Cable, which will provide more space inside the gondola and improve comfort. Skis and snowboards will be able to be brought in, and two mountain bikes can also be loaded. There are no steps between the boarding and disembarking areas and the carriage, making it barrier-free.
Four sides of the carriage will be covered with reinforced resin glass, allowing for a 360-degree panoramic view. The transport speed will also be significantly increased, shortening it by more than one minute compared to the existing gondola lift, and it is expected that a lack of transport capacity will be eliminated even during busy times. Fewer support pillars will also be required for the lift, which will reduce shaking and significantly improve quietness.
The new gondola lift will be constructed while the existing one continues to operate, and will be dismantled once the new gondola lift is completed
Considering the introduction of a gondola owner system
With the construction of the new gondola lift, they are also considering an "ownership system" for the gondola lift carriage in order to increase the number of passionate Iwatake fans. If you become an owner, your name will be displayed on the carriage and you will be offered services such as a multi-year season pass and special discounted accommodation at some facilities. More details will be announced on the official website, so be sure to check it out
■Information
Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort
12056 Kitajo, Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture, 399-9301
Official website: https://iwatake-mountain-resort.com/
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