Happoone is higher than all other ski resorts resulting in quality snow but leaves you exposed to the climate and weather conditions.

In the lead-up to the 1998 Games, a test event was held in February 1996 that led to complaints by skiers to the International Ski Federation (FIS) that the 1,680 m (5,510 ft) course for men's downhill was too short.

This led to a controversy between the Nagano Organizing Committee (NAOC) and the FIS over lengthening the course by 120 m (390 ft) or 15 seconds at most.

In November 1997, the issue was resolved between the FIS and NAOC by adding an extra 85 m (279 ft) to the run.

Course designer Bernhard Russi of Switzerland, the 1972 Winter Olympic champion in the alpine skiing downhill event, agreed to this.