Snow Season Japan

'The Chamonix of Japan' Hakuba is a real alpine mountain town, nestling below the stunning three peaks of Mt Yarigatake (2903m), Shakushi (2812m) and Shirouma (2933m). When you arrive here, the sheer size of terrain all around will amaze you, and all winter long the views are quite simply breathtaking. Hakuba hosted the alpine ski racing and first snowboard halfpipe competition in the 1998 Nagano Olympics and has a deserved reputation as the biggest and best winter destination in Japan. Despite this status, the first thing you'll notice (after the amount of fresh snow that regularly falls!) is the lack of lift queues - on a weekday you almost feel like you have your own private mountain or park, riding in powder heaven with your friends! With 13 resorts, 7 parks and a total of 137 lifts running the length of the valley, it offers something for every level of rider and skier. From super soft powder landings for those improving on their skills, to the gnarliest steep backcountry lines… the terrain is endless!

SOCIAL SCENE:

Hakuba has a real international vibe during the winter. There is a growing community of foreign skiers and snowboarders joining the Japanese locals who have long known the secret of its snow! Alongside more traditional Japanese culture you'll find reggae parties, live bands and DJ's spinning everything from house and electro to hip-hop. Hakuba's unique international mix means you have the choice of sipping sake in a traditional Japanese establishment, or having a real pint in the English pub (which also has great food), sipping a Cuba Libre in the Reggae Bar or just chilling out in Bar 902 - with it's wall of 7000 vinyl records. Whether Japanese or western, all the bars and clubs are very friendly and down to earth - you'll soon be on first name terms with the welcoming staff and Japanese locals. Within walking distance of our accommodation, there are cool bars with regular live music, DJs and events - including a night time floodlit jib contest!

RESTAURANTS:

You won't be short of places to eat out in Hakuba - there are over 100 restaurants in town, with Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Korean and of course all kinds of Japanese restaurants and relaxed izakaya restaurant-bars. With so many places, we'll be happy to share our local knowledge and show you the best places, whether you fancy a burrito, some juicy wagyu beef or the freshest local soba noodles.

ONSENS:

Hakuba has range of onsen - Japanese natural hot springs, with indoor and outdoor baths made of stone and Japanese cedar. A post-riding soak outside in the steaming hot mineral water, with a beer in hand, snow falling and a view of the Japanese Alps, is a unique Japanese winter experience that you might become addicted to! The local thermal spring water is rich in minerals believed to have medicinal properties, and it certainly soothes away the aches of hard day's riding.

SHOPPING & DAY TRIPS:

There are a range of ski and snowboard shops, where you can get hold of everything from this season's fresh outerwear and park weapons from all the big brands, to reverse-camber powder sticks and avalanche safety equipment in the backcountry specialists …or just a friendly chat and your binding fixed. Prices are cheaper here than in the UK so if you are looking for something specific, get in touch and we'll see if we can find it for you. If you want to explore further afield, Tokyo is only 2 hrs 40mins away, and the castle town of Matsumoto is within easy reach an hour down the valley.