Hakuba 47 / Goryu, Hakuba, Nagano

The beginner area is busy even on weekdays, but all the other areas are very quiet. It is much busier on weekends and especially during the Chinese New Year.

Officially, there is very little tree skiing, but if you dig the rope you can find great moderate to steep trees and you have to take into account that ski patrol is watching you and if they get you, they will warn you or take your day pass away. One guy I know was even asked to leave the resort immediately. Over the next few years, this might change a bit, but in 2009 it was even stricter than in 2008.

A formerly closed small area is now open for tree skiing, but it is designed for members of the “Double Black Diamond Club.” To join the club is quite a procedure and until 2009 it was possible only if you speak Japanese. This might change before next season. Check the Web site for updates.

Accomodation

http://www.hakubapowderlodging.com/ — A great place to spend your time in Hakuba. Lodge with various options to stay. Single, double, and quad rooms, suites. Internet, common kitchen, living and TV room, etc.

Tip

If you stay in Hakuba and intend to ski the resorts in the area, you don’t really need a car. Shuttle buses and/or trains will bring you to the resorts. Don’t ski the chair line—Cameras! You will know which line I’m talking about….Heavy wind will affect the resort big time! With only the gondola open it is not worth going there. It’s even worse if only the double chair at the base is running. It is too slow and too short to have fun. Go to another resort if you can, or take a day off.  

Food

Every Friday there is an Aussie BBQ at the White Horse Hotel. Great food for 2000 yen. Authentic Japanese sushi restaurant. Can’t recall the name. Some of the best sushi I ever had. Walk from train station along the main road for about 10min. Vis a vis of “Apple xxx” shopping. Very small and they don’t speak English. Might be difficult to order but well worth the effort. Not cheap but soooo gooood. Fantastic authentic Japanese food at Oshimos (don’t know the spelling but make sure to go there). About 1000 yen, and you get a lot for it.

How To Get There

Ski bus several times during the morning. Taxi.

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