Sanosaka, Hakuba, Nagano

Might not be the best way to write a resort review but some resorts are so small in Japan that even after one hour and just a few runs you simply know if you will return or if a resort is more suitable for the other kind of skiers.

Sanosaka is one of the 3 resorts that make up an area called Sun Alpina. I skied parts of Sun Alpina 4 years ago but since then the middle resort closed which makes it now impossible to ski more then one resort without having a car or taking a train. We also got in trouble with the ski patrol 4 years ago and therefore had no chance to really explore this part of the resort. Overall there is not much to say. Pretty small, several mogul fields, very few tree areas where you can get a few powder turns. Good lift system. If you are a beginner or intermediate skier / boarder this place is well worth a day as the view is great and they still have special offers on certain days. E.g. 2000 yen men’s tickets on Wednesdays.

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.

Discounted Tickets

Special days with very cheap tickets – check the website for up to date details
Packages with Food, Onsen and Ticket for less then 4000 yen

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

Car about 20min from Hakuba, Free Shuttle bus

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