Hakuba BC

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Happo BC

One more day of crossing this snow bridge. After that it's foot slogging through the water.

There are endless backcountry options in Hakuba. You could ski everyday for 10 years and still not see it all. Hakuba has easy access to which ever style of terrain you want.

Side country – Able to drop in off the side of the mountain and end up back at a lift.

Slack country – a short stroll or ski down to a drop off point where there is an easy hike or traverse  back to the resort.

Back country – Hike up and hike out. (Get picked up if you are staying at the White Horse)

The picture shows a popular exit point from some amazing easy access back country. The snow bridge is remnants of avalanche debris that slides down into the valley and covers the river completely. This shot in April shows only a small section left. After that goes it is a case of getting your feet wet. It looks quite perilous however the river isn’t deep. If you fall in though you will certainly know what it feels like to swim in ice water. Some people carry a couple of plastic bags to put on their feet when crossing in the early season before it builds up or once the bridge is gone. For more info on Hakuba back country talk to your hotel reservations before booking to ensure the hotel you are staying at can provide you with the knowledge required to venture out into this amazing playground.

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Double Black Hotel Hakuba

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Double Black Hotel

The Double Black Hotel in Hakuba is managed by the White Horse Property Group

The White Horse Property Group also manage the Double Black Hotel in Hakuba. Situated in a forest setting in the popular Wadano area Double Black was extensively renovated in 2008. It is a large log building with 22 guest rooms and a vibrant bar and restaurant. With many of the services of the Arctic White Horse in Echoland, we have continued our concept of a hotel that offers great, personable service and very comfortable stylish surrounds. Contact us at the www.whitehorse-hakuba.com to book today.

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Hakuba Hotels

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Hakuba Accommodation

The Arctic White Horse Hotel in Echoland is a good option to stay at.

Where to stay when you come to Hakuba. When I was holidaying here each year I tried a few different areas which gave me a good insight in how the valley all links up. For anybody who contacts me in regards to accommodation I will always be honest and assist them with what I would consider their best choice. Obviously I want everyone to come and stay with me because I think we can give them the best of what Hakuba has to offer however sometimes we do recommend other hotels or ryokans (Japanese guest house). So if it is a hotel room, lodge, self contained chalet, house, backpackers or a ryokan that you are looking for please contact me and I will be happy to point you in the right direction

www.whitehorse-hakuba.com

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Hakuba Snow Park

Posted on June 11, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Hakuba 47 snow Park

Hakuba 47 has led the way in snow parks for the Valley.

We have a number of snow Parks to hit while you are in Hakuba. Although I live for the powder and the natural terrain here, we always have a number of guests who love to play in the parks. Hakuba47 has had the honors for the best park over the last few years however the other resorts are starting to pick up the pace and have developed some great areas. Yanaba has a good set up and is open in the evenings. Tsugaike had some really big hits for some big competitions during the season and Happo One has joined up with the High Cascade snow camps  to develop their park. We keep an eye on what the resorts are doing each week and assist our guests in determining where they would like to go. This season we also had some great instructors available for lessons in the park so if you feel like you need a little help on landing that Double Mctwist 1260 just like Shaun White then let us know when you are booking  with the White Horse that you would like to organise some lessons.

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Hakuba Valley, Japan

Posted on June 9, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Happo

Looking down towards the Hakuba47 base from Happo One

It is an unusual sight to see the tiered fields at the valley floor. These areas are rice paddies which are scattered everywhere throughout Japan. Many people ask me about these large areas and are surprised to hear that rice grows in the valley. It is difficult to imagine the temperature being warm enough here when we have so much snow around us.  Hakuba rice is famous because of the water that flows through the fields which is so fresh and clean.  There is never a shortage of water here as it is constantly running off the mountains all year round.

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Hakuba Backcountry

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Hakuba BC

Just a 15 minute hike will give you this + 1000 meters of verticle fall. (click picture to enlarge)

The backcountry in Hakuba is absolutely amazing. Easy access to endless lines of over 1000 verticle meters of untouched powder. Drop off the sides or climb a little further to search for what ever you are after. Words of warning though. Take care and bring with you knowledge, beacon, shovel and a probe (all except the knowledge is available to hire with prior notice). Guaranteed results of a smile ear to ear. Take advantage of the White Horse shuttle service which can come and pick you up at strategic points so you can go and do it all over again. Before heading off please inform our staff of your plans and fill in your trip notes and hand them into reception so we know where you will be. Always best to have travel insurance that covers a rescue also.

You will have an amazing experience in the Hakuba BC.

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Hakuba animation.

Posted on May 23, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Hakuba cartoon

A work of art developed by the White Horse animators

Japan is famous for its animation and now I have joined the likes of Miyazaki and his team and created my own piece which will no doubt be in line for some sort of oscar award later in the year. It is a fun website to play around with while having a few beers at the bar after a good day on the mountain in Hakuba. At the White Horse here in Echoland We have a computer at the bar so our guests can relax check their emails and have a look at whats happening around the world. There is also another one in the games room which has a skype headset so you can call your family and friends back home. Many of our guests will bring their notebook computer and take advantage of our free highspeed wireless internet.

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Hakuba family accommodation

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Joes requests

Joe set up everything for a great family holiday in Hakuba

We get a few different requests in during the season which we try our hardest to satisfy every one of. Joe scored some brownie points organising a ski trip for his family and friends. To start the holiday off on a good note he organised for their arrival, champagne and a cheese platter for all the ladies along with an hour massage to loosen up their bodies for a day on the snow. A great trip was had by all. Sometimes by just  having that relaxing time right at the start brings your mind into holiday mode straight away. Good thinking Joe.

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Hakuba Real Estate

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Hakuba Blog

Holidays were good here in Hakuba, amazing actually. Each year I came here I just fell in love with it more and more. In January 2006 I came here again on another snow holiday and with the intent to assess the property market. I stumbled upon an insurance companys corporate retreat that was for sale and the White Horse was born. Since then I have been involved in numerous property transactions purchasing and selling hotels and houses. Each year I am asked for advice from our guests in regards to buying. I tell them that there first priority should be for the love of the place. The true investment is the smiles and good times for the investors and their loved ones. Second to lifestyle is the fiscal returns. A good management company can help you along the road to financial security :)

To help with all the inquiries I receive I have decided to put up a page on this blog to show some of the properties available. I will have checked them out personally and I would not recommend a property that I would not buy myself. That could be for the quality of the structure, price and of course position, position, position. I am not an agent however I do have some building industry experience. I will not photoshop any of the pictures either. I am happy to assist people along the way to their ski property in Hakuba and joining me in “living the dream”.

Here is a property I checked out this morning. My friends actually rented it for a few years so I already knew the basic layout. On the market for 17,800,000 yen.  Land size is 870 m/2 . The building is steel frame with reiforced concrete and has 223 m/2 of floor space.  It is situated in the popular Echoland area just 100 meters from the main strip and the free resort shuttles.

hakuba House for sale

A good house in a great location.

For more info contact me direct at tony@whitehorse-hakuba.com

I look forward to being invited to your first BBQ on the upstairs balcony.

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Hakuba – Injuries on the snow.

Posted on May 9, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Adens injury

Aden copped a good bruise and some sore ribs after a nasty fall. Please take care out there on the snow.

Every year we have many guests turn up to Hakuba who decide to throw themselves off the side of a snow laden mountain with one or two slippery planks attached to their feet. Skiing and snowboarding are in fact quite dangerous sports. We even have competitions of who can go the fastest or who can jump in the air and complete the most amount of aerial maneuvers. When you think about it, it really is inevitable that injuries will occur at some stage and accidents do happen. Last year I hurt my knee basically falling over at a snail’s pace. This year an ankle injury due to trying to achieve the highest speed possible. I am determined next year to focus on every turn and every moment I am attached to my plank.

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