Skiing in Hakuba

Posted on May 8, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Happo One

The view of the 3 peaks behind the lower runs of Happo as you arrive into Hakuba is magnificent especially watching as the sun rises early morn.

Hakuba is where they held the majority of events for the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998. The downhill races were held on Happo One (pronounced hap-po o-ne). It has 4 base areas with the lowest elevation at 760 meters up to the top lift of 1831 meters which equals  1071 meters of verticle skiing. Top to bottom is something that is certainly going to test your thighs. There are plenty of pit stops along the way so don’t feel too pressured into pushing the limits like Hermann Maier in his dramatic crash in the Mens Downhill in 98.

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Hakuba – Sushi in Japan

Posted on May 6, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Sushi in Hakuba

Hotel owner Simon, Winery owner Carlo and local wine bar owner Charles chopping into the best sushi set in Hakuba

A half day on the mountain and then off to lunch. Sushi is not just a meal but an art form here in Japan. There are quite a few sushi restaurants in Hakuba along with a sushi train next to one of the runs at Happo One. If you get the chance make sure you try some toro which is fatty tuna. A lot of people think the best tuna is a deep red colour however the best part truely is the fatty area which is a very light pink. It just melts in your mouth like butter. For all the best tips on eating out in Hakuba come and talk to us at the White Horse.

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Hakuba to Nozawa Onsen

Posted on April 25, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Public Onsen

The public onsens in Nozawa can be really hot

One of our guests had some friends staying at Nozawa Onsen so we decided to make a day out of it and go and visit them. I enjoy travelling around to the different ski resort areas in and around Nagano. We had a great day on the mountain where we were shown around to some secret spots by one of the locals. Nozawa is famous for its onsens but they are notoriously hot. We were lucky enough to be invited into one of the top Ryokans in the town to enjoy their magnificent onsen which was set at a more comfortable temperature. Dinner at an Izakaya and we hit the road to be back in Hakuba at 9:30. A great day was had by all.

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Hakuba 47 Japan ski resort

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Hakuba47

Micky and Tony enjoying the sunshine at the base of Hakuba47

Hakuba 47 is one of the jewels in the Hakuba crown which makes this place a world class ski valley. It has some great terrain and I buy a season pass there each year to take advantage of it. First tracks down the main ridge line can be an absolute treat. Hakuba 47 links up at the top with Goryu and also the smaller resort of Iimori. If you want some real adrenalin then wait for the Adventure Course to open up for some steep double black diamond action. The tree areas are amazing however you do have to be cautious with any off piste areas here as there can be problems with avalanche risk on the powder days right throughout the resort. After a day on the mountain there is a great spot at the base area to take in some apres drinks. I have been known to partake in the odd corona whilst watching the die hards getting in their last runs on the lower section of the mountain. When arranging a pick up time for 47 give yourself an extra 1/2 hour so you can enjoy a few cheeky drinks before we come and drag you away.

47

Sit back and enjoy watching everyone come down for their last run of the day

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Hakuba onsen

Posted on April 12, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Onsen in Hakuba

The magnificent views of the Hakuba mountains from the luxury of an onsen

There are many onsens throughout the Hakuba Valley and there is nothing better than sitting in a hot spring bath at the end of a day skiing or snowboarding the Japanese powder. There are many different factors when assessing which onsen to go to. The main thing for the Japanese is the water. For me I like the views. Many westerners feel a bit uneasy about going nude in the onsen but I always see that as soon as they have been once  they feel much more comfortable about it and end up going often. For those that are a little shy please feel free to use a towel to cover yourself whilst moving around the onsen but please don’t use it in the water. Some men just hold their washing towel in front of them when walking around in the bath area. Onsens are one of the great things to experience while here in Hakuba. The staff at the White Horse Hotels will direct you to the best ones.

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Hakuba – The best coffee in town

Posted on April 6, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Bamboo Cafe

Akichan at Bamboo Cafe had some good latte art skills

When I first started coming to Hakuba it was very difficult to get a good espresso coffee. Coffee in a can is available hot and cold in vending machines throughout Japan and it can be fun trying them out but maybe not satisfying for those who need their caffeine hit each day. Extensive testing enabled us to find a very good bean and along with some training from a barista I think we make a half decent coffee here at the White Horse. Unfortunately our big coffee machine had some problems but we got through the season with the help of our domestic one.  There are now a number of places in Hakuba where you can get a great coffee. A good shot of coffee is also essential for your espresso martini at apres drinks.

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Hakuba – Japan powder skiing

Posted on April 5, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Happo from the river

Happo One is Japans most famous ski resort

When the clouds clear after a snowstorm we get some amazing views throughout the valley. A morning of deep powder skiing and snowboarding followed by a stroll around the town to one of the beautiful onsen baths will reward you with some spectacular photo opportunities.  If you get a little lost, the staff at the White Horse Hotels are only a phone call away and we will be chauffeuring you back to the hotel in no time.

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Ski Hakuba Japan – Powder again

Posted on April 2, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Andy on Happo

Andy about to drop back into the powder for first tracks on Happo

As the season progresses we find ourselves with yet more powder days in February. Our Guests Jacqui and Andy were keen to get first tracks so we made sure breakfast was all ready to go and we got over to the Happo lifts for an early session on the mountain. I took them on my usual circuit which includes some powder bowls natural halfpipes and bottomless tree runs. At first I thought it may have been a little too cloudy until we punched through the thick cloud about half way up the mountain.  A truely epic morning with light powder and once again the early bird gets the worm or in this case makes the tracks. Sorry Jacqui for the powder spray 🙂 sometimes it just has to be done.

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Hakuba Japan – 2 way radios

Posted on March 31, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Walkie talkies in Japan

Make sure your 2 way radios are Japanese complient

A reminder to anyone coming to Japan to ski and snowboard. Your walkie talkies or 2 way radios will most likely have a different frequency and should not be brought into Japan. It is quite common for people to use these as a form of communication while at a ski resort. If you really want to use them please pick some up at an electrical shop in Tokyo or Nagano. If you put in a request when you book your stay at one of the White Horse Hotels we can arrange to have some here  for when you arrive.

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Hakuba 6th February, 2010

Posted on February 9, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
tree skiing

Steep and Deep in the trees on Happo

The Hakuba backcountry would have to be some of the best easy access backcountry in the world. For those that come geared up and prepared then there is so many options to hit some serious lines. This afternoon again we were able to get some of the best tree runs around just off the side of one of the resorts.  Another great powder day.

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