Hakuba 26th January, 2010

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Snow monkey onsen

Hear no evil, see no evil speak no evil. The guys enjoying the monkey onsen

Today I went for a trip with the Nowegians to the monkey onsen before they headed back to Tokyo. Jens took over 400 photos and was in his element at this amazing wildlife experience. Torkel Karoliussen and Håvard Ånesen enjoyed monkeying around on the edge of the onsen. I have been to the monkey onsen over 20 times and I still love checking them out. We also have snow monkeys in Hakuba. Keep an eye out in the Iimori area for a group that like to hang around there.

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Hakuba 25th January, 2010

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Happo BC

Jens gave me a lot of backcountry advice. With slides like these the Hakuba backcountry can be deadly.

We have had a lot of media people staying with us over the years and this week we have had the famous Norwegian photographer Jens-Morten Øvervoll. He is shooting for a story to be published in the biggest scandinavian outdoors adventure magazine. Jens has also been involved in the Norway Avalanche Rescue Team for over 20 years and his backcountry experience is astounding. I had the pleasure to spend some time on the mountain with him and his crew Torkel Karoliussen, writer and pro skier and Håvard Ånesen  who is a pro snowboarder. Today Jens told me that he did not want to do the story as they didn’t want anybody to find out about Hakuba. Their lines down the south face of Happo were the talk of the town. Another satisfied customer. Thanks for coming guys. We will see you again, i’m sure.

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Hakuba24th January, 2010

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Omachi

The trip down to Omachi can reward you with stunning views

The Japanese Alps (日本アルプス, Nihon Arupusu?) is a series of mountain ranges in Japan that bisect the main island of Honshū. The name was coined by William Gowland, the “Father of Japanese Archaeology,” in reference to the similarity of the European Alps – only we average more snow.

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Hakuba 23rd January, 2010

Posted on January 31, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Carlie at 47

My friend Carlie spraying a huge rooster tail in the dry groomed conditions

It’s not always about the powder here in Japan. Sometimes you just want to test yourself on some of the long perfectly groomed runs that weave their way down the mountains here throughout the valley. First lifts are always best in my opinion. I am after first tracks on either powder or corduroy.  An early finish for a lazy onsen is my favourite way to enjoy the Japanese ski fields.

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Hakuba 22nd January, 2010

Posted on January 30, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Jackson family

The Jackson 5. Another great family that I am proud to call my new friends.

When I receive emails such as below it makes me feel good to know that we are giving our guests a holiday to remember. Skiing is a sport that keeps families holidaying together forever. The love of the mountains envelops all age groups and it is a joy to see even 3 generations coming to our hotel and enjoying a snow holiday together.

Hi Tony

I have to email you to Thank You & your team for the wonderful time our family enjoyed at the White Horse Hotel recently.

We had fantastic snow & ideal conditions but more importantly you & the team made our holiday one to remember.

It would be hard to find a better destination for the family. From your phone call to me in Australia to the last hour being transported  by Clint to the bus stop we had amazing service.

You run a well-oiled operation, from Gucci , Cocco , Clint , Tara & Glenn in the kitchen.

Please pass on our sincere thanks to your team. We would love to visit again.

We hope that you can make it later in the year & we look forward to your visit to the Sunshine Coast.

All the best to you & your family for the new baby in May.

Craig & Sandra

Josh, Tara & Lachlan

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Hakuba 21st January, 2010

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Heli skiing in Japan

March heli skiing in Hakuba. A great option that I can recommend

Heli ski in Hakuba. Well yes and no. The heli skiing here is more like a heli lift into a really beautiful area above the Tsugaike resort. The run down is through some mellow fields and gives you a taste of the backcountry skiing here. For those wanting a little more of a rush you can climb up the hill from the landing area to the top peak which will take about 30 to 40 minutes and enjoy the views of the Japan sea over the back before choosing a more challenging route down. The operation begins in March and will run on particular dates through to Golden Week in May. I can thoroughly recommend it on a clear day as a good joy ride along with some nice skiing.

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Hakuba 20th January, 2010

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Tiger Pilots

The Tiger Airline pilots take on Hakuba

Where do Singapore pilots fly to on their holidays. Hakuba of course. This week we have had the pleasure to accommodate 10% of the Tiger Airways pilots at the hotel. A great bunch of people from all parts of the globe. They kept us entertained at the bar every second night alternating huge nights out with quiet ones in. Thanks for coming guys. I look forward to catching up with you in Club Street one of these days.

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Hakuba 19th January, 2010

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Echoland restaurants

There are some amazing local dishes to be tried in Hakuba. How adventerous will you be?

I had some good friends visit me from Australia this week. The McCann’s from Queensland came over after hearing all of the hype about the snow here in Japan. I am constantly impressed with how the younger generation are when they come and stay at the hotel with their parents. The McCann kids were no exception. Good manners and the ability to carry on a conversation with adults and their willingness to try new things. Tonight we all went out to one of my favourite restaurants where we tucked into a range of local delights including basashi toro which is a fine grade of raw horse meat.  The kids loved it although they were not too sure about telling some of their horse riding friends back home.

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Hakuba 18th January, 2010

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Ski Jump

We were lucky enough to see a jumping event today.

A bit of a tweak of the knee saw Aoife from Ireland off the slopes for a couple of days while the rest of the group hit the mountains. I like to make sure all our guests have a great time regardless of whether or not they are on the snow. Today I took Aoife (pronounced Ef-fa) to a sushi restaurant for lunch and then we went off to a beautiful onsen which looks out over the mountain range. On the way back to the hotel we stopped off at the Olympic ski jump where they were holding a local  event off the small jump.  I really enjoy getting to know our guests from all around the world and hearing some of their life experiences.  Thanks for a great afternoon.


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Hakuba 17th January, 2010

Posted on January 28, 2010 by Hakuba Blog
Guest room

The green turns to white in the winter but the rooms stay nice and cosy

We get many comments about the size of our rooms here at the Arctic White Horse Hotel in Echoland. They are quite spacious with huge cupboards which are traditionally where the futons would be kept however as we have western beds on the tatami mats  the cupboard makes a great place to put all of your luggage away in.  The guest rooms are Japanese style which reminds you of where you are in the world. We try to create a bit more of a Japanese feel here along with offering some western comforts like comfortable beds with beautiful linen. It is very difficult to get up off a futon the morning after a hard day on the slopes. I have tried to create an environment that I wanted when I was on holidays here before I moved to Hakuba. A Japanese holiday with a little help along the way and of course some guidance with the snowfields.

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