Hakuba 17th November, 2009

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Lunch

Lunch on the mountain

Whats for lunch? Many people are interested to know what sort of food is available at the ski resorts in Japan. Today I was invited to taste some of the new selections at  the Happo One resort for this season. Who said there is no such thing as a free lunch? I had a sample of the burger, japanese curry, thai curry, fried chicken and tandoori chicken which were all very tasty. Happo One has many restaurants on mountain and scattered around the base. You can try sushi, kababs, thai, pizza, ramen, curries, austrian and you probably thought you could escape the golden arches but no, Mcdonalds is right in the middle of the hill at the gondola station. Don’t knock it too much as they actually serve up a good fresh burger better than any other maccas I have had. To add some balance you can go the other way and enjoy some fine dining with some of the best mountain views of any restaurant with the option to download from the lifts if you end up having a few too many wines. As part of my job here at the White Horse I have to try out all of the restaurants and am slowly building up my knowledge bank throughout the valley. It’s a tough job but hey, someone has to do it so our guests get the best advice on where to eat during their days on the mountain. For those that just want to ski in the morning I certainly have some some treats in store for you.  I hope you don’t mind me joining you.

http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com

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Hakuba 16th November, 2009

Posted on November 18, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

As the temperature start dropping here in Hakuba and we see the first snowfalls on the hills and then in the valley there is an air of anticipation within the community for the start of the snow season. The buzz is quite electric as businesses finish off their renovations and everybody is busy preparing their properties for what we know is coming. At the Arctic Hotel I have kept the gardens in a good state this year however with autumn comes the falling of the leaves and the pines are maulting also so I have a major raking job to do outside. Last year we were caught off guard for what was supposed to be a light dusting of snow turned out to be 32cm from 12 midnight to 8 am in the morning on the 19th of November. The “season opener” we call it.  It can happen anytime now. Be prepared is the motto.

Last years season opener

First Dump 2008
19 November 2008 Season opener
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Hakuba 15th November, 2009

Posted on November 17, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

Today I attended an avalanche film and education afternoon in Hakuba with the Evergreen guys. In Hakuba we have an endless supply of backcountry and also what is commonly known as slack country meaning the lift will actually take you to the drop in spots. The afternoon was a reminder to all of us here of the risks involved in heading out into the wilderness. The motto is be prepared. Beacon, probe and shovel are the minimum requirements along with at least some knowledge of avalanche risk. The film “Fall Line” has some interviews with people who have been victims of avalanches and they tell their storys of their time under the snow. It must be remembered that it is not only the risk of being buried by meters of debris but the broken bones, cuts and bruises that go along with the fall. We advise all our guests to head out with one of the reputable guiding companies here to get an understanding of local conditions and snowpack before they venture out by themselves to what truely is one of the best backcountry zones in the world. I can recommend the movie not only to warn but to inspire you to get out there and experience the joys of backcountry skiing and boarding.

http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com

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Hakuba 14th November, 2009

Posted on November 16, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Happo Lift

We take you to the best conditions

Ski In Ski Out. Probably the number 1 question I get from customers when they first contact me is how close are you to the lifts.  When I first started holidaying here in Hakuba in 2003 I probably asked the same thing. I stayed at a hotel that was about 300 meters to the closest lift and enjoyed the fact that it was a quick stroll in the morning to the popular resort of  Happo One. Coming back here for the next 3 years on holidays, I realised that there was no benefit being close to one lift. Imagine standing in line on a magnificent powder morning in anticipation of skiing 1 meter or fresh snow that fell over night. No exaggeration. The air is electric in the line while the lift moves a little at a time as the lifties clear each chair. Imagine the feeling when you look up the hill and see skiers and boarders hooting their way down the mountain. Hang on a second, where are these people coming from. Turns out they were able to open the other end of the resort earlier. We were watching them cut out a little high so they could head back to the open lift. I looked around at the others in the line looking for a non existant way to get to that lift. How do I get there? Do I just give away my spot in the lift line and look for a way to get to the other lift. Taxi maybe, if I could find one. There was nothing we could do but wait for what seemed hours but was probably 45 minutes in total  before the lift started running and feel kicked in the stomach each time we saw someone come down and steal our lines.

One of my concepts for accommodation in Hakuba was to drive our guests to all of the resorts in the valley so they can consistently ski the best conditions on offer on any particular day. From Cortina in the North  to Sun Alpina in the south we will ensure our guests have the opportunity to get the first tracks or best corduroy available in Hakuba so you never have to have that feeling I had on my first trip here. Don’t be fooled by the ski in ski out hype. The question should be “how do I get to ALL of the resorts in Hakuba”.

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Hakuba 13th November, 2009

Posted on November 16, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Wrestling in Nagano

Wrestling in Nagano

Some of the most random events happen around here. This evening I was invited to Nagano to attend a wrestling match just like the WWF competition only all in Japanese. I was surprisingly impressed by the show and the talent of the wrestlers. They certainly had the crowd entertained. A strange observation was the shoes off policy at the big sports arena. It seemed quite odd in that environment with tile floors and plastic stuck down on top of that.  Undersized slippers come standard in Japan and supplied for everyone. They must have 4000 pairs stored away. We finished up the night at one of my favourite izakayas in central Nagano for a few beers and a good feed. A great night had by all.

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Hakuba 12 November, 2009

Posted on November 16, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Big Day Out

Hakuba Big Day Out 2008

The Hakuba Big Day Out is currently being organised to celebrate the opening day of the season. Last year the event was created to bring all the locals together as we know it may be 4-5 months before we have another chance to enjoy each others company.  We have a bet for the first day of the first resort in the valley to open which we all meet up at. Bets are in at the moment ranging from the 19th of November to the 1st of December. Tetsu, last years winner and 20 year local has chosen the 28th of November. Me – the 26th. The day will start with first lifts, a long lunch, more skiing and boarding, off to an onsen then out for dinner and most likely finishing up with karaoke. We do see each other throughout the season however it is usually in passing and most people tend to escape to the warmth after Golden Week which ends the season in early May.  The event is open for all so please let me know if you want to join in on the celebration.

tony@whitehorse-hakuba.com

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Hakuba 11 November, 2009

Posted on November 12, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Sake at the Bar

Izakaya's

One of these days I will do a restaurant count in Hakuba but for the moment I would guess there must be about 200 in the Valley.  I have some favourites that I frequent often but I also enjoy trying out new ones to see what is being cooked up in the kitchens of Hakuba.  I make a point not to list restaurant names other than the White Horse ones on the web as I do not want to lose my seat when I want to go out however I am very happy to divulge my recommendations to our guests. When people ask me about my favourite Japanese restaurant I remind them that there are so many different styles including Sushi, Ramen, Soba, Kaiseki, Udon, Yaki Tori, Yaki Niku,  Tako Yaki and Izakaya’s. On an international level in Hakuba there are French, Italian, Thai, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, Korean, and Turkish. This  valley truly is a gourmet’s delight with plenty of locally owned and grown produce. Nagano is famous for its shinshu pork. Much of the fish comes directly from the Japan Sea which is only 45 minutes away so if you know the inside word you can get the freshest sushi in town. Many of the restaurants in Hakuba have only Japanese menus so we are happy to give  some advice on what is on offer and translate your selections.  A great night can be had enjoying the local Japanese restaurants and with a little help we can add to that by assisting you with your meal selection. you should also be a little adventurous and try some things you wouldn’t usually. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Itadakimasu  (bon appetite)

http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com

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Hakuba 10th November, 2009

Posted on November 11, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Happo One

Happo Pond

Hiking is one of the main activities in Hakuba during the warmer months. Most people are surprised to learn that Hakuba is busier in summer than winter. There are more visitor numbers to the Valley during the warmer months as many Japanese escape the heat of the city areas and to take in the natural beauty of the area. One of the most popular hikes is up to the Happo Pond. The journey begins with a ride in the Happo One Gondola, the Alpen Quad chairlift and then onto the Grat Quad lift. Even a picnic at the top of the lift system will give you some great views of the mountains and Hakuba Valley. A walk along a track that consists of wooden and stone stairs for about 45 minutes will reward you with a magnificent view of the Happo Pond with 3000 meter snow capped  peaks towering around you at this time of year. A gourmet picnic with a small bottle of champagne and a warm flask of coffee will certainly give you a most memorable experience.  During the winter there will be a 3 meter base of snow up here with many backcountry skiers and boarders exploring the endless options for pristine powder runs. At this time of year be prepared for sudden changes in temperatures and take plenty of water with you. In winter avalanche awareness is considered compulsary along with the equipment. For all the best advice about Hakuba talk to Tony at http://www.whitehorse-hakuba.com

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Geisha playing Shamisen

Posted on November 10, 2009 by Hakuba Blog
Geisha girl

Geisha girl playing the Shamisen

Hakuba has a lot of natural beauty however it does not have any Geisha girls living in the village. Today I took a drive to Togura Kamiyamada Onsen about 80 minutes away via Nagano. I was invited to the Kamesei Ryokan to sample their Kaiseki lunch where they have some local Geisha girls performing  traditional dance, song and play the shamisen. A great afternoon and definately worth checking out if you have a day off from your busy skiing schedule in Hakuba.  The area is a traditional onsen town and the Kamesei Ryokan has a beautiful soft water onsen bath to relax in before you sit down to your lunch.

Geisha

Lunch with the Geisha

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Hakuba 8th November, 2009

Posted on November 10, 2009 by Hakuba Blog

 

Cricket in Hakuba

Cricket in Hakuba

The Hakuba World Series Cricket Competition is played out during the warmer months of the year bringing together many nationalities including English, Australians, New Zealanders, Canadians, Japanese, Scots, and Swiss to name a few. It is a hybrid game of test, limited overs, indoor and backyard cricket with the rules evolving throughout this inaugural season. Next year we are hoping to challenge some other teams from around the globe to compete for the Hakuba WSC Cup.  Today was the final game of the year as we prepare for the snow which will come anytime now. The view from the pitch is a reminder that the snow is on its way. The Cricket is an ICBO sanctioned event. (Icy Cold Beer Only)

 

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