WINTER

ENDLESS RESORTS

The Hakuba Valley is a huge expanse of ski resorts offering an incredible variety of terrain for both skiers and snowboarders. Situated in the heart of the Japan Alps, the alpine scenery is truly spectacular with huge rugged peaks towering above the town of Hakuba below. From one end of the valley to the next, with ten resorts accessing over two hundred runs, Hakuba is the premier valley in Japan. The southern end of the valley, Sun Alpina, incorporates three ski areas - Happo, the Olympic resort situated in the heart of Hakuba, as well as the nearby resorts of Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi. To the northern end of the valley, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina are all impressive resorts that are rated highly among skiers and boarders with Cortina being the standout amongst powder lovers.

SUPREME SKIING

From the complete novice to the expert skier, Hakuba provides some of the best skiing in Japan. Everything from gentle beginner slopes, to steeps, bumps and long groomers, and of course, plenty of fresh powder. Happo resort is Hakuba's premier ski mountain, boasting some of the highest snowfalls and longest vertical pitches in all of Japan, while Hakuba 47 and Goryu-Toomi's terrain challenges everyone from first timers to experts. Tsugaike and Iwatake resorts are also well suited to the beginner and intermediate levels, with long cruising trails providing a great opportunity for non-stop skiing. Hakuba's reputation as a serious skiers destination is well balanced across all levels, offering something for everyone.

HEAVENLY BOARDING

Endless half-pipes, terrain parks, gullies, hits, powder bowls and steeps are awaiting you this season in Hakuba. From Sun Alpina to Hakuba Cortina, the variety of terrain on offer is guaranteed to satisfy all levels. For the beginner, learn to snowboard with great views, English speaking instructors and gentle slopes at any one of the ski resorts. For the experts, fantastic powder conditions, jumps, half-pipes, terrain parks and plentiful freestyle action is waiting to be experienced. Take your pick, as every resort has plenty to offer snowboarders this winter in Hakuba. Favorites among the resorts are Hakuba 47 and Happo, with their challenging and diverse terrain. Also, Tsugaike's and Hakuba 47's board parks and Cortina with its light, dry, deep powder and ungroomed trails are always popular.

ACTIVITIES GALORE

Hakuba offers a bounty of alpine activities and adventures for everyone to enjoy. Groomed cross-country courses wind their way through some of the most spectacular scenery in Japan. Ski the Olympic cross-country or the scenic Nordic courses at Minekata and Tsugaike ski resorts. Experience guided ski/snowboard and snowshoe tours, snow tubing, tobogganing, snow rafting, snowmobiling, spring heli-skiing or even hot air ballooning that are offered at the various resorts in the valley. For those wanting to have a break from the Alps, enjoy a relaxing hot spring and massage or take in the history and culture of Nagano with tours regularly departing from Hakuba to Matsumoto Castle, Nagano's Zenkoji Temple and the famous "snow monkeys" at the Jigokudani hot springs