| Although it was such a prominent area during the Olympics it seems the world has forgotten about Hakuba, located in the Japanese Alps, and is now considered by the locals and people in the know, a secret spot with amazing terrain, untouched powder and no lift lines.
The Hakuba area has a variety of terrain accommodating for both skiers and snowboarders, enormous amounts of snow with fresh powder almost every day. There is an annual snowfall of about 11m, more than enough for even the most addicted powder junkies. With Hakuba boasting the steepest slopes in Japan, how can you go wrong.
For a comprehensive report on all the Hakuba mountains go to www.ski-hakuba.com |
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www.hakuba47.co.jp
Spread over 120 Hectares and just 5 mins away from Monkey Rider, 47 has so much to offer. Hakuba 47 is connected with Goryu-Toomi and Iimori areas and are all accessible from the one lift pass.
In 2005/06 Hakuba 47 incorporated terrain parks to accommodate for beginner, intermediate and advances skiers/snowboarders. It is a diverse mountain with something to offer everyone.
Stats
| Top elevation: |
1676m |
| Vertical Rise: |
856m |
| Longest Run: |
6.4km |
| Difficulty: |
30% Beginner
40% Intermediate
30% Expert |
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Hakuba 47 trail map click here |
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www.hakuba-happo.or.jp
Happo-One was the host to the downhill race during the 1998 Winter Olympics. It is generally considered a skiers mountain, with 70% of clientele being skiers and 30% snowboarders this however is changing with the increase of snowboarders in the area. Happo has similar vertical rise to many North American ski fields and has night skiing from 5-9pm. A must for any trip to Japan.
Stats
| Top elevation: |
1831m |
| Vertical Rise: |
1071m |
| Longest Run: |
8klm |
| Difficulty: |
30% Beginner
50% Intermediate
20% Expert |
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Happo-one trail map click here |
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www.yanaba.co.jp
Catering mainly to snowboarders, Yanaba has set up perhaps the best park in the Hakuba Area. The park is set up in 3 ability levels from Kids to Advanced, so there is something for all levels. Yanaba also has it's own train station making access a breeze. |
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www.hakuba.jp/iwatake
Iwatake, with sparse trees and a huge back area is fantastic on those powder days. It has so much to offer everyone and you can get lost in the powder 3 days after a dump. It is geared towards the intermediate skier/snowboarder.
Stats
| Top elevation: |
1289m |
| Vertical Rise: |
539m |
| Longest Run: |
1.7klm |
| Difficulty: |
30% Beginner
50% Intermediate
20% Expert |
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Iwatake trail map click here |
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ski.joy.ne.jp/cortina
Cortina, for the more hardcore crowd has a lot of terrain to offer. It receives the most snow in the area during the season and has an open bowl that is hard to beat. Although Cortina is not serviced by the free shuttle there are other ways to get there. Ask us when you arrive as it is well worth the trip.
Stats
| Top elevation: |
1402m |
| Vertical Rise: |
709m |
| Longest Run: |
5klm |
| Difficulty: |
40% Beginner
30% Intermediate
30% Expert |
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Cortina trail map click here |
