> Olympic-quality powder and terrain > Dedicated English snow school > Quality gourmet attractions and hot springs A powder sanctuary hidden in the northernmost reaches of Shiga Kogen, Okushiga Kogen is a rewarding trip for all riders. The resort's terrain park is design… Read More
Welcome to the ‘little Kyoto' of Japan's snow country THE city of Iiyama lies at the northernmost tip of Nagano, one of Japan’s snowiest prefectures. The Iiyama Valley is at its centre, and the gorgeous landscapes of Madarao Kogen and the heart-shaped Hokuryuko Lake surround the city. Often… Read More
> Japan's biggest resort area > Hot spring heaven > Snow Monkeys AND Snow Monsters It's become common knowledge that Japan has a number of impressive powder resorts, all vying for attention with their huge snowfalls, relaxing hot springs, and exceptionally good local cuisine. Ther… Read More
SHIGA KOGEN'S BIGGEST Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort is the largest of the interconnected resorts in the Shiga Kogen area, and was the stage of the first ever Olympic snowboarding race at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. This very race track is now its Olympic Course - a 650-metre speed run wit… Read More
QUALITY FROM THE TOP DOWN From the summit of the Higashi Tateyama Ski Resort, the Northern Japanese Alps dominate the horizon. The scale of this view is as breathtaking as the runs that fly down the mountain, and it's an absolute must-try for skiers and snowboarders in the Shiga Kogen resort… Read More
POWDER AT THE FRONT DOOR Tsugaike Kogen transforms from a highland oasis of colour in the off-season to a powder paradise in winter. One of the Hakuba Valley's biggest resorts, the ten courses within its 196 hectares are connected by 20 lifts, and there is a good variety of convenient slope-… Read More
History flows through this Snow Monkey town near AN idyllic hot spring inn town some 30 kilometres from Nagano City, Yudanaka Onsen is a popular base for visitors to the nearby Zenkō-ji Temple, Jigokudani Monkey Park, Hokusaikan Museum, and Shiga Kogen resort area. The town is the final stop o… Read More
Imagine a steep, snowy alpine slope of forty-five degrees or more, dotted with cliff faces, rocks, trees and natural features. This type off-piste terrain is a freerider’s dream, and this past January 2017, Hakuba Village played host to the first ever Freeride World Tour in Asia. For those w… Read More
‘I went to Nozawa Onsen not sure what to expect,’ recounts Chris of his experience visiting this traditional hot spring village in winter. He was soon won over by the the friendliness of the locals, and the fantastic hospitality at the ryokan inn he stayed in. The show-stopper of Chris's visit w… Read More
> More than ten metres a season of the best powder you've never seen > Amazing backcountry, hot springs and local dining and drinking > International resort night life with great English tours and lessons Ten powder-rich resorts. One pass. And in 2016… Read More
WORLD CLASS Niseko Grand Hirafu is the biggest resort in Niseko, with the lion's share of terrain on the 1,308-metre Mount Niseko Annupuri. It has 30 diverse courses, including 9 of more than a kilometre, and a 5.6-kilometre long cruiser. Tree runs, fresh powder and panoramic views… Read More
BUILT TO SATISFY Secluded amidst the rugged mountains in the north of the Hakuba Valley lies Hakuba Norikura Onsen Ski Resort. Known as Hakuba Norikura, this resort is popular for its wide variety of courses, excellent powder and relaxed local atmosphere. With a range of facilities, accommodatio… Read More
The neighbouring town to the snow monkey park, full of charm and tradition SHIBU Onsen is a quaint hot spring town in Nagano Prefecture that opens up behind a curtain of steam, revealing traditions and architecture of years passed, still standing tall and proud. The town's original spring-head w… Read More
Enjoy the finer things in a hot spring town on Hakuba’s doorstep Just 40 minutes from Hakuba, Omachi is local to the ski resorts of Kashimayari Sports Village and Jiigatake. Its hot spring area of Omachi Onsenkyō is set in deep forest, and skiers and snowboarders overnight here from … Read More
NATURAL BOWL Hakuba Cortina Snow Resort enjoys the Hakuba Valley's heaviest powder dumps, and impressive mountain views from its hot spring baths. A gigantic natural bowl lined with tree runs, the resort has a designated off-piste area that makes it a powder heaven. Family friendly slo… Read More
PANORAMIC PLEASURE Enjoying a 360° panorama of the Northern Alps and Hakuba Basin, Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field has 26 courses down the 1,289-metre Mount Iwatake. Mountainside, the beginners' area around the summit, is the place for mellow cruising with amazing scenery. The Hillside area … Read More
POWDER PIONEER Hakuba Happo-one is one of the Hakuba Valley's pioneering ski resorts, with roots stretching back to the 1920s. Today it remains at the forefront of the development of snow sports in Japan, and with more than twelve metres of excellent quality powder a season, delive… Read More
AMAZING TERRAIN AND PARKS A distinctively Gen Y resort in comparison to the many baby boomers in the Hakuba Valley, Hakuba 47 was born in 1990, and has since risen to prominence as one of the valley’s premier all-season resorts. Its winter scenery is nothing short of magical, with a skyline … Read More
ROOM FOR EVERYONE Covered in the excellent powder snow of the Northern Japanese Alps, Hakuba Goryu is interconnected with Hakuba 47 next door, created a balanced total of 23 courses for all riders. Its Escal Plaza building is fully equipped with restaurants, rentals, and shops for snow gear … Read More
Nagano City is a gateway to the amazing snow destinations of northern Nagano Prefecture, and featured as a stage for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998. Every year since, the city has kept the Olympic spirit burning with a spellbinding winter illumination at it… Read More
