First day for the 20/21 season was the 11th DecemberIt’s on again. Each year we run a competition to pick the first day of the season. The rules are simple The first day the lifts open for skiers and boarders at any one of the resorts in Hakuba. One date per person. If 2 or more people choose the same date then we will have a draw out of a hat to choose the winner. The date must be chosen at least one week in advance If a date isn’t chosen then it’s the closest date before. The prizes are A  Hakuba White Horse cap and a beanie 5000 yen voucher at the White Horse Bar and ..read more

The last week of the season. Check those views. We got through the season and I achieved my goal of one video blog each week. This winter took me back in time 18 years ago when I first came to Hakuba. Hardly a lift line to be seen, especially on the weekdays, and endless fresh tracks. We got our powder fix over 11 weeks and then that was it but there was plenty of base down to enjoy the spring conditions from March through to the 9th of May. It’s been an amazing time for me and my best season ever in regards to the amount of riding I did and the quality. Saying that though, I do look forward ..read more

Hakuba week 1. 11th – 18 December 2020 Hakuba Valley in Japan is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding. We have big mountains and can get huge amounts of snow. Over the next few months I will be showing you what winter is like here. This is our first week of the 2020/21 season. This is also my first large video editing attempt. Please be gentle on me. I promise to work on the audio and transitions in future videos. Feel free to send me a message if you need any info on Hakuba and surrounding areas. Please subscribe if you want to see more of what we have on offer here. Just click ..read more

The first day for the 2019/20 season was the 6th of December. When will it all begin this winter? It’s on again. Each year we run a competition to pick the first day of the season. The rules are simple The first day the lifts open for skiers and boarders at any one of the resorts in Hakuba. One date per person. If 2 or more people choose the same date then we will have a draw out of a hat to choose the winner. The date must be chosen at least one week in advance If a date isn’t chosen then it’s the closest date before. The prizes are A  Hakuba White Horse cap and a beanie 500 ..read more

With over 100 lifts in the valley, you are bound to find one to yourself. When does the snow season start in Hakuba? Answer is, as soon as there is enough snow on the ground. As the storms start rolling in during November, we all wait here with anticipation for the lifts to start turning. Here are the opening dates over the years I have lived here except for my first year. I am pretty sure it was December though. 2020 – 11th December 2019 – 6th December 2018 – 15th December 2017 – 21st November 2016 – 8th December 2015 – 28th November 2014 – 5th December 2013 – 22nd November 2012 – 17th Novemb ..read more

Face mask vendy machine. Well ahead of the times here in Japan Well not that we know of and I suppose that goes for anywhere in the world. So far so good for the Hakuba Valley with zero cases recorded. Japan overall has done an amazing job to quell the spread of the virus. My take on it is that it is common practice for the Japanese to wear masks anyway so this has not been a habit that needed to be emphasised too much. It is also not usual to shake hands or hug upon greeting friends and acquaintances. The other thing is hand sanitisers have been common at the entrances of shops and restaurant ..read more

14th December 2018 E-san getting first tracks at Cortina It’s on again. Each year we run a competition to pick the first day of the season. The rules are simple The first day the lifts open for skiers and boarders at any one of the resorts in Hakuba. One date per person. If 2 or more people choose the same date then we will have a draw out of a hat to choose the winner. The date must be chosen at least one week in advance If a date isn’t chosen then it’s the closest date before. The prizes are A  Hakuba White Horse Long sleeve T 5000 yen voucher at the White Horse Bar ..read more

Vail Resorts Inc. have spread their Epic Pass out far and wide and their season passes at any of their official resorts will offer 5 days free skiing in the Hakuba Valley. That’s a good saving off your holiday expenses and a great excuse to experience this amazing area. Epic Pass holders are required to present their valid Epic Pass or Epic Local Pass hard card and a valid photo ID to the lift cashier at one of Hakuba Valley’s ten resorts to redeem their five-day lift ticket. It’s as simple as that to get you out on the mountain for first tracks in the morning. It is 5 consecutive days a ..read more

It has always amazed me how cheap the lift tickets are in Hakuba and the discount vouchers make it an even bigger bargain. 5100 yen for an adult day pass including a 1000 yen meal and drink voucher. Kids at 3000 yen including the voucher too. Crazy prices for such a fun mountain that has something for everyone including arguably the best park in the valley. There is also the Hakuba Valley pass for convenience. It is a little more expensive but no lining up at ticket boxes in the morning is a bonus. For the discount pass, print off the PDF below and hand it over when purchasing tickets at the ..read more

First day last season was the 21st of November.  I remember it well. It’s on again. Each year we run a competition to pick the first day of the season. The rules are simple The first day the lifts open for skiers and boarders at any one of the resorts in Hakuba. One date per person. If 2 or more people choose the same date then we will have a draw out of a hat to choose the winner. The date must be chosen at least one week in advance If a date isn’t chosen then it’s the closest date before. The prizes are A  Hakuba White Horse Long sleeve T 5000 yen voucher at the  ..read more