Hakuba Customer Reviews

The hills are not as large as I'm used to in the Alps and Canada, but the snow was good and the slopes relatively quiet, with some well groomed and the blacks left alone for more challenging skiing. We were there for only 2 days and missed the powder days unfortunately but the powder we came across seemed very light and fluffy! Good shuttle services to other hills although the routes were difficult to fathom. However there were plenty of Australians to explain how it all worked! Ski passes were waiting for us at the hotel as arranged. Good spacious hotel and well positioned close to the slopes. Was a little quiet in the evening as was another hotel we went to on one evening. Rhythm ski rental shop however was buzzing and the service was quick. But I did find that the guy who fitted me with skis didn't understand basic ski measurements I had to direct him on sizing and brand. I'm not used to finding such lack of knowledge in a rental shop. For a quick couple of days skiing in Japan I must say that Hakuba area, and Happo-One in particular, was a good recommendation and hard to beat.

Hakuba was a well organised resort, with free buses to the other ski areas within the Valley. Given the easy access to spend a day at the other ski areas (we tried Hakuba 47 and Cortina), it would be easy to spend a week here. Something for everyone! We stayed for 1 week at Madarao Kogen. An excellent ski area, with a good progression of ski runs suiting all standards of skier from beginners to advanced. (Our party consisted of intermediate and advanced skiers and everyone enjoyed the resort). There were 12 gladed areas in-bounds which were very enjoyable. We will be back!

Hakuba is a great resort with so much terrain, don't be fooled by the small looking piste maps there are ample amounts to keep you going for two weeks and beyond, if like us you are an advanced rider you will be in heaven with all the off-piste and backcountry riding on offer we hardly rode on-piste as there was so much good stuff to be had out the back. I was lucky enough to have a friend who is a guide and lives in Hakuba so got taken out to some of the best riding I've ever done!! but could have easily got a guide in town and got the goods. if like us you were room only there is so much food to go and eat a lot being authentic so won't go a night without a great hearty meal which won't cost half as much as Europe!! so 10/10 for that but if you just want a nice fat burger or pizza they will cater for that as well.

We had a fantastic time and I would now seriously think about Japan again. I have already recommended both yourselves and Japan to others. I found it as easy to get to as west coast US ski resorts, a thing that I didn't realise before the trip. The quality, variety and even price of food and service among the best I have experienced. Thank you for all your help in organising such a successful trip.