Hakuba Resort Info

Hakuba's ski season runs from early December to late April each winter, receiving on average an astonishing 11m of snowfall each winter. From the southern end of the valley Sun Alpina incorporates 3 ski areas to the linked resorts of Hakuba 47, Goryu-Toomi and the Olympic ski resort Happo-One, situated in the heart of Hakuba. Towards the northern end of the valley, Iwatake, Tsugaike, Norikura and Cortina resorts are all impressive and rate highly amongst skiers and boarders alike.

There is a huge range of accommodation options in Hakuba, from Western style self contained log houses and condominiums to Japanese pensions, budget and boutique ski lodges, fine 5 star hotels and everything in between. Other facilities in the valley include a wide variety of restaurants (everything from traditional Japanese to Mexican is available), pubs and bars. Onsen-style hot spring baths to soothe tired muscles are another popular apres ski activity. The Olympic Ski Jumping Stadium can also be found in the Happo area and can be worth checking out when competitions and other events are on.

The Hakuba valley and its ski resorts are becoming increasingly popular with international tourists. In 2008 the Warren Miller ski film crew visited the area shooting footage, World Snowboard Guide stopped by for some articles and journalists from ski and board magazines worldwide hit the local powder. This truly amazing area is a must visit destination for all skiers and snowboarders.

For more detailed information, go to www.ski-hakuba-japan.com

Myoko Kogen Resort Info

Less than an hour north of Nagano City, Myoko Kogen boasts a massive annual average snowfall of more than 13m of soft deep powder. It offers everything from beginner runs to steep slopes all without the hassle of long lift lines. It is also a popular area in the summer due to the beautiful lakes surrounding the area. A ski resort since the 1930s (one of the oldest in Japan), Myoko Kogen has retained a traditional village feel unlike many of the more modern resorts in Japan. Add cosy accommodations, great local foods, soothing hot springs, rich local history and easy access to interesting cultural side trips and you have the ideal location to enjoy a total Japan ski experience.

Few ski areas can boast the variety and diversity of Myoko Kogen. There are three major ski areas around the base of the beautiful Mt. Myoko, and two other distinctively different resorts in the immediate area if you are in the mood for something different.

For more detailed info, go to www.ski-myoko-kogen.com

Nozawa Onsen Resort Info

Nozawa Onsen is a quaint mountain village north of Nagano City with an onsen (hot springs) that, according to legend, dates back to the 8th century. The village center is a collection of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), minshuku (slightly more rustic inns) and souvenir shops situated at the base of the Nozawa ski resort. The mineral water from the hot springs in Nozawa is unrivaled, with over 30 natural springs supplying the ryokans as well as 13 public baths. Of these, Oyu, with it's traditional wooden architecture, represents the best of Nozawa's Onsen culture. Nozawa Onsen is also known for the Ogama spring where locals go to cook vegetables in the hot onsen water.

The ski area is one of the largest in the country with over 50 kms of trails suited to everyone from beginners to more advanced skiers and snowboarders. The top of the mountain has stunning panoramic views of the surrounding national parks and Japanese Alps.

For more detailed information, go to www.ski-nozawa-onsen.com

Shiga Kogen Resort Info

Shiga Kogen is a cosy ski resort nestled in the heart of the Joshinetsu National Park in the Nagano Prefecture. As Japan's largest resort, it is famous for its grand scale, wide range of ski terrain, amazing panoramic views, and powder snow. Shiga Kogen is the ultimate destination for the keen skier and snowboarder. As a host of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Giant Slalom and Paralympic events, there is no denying that Shiga Kogen is a world class ski resort.

Consisting of 21 interlinked ski fields and almost 70 lifts, gondolas, ropeways and tows, it takes days to experience all that Shiga Kogen has to offer. If the extensive lift network won't get you were you want to go, the non-stop shuttle service between resorts will solve the problem. With merely one lift pass, all 21 ski fields beckon, offering you the largest winter playground imaginable. Shiga Kogen also has one of the longest ski seasons in Japan, usually running from mid December until early May.

For more detailed information, go to www.ski-shiga-kogen.com