Big snowflakes
Some of the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen falling right now here in Hakuba
Getting to Hakuba 47
Hakuba 47 this morning. Shuttle buses not yet running yet (start next week)but that does not deter a determined bunch of riders from taking a short cut across the Hirakawa River.
Hakuba Sunshine, mountain scenery and muffins
Well, finally the snow has let up here in Hakuba and has been replaced by beautiful sunny skies today. Great day to be on the mountain and no better choice than the Mountain Harbour Cafe. Enjoy incredible views from the deck whilst downing a hot cuppa and the best muffins/croissants in Hakuba. Get there before 10 to have it all to yourself. Then when you are full as an egg go work it off on the slopes.
For something different why not go snowshoeing? Get away from other people and enjoy your own peace and solitude in the trees.
Endless pow in Hakuba Cortina
More footage from cortina today. This was at 1pm , and still plenty more powder to be had. Tomorrow l be epic whereever you go in Hakuba. Don't miss it.
Hakuba Powder, Cortina ski resort.
The snow gods delivered overnight and kept delivering all day. Cortina ski resort woke up to 50cm fresh snow, and similar amount kept falling all day , covering up tracks from the run before. Still puking now, and you can expect between 50cm-100 cm between now and tomorrow morning so do yourself a favour, stay off the amber liquid, get your gear ready for the morning and wake up with the sunrise. Video rider is Greg Thiele from Powder Peak Lodge, in the cortina trees with skihakuba on camera.
Happo April 2018
After a week straight of 20 degrees + weather boom we get HALF METRE of powder snow at the top of the resorts, and a lazy 20cm down in the valley. Many people think that the season finishes at the end of Feb or even March, but actually the resorts are open till early May and it is definitely not unheard to get a big dump in April.
Happo hakuba
What a great way to spend such a sunny perfect day with such stunning perfect scenery. At Happo , the Kurobishi section.
Happo Banks Hakuba
Some riders enjoying the fine weather at happo Banks today.
Happo
Happo today, just gorgeous weather and gorgeous views. Were you here too?
hakuba riesen course
Happo Riesen course. One of the longest straightest courses in Hakuba, with beaut views over the township. Best tackled first thing in the morning before the moguls start appearing.
Happo Riesen
The Riesen quad lift on Happo. Looking a bit moguly due to the sunday traffic.
Hakuba snow road
When the road you are driving on suddenly DISAPPEARS. Driving in a blizzard in Hakuba, Japan on actually a rather sunny but very windy day. Make sure you get that insurance before you do that rent that car! Near Goryu ski resort, Hakuba
Blizzard birds
Blizzard birds. Make sure you listen to this with sound. You hear the howling wind and all the snow being thrown around, then in come the cheery chirpy birds. Incredible that they can survive in this kind of climate. If anyone knows what species these birds are and what they are eating (I am guessing young leaf buds or insect galls ) let me know. They are obviously very welll adapted for snowy conditions.
Hakuba's longest tree run?
Is this Hakuba's longest tree run? Possibly. Sometimes you just gotta throw caution to the wind and ride as fast as your old or young legs will take you. No apologies for the length of this video. This is a single run, shown in real time-just one stop in the middle where the rider ate a bit of snow (for viewers entertainment).
If you aren't in Hakuba already it is not too late, still more pow to come. Just jump on our website and book your accommodation, lift passes , rentals (or not) and airport transfers.
Video features Dan King on snowboard (momentarily) and David Prenter from the legendary Mt Hakuba Backpackers on snowboard and camera.
Nagano light projection
Light projection show from last night at Zenkoji temple (or at least the best parts of it).
Happo Ski Resort
Another video from yesterday. Not a particularly radical line, but it certainly tops the points when it comes to connection with nature and the feel good factor. Video courtesy of Dan King.Riders are Greg Thiele and David Prenter
Hakuba Happo Backcountry
Day is not complete unless you post a video on facebook so here it is. Greg Thiele from Powder Peak Lodge taking advantage of first tracks down this Hakuba Happo backcountry run today. Think you can find this sort of run in other places? Maybe you can but it would be tracked out. With Dan King the bear too!
Nordic World Cup
Nordic World cup jump section in Hakuba today featuring favourite for the olympic gold medal Akito Watabe