Cross-country
With the Nagano Olympics` Cross-country events being held here in Hakuba, there are some good options for the Nordically inclined from early December through late March….naturally conditions pending.
There are 4 Cross-country courses in the Hakuba valley. Admission is 200yen at the Olympic course and free at the three others. Gear can be hired at all the resorts or at all the main Hakuba rental shops.
The Nagano `98 Olympic Cross-country course (aka Kogijo Snow Harp)
Courses – 5km (beginners), 3.3km (beginners), 6 km (intermediate/advanced)
Hakuba Minekata Cross-country course
Courses – 5km (all levels)
Hakuba Iwatake Cross-country course
Courses – 1km (beginners), 3km (all levels), 5km (all levels)
Tsugaike Kogen Cross-country course
Courses – 3km (all levels)
Snowshoeing
In my humble opinion, a morning, afternoon or full day of snowshoeing in Hakuba is one of the best things you can do. There are some beautiful low-lying ares in close proximity to the lodge where you can hear only the sound of the snow crunching under your feet while you make your way through the snow-covered forests. Or head up one of Hakuba`s many spectacular ridges that are seemingly custom made for snowshoeing while taking in the full scale beauty of the Northern Alps.
Pack a lunch and have a winter picnic, catch a glimpse of a kamoshika (wild Japanese serrows), get a guide to take you to a hidden onsen, or save your soaking for back in Wadano.
Snowshoe gear and guides can be hired at nearby Evergreen Outdoor Center. **Check out their evening Snowshoe and Chocolate Fondue tour!**
- Backcountry
- Beginners and Intermediates
- Cross-country / Snowshoeing
- Discount Lift Tickets
- Freestyle
- Hakuba Snow Forecast and Conditions
- Rentals and Lessons
- The Resorts
- Video