The Hakuba backcountry would have to be some of the best easy access backcountry in the world. For those that come geared up and prepared then there is so many options to hit some serious lines. This afternoon again we were able to get some of the best tree runs around just off the side of one of the resorts.  Another great powder day.

I live in Hakuba for the powder snow – simple as that.  Today Hakuba turned it on and I was able to get some great tree runs in. My days can get pretty busy and I mostly prefer to get out for first tracks however when I see the conditions just keep getting better as the day goes on I get a bit toey and need to hit the slopes for a bit of free time.

It is such a great time to come to Hakuba. Christmas holidays are finished, most kids are back at school, the snow base is thick and there are plenty of powder days. I was up on Hakuba47 this morning and I would have passed less than 10 people in the hour  I was on the hill. The lack of crowds mean that I can get fresh tracks most days with a little bit of exploring. Today it was too easy as there was 15 -20 cms of good dry snow on top of the soft edges of the runs. Visibility was perfect except during the faceshots.

Happo One is the most famous ski resort in Japan. It was where they held the downhill events for the Nagano Winter Olympics in 1998. With 1072 vertical meters of Mountain and trails that run 8 km, Happo has something for everyone. It should be noted that there is a magnificent area right in the middle of the resort that is in fact Out Of Bounds. The picture above shows the area with tracks on it. The ski patrol wait at the bottom of the run and confiscate your pass if you go into the area which is a high level avalanche risk and I have seen it slide before.  Most of the rest of Happo One is open so please respect the rules and do not drop into this area. trust me there is plenty of other stuff available with easy access. Stay with us at the White Horse Hotel in Hakuba and let me pass on my secrets. The condition is you don’t go and tell any others.

My mate Fully is back in town and I have been waiting on his professional advice for my current foot injury. Ligament damage only so I’m happy with that diagnosis. A lesson in taping it up means that I am back on the mountain tomorrow. The White Horse Surgery (bar) always offers the best medical advice (and cocktails) in Hakuba. Thanks again Fully – the best podiatrist in  Hakuba and Perth.

A big congratulations to our friends for the birth of their big baby boy.  Alistair Jack and Livinia Nixon stayed with us for a week last season and enjoyed one of our crazy party nights where we were all dressed up in some left over tracksuits from the winter olympics. One size fits all. Livinia is a famous Australian TV personality and was happy to be away here and blend in with all the other skiers on the mountain.