Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

So… what’s skiing Hakuba Valley really like? 🇯🇵⛷️

After flying 14 hours to Japan, we decided to start this trip properly — with a couple of days exploring Tokyo before heading into the mountains. And honestly, it set the tone for one of the most memorable ski trips we’ve ever done.

From incredible street food at Tsukiji Market, to temples in Asakusa, vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa, and the chaos of Shibuya Crossing — Tokyo delivered.

Then it was time for the main event…

✈️ Getting There

We flew with Japan Airlines — and it was genuinely one of the best long-haul flights I’ve taken. Great food, spotless planes, and next-level service throughout.

For parking at the airport, check out 👉 APH Parking: https://www.aph.com/

And if you're travelling, I’d highly recommend an eSIM — we used 👉 Holafly (unlimited data): https://holafly.sjv.io/LKWN20

🚄 From Tokyo to Hakuba

Getting to Hakuba Valley is surprisingly easy:
Bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo to Nagano
Then a short bus transfer into the valley
In under 4 hours, you’re in the mountains.

⛷️ Skiing Hakuba Valley

Hakuba isn’t just one resort — it’s an entire valley made up of 10 different ski areas, all connected by the Hakuba Valley lift pass.

👉 Learn more about the resorts here:
https://www.inthesnow.com/hakuba-valley/

Across the valley you’ll find:
~120 ski runs
~90 lifts
~Terrain for every level from pow and tree skiing to wide open greens and blues to your hearts content

Each resort has its own personality — from beginner-friendly slopes to deep powder and tree skiing.

🏔️ Where We Skied

Over the week we explored:

Cortina & Norikura – deep powder, tree skiing, quieter vibe

Happo-One – Olympic runs, big vertical, incredible views

Hakuba 47 & Goryu – varied terrain + night skiing

Iwatake – some of the best views in the valley

We even hit a couple of proper powder days — the kind Japan is famous for ❄️

🏨 Where We Stayed

Hotel Green Plaza (Cortina) – ski-in ski-out, right on the slopes
https://greenplazahakuba.com-hotel.info/

Mominoki Hotel (Happo) – great location + onsen
https://hakubamominoki.com-hotel.info/

Hotel Keisui (Iwatake area)
https://www.keisui.jp/english/

🍜 Why Japan Is Different

Skiing in Japan isn’t just about the snow (although the powder is unreal).
It’s:
Incredible food (ramen, gyoza, wagyu…)
A completely different ski culture
Immaculate cleanliness everywhere
Friendly, welcoming people
Onsens after skiing (game changer)

❄️ So… is Hakuba worth it?

Absolutely.

You’re not skiing one mega-resort like in Europe — you’re exploring an entire valley, choosing different ski areas each day depending on conditions.

And that’s what makes it so special.

If you’ve been thinking about skiing

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
instagram.com/inthesnow
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facebook.com/inthesnow


To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

The Whiteout Podcast – Season 5, Episode 89 (March 27)

This week on The Whiteout Podcast, Dom and Rob return with a late season special as the European ski season heads into its final stretch.

Brought to you in partnership with our headline sponsor Crystal Ski Holidays
https://www.crystalski.co.uk/

We look at what’s happening across the Alps, from excellent spring skiing conditions in places like Kitzbühel and Lech, to why late March and April can be one of the best times to ski. Think quieter slopes, longer days, more sun and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Rob is heading to the Jungfrau region to explore Wengen and Grindelwald and attend the opening of the new Schilthorn cable car, while Dom shares updates from recent and upcoming North America trips.

We also break down current snow conditions across Europe, with a strong base still holding at altitude heading into Easter.

NEWS & EVENTS

Our weekly round up of what’s happening in the mountains, including major spring festivals and events.

We also hear from our charity partner Snowcamp
https://www.snowcamp.org.uk/

Events featured:

Snowbombing, Mayrhofen (6–11 April)
https://snowbombing.com/

Zermatt Unplugged (7–11 April)
https://zermatt.swiss/en

Ischgl Spring Festival
https://www.ischgl.com/

Norway spring events
https://www.skistar.com/

Skarverennet race (18 April)
https://skarverennet.no/en/

GEAR – WITH ELLIS BRIGHAM
https://www.ellis-brigham.com/

This week we focus on spring ski touring, why late season is a great time to get into it, and what kit matters most.

From breathable shells to layering and temperature control, we cover how to stay comfortable, plus highlight end of season deals of up to 40% off.

DESTINATION GUIDE – SPRING SKIING

Where to ski now and how to make the most of late season conditions:

France leading for high altitude reliability
Switzerland best higher up
Italy strong in Cervinia
Austria more variable but still good
Norway offering colder, late season options

Key takeaway: go high, ski early and follow the spring snow cycle.

Thanks for listening. Subscribe so you never miss an episode, and watch the full video on YouTube by searching The Whiteout Podcast.

See you on the mountain.

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
instagram.com/inthesnow
TikTok@inthesnowmag
youtube.com/inthesnowmag
facebook.com/inthesnow


To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com

Drop us a message with any questions you may have :)

Welcome back to The Whiteout Podcast, brought to in association with Crystal Ski Holidays.

News

French resorts invest €555m
French ski areas invested €555 million in infrastructure in 2025, around 50% above the ten-year average https://www.domaines-skiables.fr/

Winter Paralympics - Neil Simpson and guide Rob Poth won Team GB’s first medal of the Milan-Cortina Paralympics, taking silver in the alpine combined

Audi FIS Alpine World Cup - Upcoming races include: Courchevel – men’s downhill & super-G, Åre - Hafjell & Kvitfjell (March 21–25)

Charlotte Bankes wins in Türkiye
British snowboard cross star Charlotte Bankes secured her 27th World Cup victory in Erzurum

Crystal Ski adds new Oslo flights
A new Birmingham–Oslo route launches for winter 2026/27, improving access to resorts like Geilo,Norefjell,Gausta and Beitostølen

Epic Pass discounts for Gen Z
Vail Resorts is offering 20% discounts for skiers aged 13–30, with passes starting around $869 https://www.epicpass.com/

Snow & Weather Outlook

Alps - 20–50cm possible in western sectors before sunnier spring conditions return.

Norway - Colder and stable with light snow and temperatures down to -17°C overnight.

North America - Storm cycles hitting Cascades,Sierra Nevada and BC’s Powder Highway with strong snowfall potential in Revelstoke,Fernie and Kicking Horse.

Gear of the Week With Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports https://www.ellis-brigham.com/

Spyder Dare Ski Trousers - £329 → £164
Stretch EXO-Shield waterproof fabric and PrimaLoft insulation.

Arc’teryx Therme Down GORE-TEX Parka - £800 → £560
Waterproof GORE-TEX shell with 750 fill down insulation

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie - £260 → £182
800 fill RDS down with recycled NetPlus nylon shell

La Sportiva TX5 GTX Boots - £210 → £168
GORE-TEX protection with Vibram Megagrip sole.

Destination Guide - Baqueira Beret – Spanish Pyrenees - https://www.baqueira.es/

One of Spain’s premier ski areas, known for reliable snow, varied terrain and traditional mountain villages.

How to get there, Terrain for beginners,intermediates and off-piste, Accommodation options, Food and local culture, Costs vs Alpine resorts, Family appeal and après ski

Enjoying the podcast? Leave a review + WIN!

Apple Podcasts – scroll to Ratings & Reviews and tap Write a Review.
Spotify – rate the show using the star rating.

Then email us and we’ll send you a free sk

Support the show

In the meantime Enjoy the mountains :) And Please do leave a review as it's the only way other like minded travellers get to find us!

And don't forget to check us out on the following channels

inthesnow.com
instagram.com/inthesnow
TikTok@inthesnowmag
youtube.com/inthesnowmag
facebook.com/inthesnow


To contact us with your suggestions for further episodes at dom@InTheSnow.com / robert@ski-press.com