Cortina is known as the powder capital of Hakuba, both for the huge amounts of snow it gets, and also for the innovative (at least in Japan) step of opening up the trees to the public. And these aren't just ordinary tree runs; they are steep (up to 42°), and the trees are well spaced. Cortina by itself is only a small resort, but it is connected to Norikura ski resort making it even more attractive.

THE RESORT IN DETAIL You need to be at least a strong intermediate to enter these areas and you should wear a helmet and referably avalanche equipment. No. 4 Pair lift: There are 3 options off the top of this lift: • Going down the Hiedayama One course and going straight at the first fork, you can drop in anywhere to your left into the fantastic Hiedayama tree zone. This is north facing so gets the best powder conditions. • Taking the left fork and following the Itadaira Rinkan course you can drop in anywhere into the trees on the right. • Finally heading right straight off the top of the lift will take you into the backcountry tree zone through the Hieda gate. You need avi gear to enter this area. No. 5 Pair lift: You can drop in on anywhere on either side of the lift with the terrain on the lookers left of the lift being steeper and more demanding. OTHER RUNS Best to avoid Hiedayama 1 and 2 courses unless you are an expert-these are very steep and usually moguled. The other courses are mostly suitable if not somewhat challenging for intermediate riders. Beginners will be best served by just catching the quad in front of the hotel and repeating the Ikenota course (main course in front of the hotel). The Ippon Matsu on far looker’s left is particularly wide and good to ride.

THE HOTEL Green Plaza Hotel at the bottom deserves a mention it is just so photogenic It though it is even better though to stay there if you have the chance. Even if you are not staying there, you can pay to use the onsen (arguably the best in Hakuba) and they often have an all you can eat buffet in the basement for 1,500 yen or so. There is another restaurant on the ground floor with an Italian theme. There is a small convenience shop in the hotel, but the focus is more on souvenirs, there is a very limited range of food. It’s better to buy food on the way if you are trying to save money. If you are happy with just riding the Hakuba side there is a discount coupon consisting of lift pass + onsen + meal voucher. GETTING THERE AND PARKING Parking is free in the main car park. It takes 20-30 minutes ordinarily to drive from Happo. You will NEED 4wd and snow tyres as the road is steep and can be very icy. If you don’t have wheels then see this page for shuttle bus timetables.

LIFT PASS PRICES