Hakuba   47   is   not   a   huge   area,   but   it’s   packed   with interesting     runs     and     will     suit     intermediate     to advanced   riders.There   is   little   in   the   way   of   decent beginner   terrain   and   some   of   the   runs   including   the main   one   down   to   the   gondola   can   be   dauntingly steep   (there   is   a   gentle   cat   track   down).   Hakuba   47 is    completely    North    facing    meaning    it    has    a    long season   (till   early   May),   and   there   can   be   substantial snow   even   at   the   end   of   the   season.   It   will   certainly suit   people   looking   for   steep   powder   runs   and   has   a “Double   black   diamond   tree   run   club”   which   is   free   to join   (go   to   the   ski   school   at   the   bottom   carpark)   and allows   you   to   hit   some   of   the   steep   tree   runs.   It   is linked   with   Goryu   and   the   same   ticket   does   both   ski areas. The   3   main   runs   are   named   Routes   1,   2   and   3. Route   1   is   the   longest   course   on   the   mountain   and ranges   from   22 °    to   28°.   You   will   probably   need   to stop   several   times   to   give   your   legs   a   rest   if   you want   to   do   the   whole   thing.   Route   2   is   a   bit   steeper and   gets   groomed   every   day   but   the   sides   are   left ungroomed    for    powder    hounds.    Route    3    is    the steepest   at   32°   and   is   often   moguled. There   is   also   a designated   tree   riding   zone   giving   access   to   some good   runs   though   you   do   need   to   sign   a   disclaimer down   at   the   bottom   of   the   mountain   (free)   and   get   a bib.   The   patrol   will   take   you   lift   pass   if   you   don’t   do this-they    are    not    much    fun.        The    terrain    park    is widely   considered   to   be   the   best   in   Hakuba   with   the biggest jump coming in at a massive 16 mtrs. Getting here To   get   here   get   one   of   the   free   shuttle   buses ,   or   if you   are   driving   they   have   a   huge   car   park   that   is completely   free.   Many   customers   sleep   overnight   in their   station   wagons   or   vans   in   the   car   park   and   the staff   don’t   seem   to   mind.   The   resort   can   get   very crowded   over   holiday   periods   and   weekends.   Early season   and   late   season   as   well   it   is   often   the   only resort    in    Honshu    that    has    top    to    bottom    snow coverage so can get crowded then as well. Places to stay Most   people   just   catch   the   shuttle   bus   rather   than stay   here.   There   are   only   a   few   pleaces   to   stay   close by,   and   all   are   self   contained.   You   will   need   a   wad   of money   and   a   vehicle   of   your   own   would   be   highly recommended.   Still,   if   you   are   looking   for   somewhere a   little   of   the   beaten   path   then   check   out   this   Hakuba 47 accommodation guide.

Route 1 on Hakuba 47.