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 (for that head to adjoining Goryu) and some of the runs including the main one down to the gondola can be dauntingly steep (there is a gentle cat track down). It is linked with Goryu and the same ticket does both ski areas. 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.

THE COURSES IN DETAIL INTERMEDIATE RUNS The best intermediate runs are the upper half of route 1 and the area immediately below the top of the gondola (serviced by a couple of pair lifts). Catching the top pair lift Line E will give you access to a lot more good runs at the top of Goryu. You can do laps on route 1 by catching the Line C quad and veering down Route 6 on the way. Route 8 is a cruisy cat track that winds down from the top of Route 3 and provides a nice alternative to Route 1. ADVANCED RUNS Routes 2 & 3 and the bottom half of Route 1 will challenge all riders especially Route 3 which is usually a mogul field (except for big POW days). Route 2 is steep but usually freshly groomed daily. For Route 1 best to watch your speed as the snow making machines turns parts of it into an ice skate rink. TERRAIN PARK The terrain park at 47 is widely considered to be one of the best in Japan. It features a great half pipe, multiple kickers up to 12 metres, tabletops and various rails and boxes. Getting off the gondola, you will see the park directly downhill of you. TREE RUNS 47 is well known for it’s tree runs and there are both areas that require you to register with patrol first, and some that don’t. The areas that require registration are longer and generally more interesting. Registration requires you to hop along to the ski school centre, listen to a 10 minute lecture (in English), signing a waiver and wearing the provided bib.

PLACES TO EAT  • Restaurant Alice-at the bottom near the patrol centre Alice is the largest and has typical ski fare-ramen, curry, katsu etc. • Luis is near the bottom gondola station and does pizzas. • Carol is in the top gondola building and has a similar menu to Alice but with much better alpine views. • Also in the top gondola buildng is Eki Soba offerrng (yes you guessed it) soba dishes. DAYCARE AND KIDS AREAS  There is no childcare at Hakuba 47. They do have an outdoor kiddies area at the base of the mountain with a moving sidewalk which runs weekends and holidays ( 500 but sleds are free). When the sidewalk is closed entrance is free but sled rent is 500. There is also a kids room next door inside the “Euclid” building ( 300) GETTING THERE  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. PLACES TO STAY  Most people just catch the shuttle bus rather than stay here. There are only a few places 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.