What you need to know about Hakuba, Japan

Hakuba valley in Japan is one of the world’s most popular skiing destinations. And once you get there, you’ll immediately know what the hype is all about. In the peak of the snow season from December through to February, you are almost guaranteed heavy snowfall (they average about 11 metres per season). There are a range of ski runs over nine resorts for every level of skier and snowboarder. Here is your guide to making sure you make the most of the slopes, without running into trouble.

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the least fun things to think about when planning your travels, but it is an important precautionary measure, especially if you are skiing or snowboarding. It can cost around $166-$250 USD for a first consultation with a doctor in Japan. Overnight stays and medical treatment are going to increase the cost. Travel insurance means you can claim that cost back. Travel insurance can also cover you for lost and stolen belongings or if your snow gear is damaged, if you find the right cover.

Find an insurer that is going to cover you for snow sports. Otherwise if you injure yourself, you might not be covered. Fast Cover, for example, provides a Comprehensive Snow policy, which covers you for skiing and snowboarding, your snow gear and compensates you if the piste is closed or you can’t use your full ski package due to sickness or injury. Compare policies to see how much cover you get in these areas and at what price as insurers can differ in the level of cover they provide.

Get a lot of cash out before going

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world but you’ll be unpleasantly surprised if you don’t get money out before reaching Hakuba. There is one ATM at the information centre you will be dropped at on arrival, but this is subject to an international fee. Otherwise you will be hard pressed to find an ATM or a place that accepts cards. Best thing to do is avoid the problem and take out more than you think you will need before making your way to Hakuba.

Renting Gear

Not all snow gear is created equal, but you’ll probably be able to tell the better ski rentals from the ones offering low quality gear. When you are booking your gear, find out how many stores they have around the resorts. Spicy Rentals, for example, has 7 stores around Hakuba so you can change your gear more easily if necessary.

Pack Bright Lenses

There is a high probability that you will be skiing and snowboarding when visibility is low due to falling snow or low clouds. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in snow goggles with bright lenses. Sunglasses aren’t going to cut it in Hakuba.

Be Aware of Deep Snow

Powder snow can be fun, but it can be dangerous and requires a different technique to ski and snowboard through. If you haven’t done it before, take your time. Avoid skiing near trees, especially from tree wells. Powder can cover a deep well at the base of the tree which you can fall into. Always ski or snowboard with a buddy.

Know if you can ski off-piste

Some resorts won’t allow you to ski off-piste (and your insurer might not either!) Find out what the rules are to avoid getting into trouble.

The Best Snow

Everyone has their favourite runs, but you should research beforehand to find out which ones you’ll try. Unless you’re staying for the entire season, you won’t have time to try every run. There are nine resorts around Hakuba and over 200 runs which can be experienced differently depending on the snow fall. Happo One (pronounced Happo on-eh) is popular because of its size, but the smaller Cortina resort has the greatest amount of powder, allowing you to ski or snowboard with snow up to your waist in some cases.

Snow passes are cheap!

So Tokyo, Kyoto and other large Japanese cities can easily break your budget if you’re not careful. Hakuba is not the cheapest destination, but quite reasonable compared to skiing prices. One day tickets can cost around $33 to $42 USD. You can get a deal and purchase a ticket for a number of days at some resorts, but you’ll have to decide whether you want to stay at one resort or move around.

Don’t be a Gaijin!

Gaijin is still used as an insult, often towards foreigners who are not behaving in a respectful manner. The word literally means ‘outside person’. Hakuba has gained a reputation for the number of foreigner travelers who visit each ski season. To make sure this reputation is positive, every traveller should respect Japanese customs. Being polite is a simple way of showing respect. Public drunkenness and swearing is not looked at positively. Neither is littering.

With a little background information you are sure to love Hakuba.  Now the only question is, when will you be booking your flight?

About the author: Laura Hedge is a writer and passionate traveller. Three years ago she went to Hakuba to ski and has been returning every year since. She is based in Sydney, Australia and currently spends most of her time writing about travel for Fast Cover.