7 replies to this topic

[pon farr]

Hi, I have a few friends coming over and they want to try some skiing and I'm planning on maybe Hakuba as the place to go. Can you peeps in the know let me know which resort you feel is maybe best for complete beginners?

(I heard that Tsugaike might be the best one in the area for beginners)

Thanks

[eskimobasecamp]

Tsugaike

Iwatake (not quite sure how much snow they have this year though, but it's open)

Kashimayari & Aokiko (beside the lakes just 10 mins south of Hakuba) but probably more snow depth at Tsugaike...

[Creek Boy]

You really need a car though to get out to Tsugaike. Its not as convenient to get to as the immediate Hakuba valley resorts.

[nagpants]

Head for Tsugaike!

[nagoid]

I learnt at Tsugaike - on weekdays.
It is a perfect place to learn.

[skidaisuki]

If you find yourself closer to Goryu, the bottom sections close to Escal Plaza are pretty gentle though they do get crowded. Tsugaike may be better for beginners, but I haven't been there, so have to assume the consensus here is correct

[YellowSnow]

Coming back to what is good for beginners, I think all slopes can be deceptive, especially current snow conditions.
I find that there are always some runs that are mislabeled, Red runs that should be black and vice versa. (though I like an unexpected challenge) as others have said you have to fall to learn, its better to go out and have a bit of fun that look for the perfect beginner mountain.

[gogalago]

I'll throw in for tsugaike too... there is actually a bus, it leaves from the Alpico bus terminal at the base of Happo, but you gota pay for it. Its actually the bus that comes from Nagano City:
http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_hakuba/info_e.html